Search 7382 assisted living facilities in California
California has a large number of assisted living facilities available to Californians – a total of more than 7000, making it the state with the most assisted living communities out of any other state in the U.S. It is no surprise, however, given that California is the most populated state in the U.S. Senior citizens living in California will find different types of accommodations when it comes to assisted living, including small assisted living homes, large assisted living communities, luxury California assisted living, as well as many pet-friendly assisted living options in California. When looking for the best assisted living in California near you, make sure you visit at least 3 facilities to choose one that will have all services and amenities that you need.
Our California assisted living guide includes:
Over 55 communities in California that offer assisted living services allow the elderly to retain the freedom of choosing meals, outings, activities, and other aspects of their lives. Older adults who choose assisted living are often free of severe physical and mental impairments that require 24/7 nursing care, requiring a helping hand with day to day responsibilities like taking a shower, grooming, dressing, transfer, and incontinence. They are similar to apartment complexes with shared spaces, centrally located and easily accessible. Some communities may be multiple storeys with elevators while others are single storey. On-site gift shops, ice cream parlors, swimming pools and high-end fitness rooms are some upscale features that aging individuals can enjoy in their new living spaces.
Some assisted living communities in California go above and beyond, offering support services to include memory care in their service packages. These mainly look after retired adults who have cognitive impairments like dementia or even Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers provide specialized care that depends on the severity of symptoms that an aged adult exhibits. Level of assistance with daily responsibilities here increases as well. Day to day activities are usually designed to allow senior citizens to reconnect with their favorite interests and hobbies. California’s living facilities also incorporate design elements to reduce stress among inhabitants and keep them safe.
The cost for an Assisted Living Facility in California averages about $4,000 per month ($48,000 per year), although the amount increases depending on the services required. Although this is higher than the national average of $3,293 per month, when you consider California’s high cost of living, it is comparable to the average cost. The costs may also increase for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Assisted living costs in California are still much lower than the price of California nursing home care, where semi-private rooms cost $91,250 and a private room is almost $113,000 per year.
Assisted Living in California costs more than Adult Day Health Care, which averages around $20,000 per year. You may be surprised to find out that California Assisted Living Facilities are cheaper than hiring a Home Health Aide. A full-time Home Health Aide in California costs on average $55,000 a year, which is for a 44-hour week. It should also be noted that Home Health Aides do not provide the scope of services available in assisted living facilities. It is predicted that by the year 2030, Assisted Living in California will cost $72,000 per year – an increase of over $24,000.
According to the Genworth study on assisted living costs across the United States, city-by-city assisted living costs in California are as follows, from lowest to highest:
There is an enormous difference in assisted living costs of $3250 per month between the most affordable city for assisted living in California, which is Merced, CA and the least affordable one, which is San Francisco.
Assisted Living care in California is usually paid for privately by either the California seniors or their families. In California, Medicaid is referred to as Medi-Cal. Currently, there is a California Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALW) that should be available for at least the next 2 years. The Assisted Living Waiver program only operates in the following counties: Orange, Kern, Alameda, Contra Costa, Fresno, Los Angeles, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Bernardino, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Sonoma and Santa Clara. However, some of these counties do not have any facilities (called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly – RCFEs) which participate in the program. California seniors are eligible for the ALW waiver if they qualify for Medi-Cal, require a nursing facility level of care, are willing to move to one of the participating counties, and will work with an enrolled care coordination agency.
California seniors who are part of the ALW program can get the following services:
California has a vast array of services for older adults. Many such senior services are handled by the California's Area Agency on Aging.
California’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) provides help to older Californians. The main goal is to advocate for seniors and older adults and to provide information on programs, options, and community support for the elderly in California. Area Agency on Aging assists all seniors in California, regardless of age or income level.
There is also the California Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, to help seniors living in California file and resolve complains when it comes to their living facilities. This includes California Assisted Living and California Nursing Facilities as well. Below we will provide a detailed overview of all California senior services available to a senior living in California:
Certain services are provided via California's MSSP funds which include:
California is a diverse state geographically and it is only getting more diverse racially (it’s already a minority-majority state.) It has deserts, mountains, and the Pacific Coast to choose from when searching for a place to live in or retire. When considering where you should live and retire in California you should consider your options.
Here are some things to consider:
The most populated state in America is California. In fact, if it were a country, California would rank 34th in population in the world. It is the 13th fastest growing state in the nation and the U.S. Census reports the population to be close to 40 million people. This state has eight of the 50 most populous cities in the U.S. - more than any other state. Three of the 10 most populated cities in the U.S. are in California – Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Jose. California has a larger population than Australia or Canada. The senior population in California is around 13.3% - over 5 million seniors in total.
The metropolitan area of Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana is the largest in the state with over 12 million people, followed by San Francisco-Oakland (approximately 3.3 million), San Diego, (about 3 million), Riverside-San Bernardino (approximately 2 million), and Sacramento (almost 2 million). California is a great city for seniors who love large cities with many different people and lots of things to do. The top three religious majorities are: Protestant (32%); Roman Catholic (28%); and none or does not identify (27%.) However, California also has the largest Mormon population outside of Utah, a large Jewish community, and a large Muslim community. 40% of all Buddhists in America live in California and the state has the highest Hindu and Muslim population of any state in the nation.
English is the primary language in California, followed by Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalong, Vietnamese, and Korean. Almost 43% of the population of California speak a language other than English at home. Over 200 languages are spoken and read in California. Even the California DMV offers the written exam for driver’s licenses in 31 languages and the audio exam in 11 languages.
The racial composition of California is vast and very diverse. It is the second state in America, after Hawaii, to be known as a minority-majority state. Hispanics, white or non-white, are the largest ethnic group in the state. The latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the total population of California (seniors, adults and children combined) was approximately: 73% White; 6.5% Black or African-American; 15% Asian; 2% Native-American, and 0.5% Pacific Islander. Almost 40% of the population is Hispanic-Latino (any race), and 60 are non-Hispanic (any-race.)
Seniors should also keep in mind that California has a state income tax that ranges between 1% to 12.3% and a 1% surcharge, called the mental health services tax, is collected on taxable income of $1 million on more. California has the 13h highest per capita income, around $63,000, in the nation. The bad news for the California elderly is that there is a 2.5% tax on qualified pensions and early distributions. But the good news for seniors is that Social Security income and Railroad Retirement benefits are exempt. Property is taxed at 100% of the full cash value, and unfortunately there is no relief for California senior citizens. There is no inheritance tax in California. The purchasing power is lower than average in California. For example, $100 is worth just $88.97 in California when you consider the purchasing power and the cost of living.
There are numerous things to do and see in the “Golden State,” but here are some ideas that might be of interest to seniors and those that come to visit:
Assisted living is a type of senior housing that provides support and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and meal preparation. It offers a balance between independence and care in a residential setting. In California, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco offer a variety of assisted living options.
Assisted living costs in California vary depending on factors such as location, services provided, and amenities. On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000 per month. For instance, in cities like San Diego and Sacramento, costs might differ due to differences in the cost of living.
Assisted living communities in California typically offer services such as assistance with personal care, medication management, housekeeping, transportation, and social activities. Cities like San Jose and Fresno have facilities with a range of amenities tailored to residents' needs and preferences.
Yes, California offers various types of assisted living facilities to cater to different needs. These may include traditional assisted living residences, memory care units for those with dementia, and continuing care retirement communities that provide a range of care levels. Cities like Oakland and Long Beach have a diverse selection of these facilities.
Choosing the right assisted living facility in California involves considering factors such as location, services offered, staff qualifications, safety measures, and cost. Research facilities in areas like Santa Monica and Palo Alto, and visit them to assess the environment, interact with staff, and see if it aligns with your or your loved one's preferences and needs.
Assisted living is generally not covered by Medicare, but some states, including California, have Medicaid programs that may offer limited coverage for certain aspects of assisted living. Eligibility and coverage vary. It's advisable to check with the California Department of Health Care Services for more information about Medicaid options in cities like Riverside and Bakersfield.
Yes, California assisted living communities offer a variety of social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged and active. These can include fitness classes, arts and crafts, outings to local attractions, and cultural events. In cities like San Francisco and Anaheim, residents can enjoy a range of activities that cater to their interests and preferences.
Yes, many assisted living facilities in California allow residents to bring their own furniture and personal belongings to make their living space feel like home. Whether you're in Los Angeles or San Diego, you can personalize your apartment with cherished items and furniture that create a familiar and comfortable environment.
Yes, some assisted living facilities in California offer special amenities designed for senior residents. These can include landscaped gardens, pet-friendly accommodations, on-site libraries, and wellness centers. Locations like Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach boast facilities with luxurious amenities to enhance residents' quality of life.
Yes, many California assisted living communities recognize the diversity of the state's population and have bilingual staff members who can communicate in languages such as Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog. This ensures effective communication and personalized care for residents, especially in culturally rich cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The process of transitioning to an assisted living community in California involves assessing your needs, touring facilities, discussing care plans, and finalizing paperwork. Whether you're moving from San Jose or Sacramento, facilities often work closely with families to ensure a smooth transition, which may include coordinating medical records, arranging transportation, and helping with settling in.
Yes, many California assisted living facilities provide assistance with medications and coordinate medical care. Licensed staff members help residents manage their medications and attend medical appointments. In cities like Fresno and Oakland, facilities often work in collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure residents' health needs are met.
Yes, many California assisted living communities offer transportation services for residents to attend medical appointments. Whether you're in San Diego or Riverside, facilities often have arrangements for scheduled trips to healthcare providers, ensuring that residents can access the medical care they need conveniently and safely.
Assisted living communities in California typically require residents to be a certain age, often around 60 or 65 years old, and have the ability to perform some activities of daily living independently. Health assessments may also be conducted to determine if the facility can meet the resident's needs. Requirements may vary in cities such as San Francisco and San Bernardino.
Some assisted living facilities in California are pet-friendly and allow residents to bring their pets, such as cats or small dogs. These facilities recognize the benefits of pet companionship for seniors' well-being. In places like Santa Barbara and Huntington Beach, you can find assisted living options that welcome both residents and their furry friends.
Seniors seeking assisted living in California may find financial assistance through programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program under Medicaid. These programs aim to provide support to eligible seniors to access necessary care and services. You can explore options in cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Don't see your city/town/village on the list? Please use our search bar at the top of the page to search through 7382 senior living options from 577 cities, towns and villages in California. Simply enter your city name or zip code.
SeniorGuidance.org provides comprehensive resources on various senior living options, including: assisted living facilities, senior living communities, nursing homes, independent living communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRC) and all other long term senior care options, including memory care such as Alzheimer's or Dementia.
Additional senior living options in California:
Senior Apartments in California Nursing Homes in California Memory Care in CaliforniaThank you. We will be in touch soon to provide you all the information.
Are you also interested in learning about long-term care insurance and how it can cover all senior living costs?
Yes, I'd love to learn more No, I will pay all senior living costs myselfThank you. A licensed insurance broker will call you soon to discuss how long-term care insurance can help you pay for senior living.
Close
