2 Assisted Living Communities in Castro Valley, California

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $5,500 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 2 Assisted Living Communities in Castro Valley and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Castro Valley, CA

• Assisted Living: $5,500
• Nursing Home Care: $9,148
• In-home Care: $5,625
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,733

According to the Genworth Cost of Care survey from 2018, seniors living in Castro Valley pay an average of $5,500 per month for assisted living, which is $1,000 more than the state average and $1,500 more than the national average. In El Centro ($3,650), the average monthly cost of assisted living is almost $2,000 less. In Los Angeles ($4,500) and Sacramento ($4,473), seniors pay about $1,000 less per month than in Castro Valley. In both Salinas and San Jose, the average cost of assisted living is the same as in Castro Valley. The most expensive assisted living costs in California are in Santa Cruz, where the price is just slightly higher at $5,595 per month. 

Note: Specific senior care cost data wasn’t available for Castro Valley. Instead, data for the nearest major city, San Francisco, was used for comparison purposes. 

In most cities across the U.S., senior care costs vary considerably depending on the level of care provided. In Castro Valley, this is evident when comparing the cost of nursing home care with assisted living and home care services. At an average of $9,148 per month, nursing home care is over $3,600 more expensive than assisted living. In-home care costs average $5,625 per month but don’t include housing-related expenses. Seniors living at home need to budget for things such as upkeep, utilities and food, while those in assisted living typically have these costs included in their facility fees. 

 

California’s state Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. The program provides low-income Californians with medical coverage for physician care, dental services, hospitalization, nursing care and prescription medications. Medi-Cal is most often accessed by senior citizens, disabled persons, pregnant women and families with children. 

To be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage as a senior citizen, applicants must be at least 65 years of age and meet the following financial requirements:
 

• Single applicants may have a maximum income of $1,242 per month and no more than $2,000 in countable assets
• Married applicants may have a maximum income of $1,682 per month and no more than $3,000 in countable assets

 

All sources of income count toward eligibility. There are exclusions available for assets such as an applicant’s home, car and personal belongings. 

Seniors who don’t meet these requirements but have high medical bills may qualify through a Medi-Cal spend-down or share of cost. This program allows applicants to use excess income to pay medical expenses to reach the required limit. 

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

Assisted Living Waiver

The state Medi-Cal plan doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living, but it does offer an Assisted Living waiver. This program pays for assisted living services provided in a licensed facility, as well as transportation services, counseling and transitional costs for those transferring from a hospital or nursing care facility. 

To qualify for the ALW, applicants must be eligible for Medi-Cal with zero share of cost. They must also be 21 years of age or older and require care similar to what’s provided in a nursing facility. 

Seniors living in Castro Valley can apply for the ALW by contacting the NorCal Care Coordinator Agency at (916) 385-2784. Those who qualify may be placed on a waiting list due to limits on the number of participants.

 

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

PACE is a managed care program available to Castro Valley seniors who require a nursing level of care. In Alameda County, PACE is administered by the Center for Elders Independence. The program covers a wide range of health care services including primary care, dental care, physical therapy, mental health services and prescription medications. While the cost of assisted living isn’t covered by PACE, the services provided may help seniors reduce their care-related expenses. 

The cost of PACE services is determined on a sliding scale, so those with lower incomes pay less or may receive services at no charge. 

To qualify for the PACE program, seniors must be 55 years of age or older. The application process includes a full medical evaluation, so seniors must make their medical records available to the program administrator.

To apply, Castro Valley seniors can contact the Center for Elders’ Independence at (844) 319-1150.

State Supplemental Payment

California’s State Supplemental Payment is available to Supplemental Security Income recipients who require long-term care. The benefit is intended to help senior citizens and disabled persons pay for expenses such as assisted living room and board that aren’t covered by Medi-Cal or other state financial assistance programs. The benefit amount is determined by an applicant’s living situation and marital status, but it may be as high as $423.37 per month. 

To qualify for the benefit, seniors must meet the SSI program’s income and asset requirements. Seniors enrolled in Medi-Cal automatically qualify for the SSP. 

To apply, seniors can visit an Alameda County Social Security Administration office or call (800) 772-1213.

Alameda County’s Area Agency on Aging works with community-based organizations, as well as the state and federal governments, to preserve and protect the well-being and independence of senior citizens. Programs administered and offered by the AAA include caregiver support, food and nutritional counseling programs, long-term care ombudsman services and benefits mediation and counseling.  Area Agency on Aging
6955 Foothill Blvd., Ste. 143, Oakland, CA 94605
(800) 510-2020

The Alameda County Veterans Services office helps veterans and their surviving spouses access benefits and assists with filing claims and mediating appeals. This can include disability, survivor, health care, life insurance and burial benefits. 

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

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.