Assisted Living in Alameda, CA

Assisted Living Costs in Alameda

According to the 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study, the average cost of assisted living in Alameda is $5,500 per month, which is right on par with the nearby cities of Santa Rosa and San Jose. Seniors in Santa Cruz pay slightly more ($5,595), while those in Napa pay a bit less at $5,425 per month. Rates here are well above the state ($4,500) and national ($4,000) averages and substantially more expensive than inland locales, such as Stockton ($3,500) and Modesto ($3,200).

Note: Data for senior care costs in Alameda wasn’t available, so data for the closest surveyed city, San Francisco, was used here instead.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs in Alameda vary significantly depending on the category of care and whether 24-hour services are needed. Nursing home care is by far the costliest option, mainly due to the skilled round-the-clock care offered in these facilities. Adult day health services cost the least of all the available care choices, but this only provides Monday-through-Friday daytime services in a group care center setting.

Average rates for homemaker and home health aide services are somewhat deceiving because these figures don’t include other costs directly related to receiving care at home, such as utility bills, maintenance, food and property taxes. When these expenses are added on, the cost of in-home care may be much higher than the rates for assisted living in a residential setting with room and board included.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Alameda

Medicaid in California

Low-income Americans with limited assets are provided with basic health care coverage through Medicaid. This federal- and state-funded program offers free or low-cost coverage for children, pregnant women, the blind, disabled and elderly through individual state plans that operate with federal oversight.

Alameda seniors over age 65 and disabled adults who are U.S. citizens or legal residents can qualify for full coverage under California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, if they meet these financial guidelines:

• A monthly income of $1,242 or less and no more than $2,000 in countable assets for single applicants
• Monthly earnings of $1,682 or less and up to $3,000 in countable assets for married couples applying together

Income from all sources counts, including earnings, pensions, stock dividends, Social Security, VA and disability benefits. Some assets are disregarded, including a primary home, household items, personal belongings and one vehicle.

Those who are over the applicable income limit may be able to qualify through a share of cost, which requires an applicant to spend their over-limit income on medical bills and services to reach the eligibility threshold.

Those who are eligible for or currently receiving Supplemental Security Income are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal. Applicants who need nursing home care can qualify for Medi-Cal institutional coverage with any income but must still meet the appropriate asset limit.

Medi-Cal makes an exception to the asset limit for married couples when only one spouse applies for coverage. Although the applicant is still limited to $2,000 in countable assets, up to $126,420 of the couple’s jointly owned assets can be set aside as a spousal resource allowance.

Alameda residents can apply for Medi-Cal coverage online or call Covered California at (800) 300-1506.

Assisted Living Waiver

Medi-Cal doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living room and board, but it offers an Assisted Living waiver to help seniors pay for various services provided in this type of care setting. For those who qualify, the ALW may cover:

• Transitional assistance to relocate from a nursing home
• Help completing activities of daily living, such as bathing, toileting and grooming
• Necessary skilled nursing care
• Prepared meals and snacks
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Recreational and social activities

To qualify for the ALW, Alameda residents must be aged 21 or older and eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal with no share of cost. They must also need a nursing facility level of care but be able to live safely in an assisted living setting.

The waiver isn’t an entitlement under Medi-Cal, so participation caps may apply, and it’s only available at state-licensed, participating facilities. Eligible seniors may need to relocate within Alameda County and/or be placed on a waiting list to receive services.

To begin the ALW application and assessment process, interested seniors should contact NorCal Care, the Care Coordination Agency serving Alameda County, at (916) 385-2784.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PACE programs offer managed health and long-term care services to seniors 55 years of age and older who require a nursing facility level of care. The aim of PACE is to provide seniors with care in the community and delay or prevent nursing home admissions. Once accepted into the program, a senior’s needs are evaluated and they receive a personalized care plan that includes case management, comprehensive medical care and other necessary services, such as:

• Social services
• Recreational therapy
• Personal care
• Coordination and transportation to medical appointments
• Prescription and nonprescription medications
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Physical, occupational and speech therapy
• Optometry, podiatry and dental care

Room and board in an assisted living facility isn’t covered by PACE, but the program may help qualified seniors reduce their expenses on care-related services. Seniors who are Medicaid eligible or currently enrolled in Medic-Cal receive PACE services at no cost.

To apply for PACE, seniors in Alameda should contact the Center for Elders’ Independence at (844) 319-1150.

State Supplemental Payment

Alameda residents who receive or qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits also may be eligible for an extra monthly amount through the California State Supplemental Payment program. Depending on an applicant’s living arrangement, income and marital status, they may qualify for up to $423.37 per month, which can be put toward assisted living room-and-board fees or other expenses not covered by Medicaid. To receive this top-up payment, seniors must meet the SSI eligibility requirements.

To apply for SSI or California SSP benefits, seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Resources in Alameda

Area Agency on Aging

As the designated local Area Agency on Aging, Alameda County Social Services is dedicated to promoting the independence, well-being and quality of life of its Alameda seniors. The agency provides information and referrals to local resources, such as transportation services and nutrition programs. Seniors can also receive help exploring their long-term care options and counseling about health insurance, legal issues and benefit programs.

Area Agency on Aging
6955 Foothill Blvd., Ste. 143, Oakland, CA 94605
(800) 510-2020

Senior Center

The Mastick Senior Center is where area residents aged 50 plus come together to socialize, try new experiences and stay active. The center offers a wide array of recreational and educational opportunities, including fitness, computer, dance, foreign language and craft classes. There are also regular health and wellness programs, notary services, legal assistance, local outings and exciting excursions. Delicious, nutritious lunches are served each weekday for a nominal fee, but membership at the center is free.

Mastick Senior Center
1155 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, CA 94501
(510) 747-7500

Veterans Resources

Area veterans and their survivors can get help filing pension and benefit applications or mediating appeals at the Alameda County Veterans Services office. Veterans can visit the Oakland VA outpatient clinic to access primary care, medical and surgical specialties as well as laboratory and radiology services.

Alameda County Veterans Services Office
6955 Foothill Blvd., Ste. 143, Oakland, CA 94605
(510) 577-1926

Oakland VA Outpatient Clinic
2221 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 267-7800