Assisted Living in Fresno, CA

Assisted Living Costs in Fresno

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the cost of assisted living varies considerably throughout California. In Fresno, the average monthly cost, at only $3,500, is significantly below both the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($4,500). When compared with larger cities, Fresno’s costs are much lower as well. In Los Angeles and San Diego, the average cost is $1,000 higher than Fresno, and in San Francisco ($5,500), it’s $2,000 higher. Next to Bakersfield, where the average monthly cost is only $3,150, Fresno’s average monthly cost is the lowest in the state.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Fresno: $3,500
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,500
• Bakersfield: $3,150
• Los Angeles: $4,500
• Napa: $5,425
• Riverside: $3,500
• San Diego: $4,500
• San Francisco: $5,500

Care Cost Comparison

The average cost of senior care depends on the type of care needed. This is particularly true in Fresno, where the cost of nursing home care is more than $5,000 higher than the cost of assisted living and nearly double the cost of home care. Home care is substantially more expensive than assisted living, as well; both homemaker services and home health care are about $1,000 more. When considering home care, it’s important to factor in the additional expenses associated with remaining in the home, such as rent, utilities, groceries and general maintenance.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,500
• Homemaker services: $4,528
• Home health aide: $4,601
• Adult day health: $1,653
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,638

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Fresno

Medicaid in California

California’s Medi-Cal program provides Medicaid assistance for the elderly. Several waivers under the program provide assistance with different levels of care. The Assisted Living Waiverallows seniors who meet a nursing level of care to remain in an assisted living facility and access additional support instead of moving to a nursing home. Seniors who access care under this program are required to contribute to their room-and-board costs.

To be eligible for this program, seniors must require a nursing level of care and be able to live safely within an assisted living community as an alternative to a nursing home. The applicant’s income may not exceed $1,242 per month for individuals or $1,682 for couples. Additionally, the applicant may not possess assets that exceed $2,000 per individual or $3,000 per couple. To apply for this program, seniors can contact their nearest care coordination agency in person or by telephone.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The MSSP is a waiver program that operates under California’s Medi-Cal program. It provides a similar range of services and is available to eligible seniors who would prefer to remain in their community as an alternative to moving into a nursing home. In some cases, this waiver covers services provided in an assisted living facility.

This waiver is capped at 12,000 enrollments, so applicants may encounter a waiting list. Eligibility requirements are the same as those for the Assisted Living Waiver. Seniors can obtain more information about this program and apply for coverage by contacting the California Department of Health Care Services.

State Supplemental Payment

Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income can apply for California’s State Supplemental Payment to assist them with paying for the cost of room and board in an assisted living facility. The payment is calculated based on the senior’s income and is paid out to a maximum of $160.72 per month for those living in assisted living facilities.

Eligibility is dependent on income and assets. Income requirements change frequently, and assets may not exceed $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. To apply for the supplement, seniors can visit their local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Fresno seniors who aren’t eligible to receive SSI or Medicaid can look to Elderlife Financial Services for help with paying for the cost of assisted living. The company provides eligible seniors with low-cost bridge loans. These loans are paid directly to the assisted living facility on behalf of the senior and are paid back through monthly installments.

While eligibility is dependent on credit and income, seniors can have up to six friends or family members cosign their application and help with payments to increase their chances of approval. To be approved for an Elderlife bridge loan, seniors must also be residing in an approved assisted living facility.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who plan ahead by purchasing long-term care insurance from companies such asGenworth Financial and LifeSecure can use their policies to pay for the cost of assisted living. The eligibility requirements and specific terms vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy purchased, but generally, seniors must obtain an insurance policy before the need for long-term care arises.

Assisted Living Resources in Fresno

Senior Centers in Fresno

Fresno’s senior centers are available to those age 55 and older and provide the opportunity for seniors to socialize with their peers through various programming and activities that may include congregate meals, fitness classes, day trips, bingo and card games, and education on topics such as nutrition, computers and finance.

Clovis Senior Center
850 4th Street Clovis, California 93612
(559) 324-2750

Palm Village Senior Network
7638 N Ingram Avenue #111a Fresno, California 93711
(559) 346-7662

Veteran Affairs

Seniors may be able to receive social, medical or financial support through their local Veterans Affairs office or medical center.

CalVet Veterans Home of California
2811 W California Avenue Fresno, California 93706
(559) 493-4400

Veterans Affairs Medical Center
2615 E Clinton Avenue Fresno, California 93703
(559) 225-6100

Area Agency on Aging

The Area Agency on Aging provides seniors with a variety of services that include case management, residential care placement and application assistance for a number of programs, including Medicaid and other financial aid.

Fresno-Madera Area Agency on Aging
3837 N Clark Street Fresno, California 93726
(559) 600-4405