This webpage is designed to help Californians understand the costs associated with assisted living, home care, and adult day care throughout the state. It also provides an overview of available payment options and financial assistance programs to support elderly care, whether in residential facilities or through aging at home. The programs highlighted here focus on those offered by the state of California. For information on national assistance programs, additional research may be required.

Assisted Living and Memory Care Costs in California

The average cost of assisted living in California is $6,250 per month. However, prices vary widely depending on the region, ranging from $2,925 to $9,410. Cities like Santa Cruz and San Luis Obispo are among the most expensive, while areas such as Madera, Merced, and Modesto provide more affordable options, with costs averaging between $2,925 and $4,100 per month.

At Real Care, assisted living is both affordable and comfortable, with costs starting at just $2,500 per month. Our community offers a range of thoughtfully designed amenities to enhance your experience:

Paying for care At Real Care Living With SSI

Do you accept residents whose only income is SSI?

Yes. When you live in licensed assisted living, your SSI rises to the state rate for care homes ($1,626.07 a month in 2026). $1,444.07 of that pays Real Care for your apartment, meals, and basic care, and you keep $182 each month for yourself. We help with every step of the paperwork.

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• Restaurant-Style Dining and a private dining room for special celebrations
• Spacious indoor and outdoor areas for recreational events and social gatherings, including an activity room
• A full-service hair salon to keep you looking and feeling your best
• A cozy bistro/cafe for casual meals and conversations
• A state-of-the-art theater room for entertainment
• A fully-equipped fitness room to stay active and healthy
• A quiet library for reading and relaxation

Discover a welcoming community that feels like home at Real Care

Memory care, specialized for individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, typically costs 20% to 30% more than standard assisted living. This means additional costs of $731 to $2,352 per month in many cases.

Regional Cost Breakdown

• Los Angeles: The median assisted living cost is $6,098 per month (slightly below the state average), with projected increases to $6,470 by 2027.
• Riverside County: More affordable at $5,324 per month, below both the state and national average.
• Orange County: Estimated costs range between $6,000 to $6,500 per month due to the higher cost of living, exceeding both Los Angeles and state averages.
• San Diego: The median cost is around $4,525 to $5,475 per month, with options ranging from $2,500 to upwards of $10,000 depending on the facility and services provided.
• Bakersfield: At Real Care cost the cost starts at $2,500 per month $5500 for memory care in a shared room. We have a gym, pool,

Cost Comparisons with Other Care Types

• Assisted Living: $6,250/month (state average)
• In-Home Care: $6,673/month
• Nursing Homes:
  • Semi-private room: $10,646/month
  • Private room: $13,262/month
• Adult Day Health Care (cheapest option): $1,652/month

Factors Influencing Costs

Several variables impact assisted living prices:

1. Level of care required (e.g., memory care or skilled nursing services)
2. Facility amenities such as recreational spaces and quality of care
3. Type of living arrangements (shared rooms vs. private suites)
4. Location within California, as living expenses can differ significantly by region
5. Additional services like meals, laundry, and personal care, which may incur extra charges

Financial Assistance Programs

For residents needing financial support, programs like Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver, Veterans Aid and Attendance, and SSI/SSP (Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment) are available. Local organizations, such as the California Department of Aging and Helping Hands Senior Foundation, also offer additional resources and assistance.

Understanding the costs and options related to assisted living and senior care can help families make informed decisions. Whether you’re planning for residential care or home-based support, exploring these resources can ensure better financial and caregiving outcomes.

Medi-Cal Financial Assistance Programs

What is Medi-Cal?

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, is designed for elderly and disabled individuals, as well as those with limited income and resources. The program covers essential services like personal care and nursing home care to provide support to eligible residents.

Key Medi-Cal Programs and Services

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program

IHSS offers non-medical care to eligible elderly individuals to help them live at home and delay or prevent nursing home placement. Services include:

• Assistance with daily activities (e.g., bathing, dressing, eating)
• Housecleaning
• Meal preparation
• Grocery shopping

Since this program is an entitlement, all eligible individuals receive services. Participants can even choose their care provider, including family members or spouses.

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waivers

Medi-Cal offers four HCBS waiver programs to support individuals with needs for services like home care, adult day care, home modifications, and assisted living:

• These programs aim to prevent nursing home placements.
• Waivers are not entitlements, so enrollment caps may create waitlists for services.

Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP)

Available in select regions, this waiver serves individuals eligible for nursing home care who prefer to live in an assisted living facility. While it doesn’t cover room and board, services offered include:

• Personal care assistance
• Medication administration
• Prepared meals

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

This waiver supports nursing home-eligible individuals who wish to remain at home. It covers:

• Care management
• Supportive services like adult day care, emergency response systems, and home modifications

Note that MSSP is not available in all California counties.

Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver

Previously known as the NF/AH Waiver, HCBA helps individuals receive care in their homes or transition out of nursing facilities. Benefits include medical care and other supportive services.

Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS)

The CBAS program, formerly the Adult Day Health Care program, provides daytime care services such as:

• Meals
• Social activities
• Therapies
• Skilled nursing

Participants must meet functional needs requirements.

Medicaid Eligibility for Medi-Cal

To qualify for Medi-Cal programs, individuals must meet income criteria. Effective April 2024:

• A single elderly individual’s monthly income cannot exceed $1,732.
• For married couples (both applying), the limit is $2,352.
• Note: Asset limits have been removed as of April 2024.

For those exceeding the income limit, Medi-Cal offers a “Share of Cost” spenddown program, allowing individuals with significant medical expenses to qualify. Consulting a Medi-Cal planner is strongly recommended for those unsure about eligibility or needing assistance restructuring resources.

Other Financial Assistance Programs in California

California Paid Family Leave

This program allows working professionals to take up to six weeks of paid leave to care for a family member.

Support at Home

Exclusive to San Francisco residents, this pilot program provides financial assistance to help elderly individuals and disabled persons stay in their homes.

PACE Programs in California

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) combines Medicare and Medicaid to support nursing home-eligible individuals who prefer to remain in their communities. PACE services include:

• Primary and inpatient care
• Adult day care
• Transportation to medical appointments
• Prescription drug coverage
• Home care services like skilled nursing, meal preparation, and light housework

PACE Eligibility:

• Must be 55 years or older.
• Reside in a PACE service area.
• Meet nursing home-level care requirements.
• Be able to live safely in the community.

How to Enroll in PACE:

Visit the Medi-Cal website or contact a provider in your area:

Additional Financial Options for Care

Apart from state-specific financial aid, other resources include:

• Non-profit programs
• Federal support initiatives
• Veteran assistance programs
• Eldercare loans

Affordable Care Options

California’s elder care costs can vary widely. Moving away from densely populated coastal regions can often yield more affordable care options. Additionally, consulting our organization’s free matching service can help families find providers suited to their care needs and budgets.

By exploring these Medi-Cal programs and other state-specific initiatives, California residents can access a variety of resources to enhance their quality of life, maintain independence, and receive the support they need.