7 Assisted Living Communities in Irvine, California

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,500 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 7 Assisted Living Communities in Irvine and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Irvine, CA

• Assisted Living: $3,500
• Nursing Home Care: $7,559
• In-home Care: $4,481
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,668

Irvine’s average monthly cost for assisted living, according to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, is moderately lower than the national average of $4,000 and significantly lower than the state average of $4,500. In California, size may not correlate with assisted living costs: Smaller cities, such as Napa ($5,425) and Santa Cruz ($5,595), cost more per month than medium-sized cities, such as Irvine ($3,500) or large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles ($4,500).

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Irvine, so data for the closest city, Riverside, was used. 

Determining the right level of care depends on various factors, such as location, type of care and the number of direct service hours. Nursing home care is more than double the cost of assisted living. On the other hand, assisted living, which includes rent, food, upkeep and transportation, is roughly 25% less expensive than either homemaker services or home health aides. When evaluating these differences, it’s important to factor in the other costs associated with remaining at home, which can include mortgage, home maintenance, utilities and groceries.  

 

Medicaid, the national and state-funded health care program, provides medical assistance to low-income Irvine residents of all ages. Doctor visits, hospital services and nursing home care are all covered by Medicaid. In California, Medicaid is administered by Medi-Cal, a branch of California’s Department of Health Care Services. However, for help with long-term care costs, residents can apply for one of the state’s Medi-Cal waivers.

Applicants age 65 and older can still qualify for Medi-Cal under the Aged & Disabled Federal Poverty Level Medi-Cal. To qualify, applicants must earn no more than $1,271 (individuals) or $1,720 (couples) per month and possess no more in assets than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. There are some exclusions to countable assets, including one car, burial funds, the primary residence and household goods.

If your monthly income is higher than the Medi-Cal limit, you may still be eligible through the Share of Cost program, which works like a deductible since it’s a fixed amount in medical services seniors must pay before Medi-Cal begins to pay in any given month.

Applications for Medi-Cal may be completed online, at Orange County United Way in Irvine or by phone at (800) 300-1506.

Assisted Living Waiver

The ALW is available to those who qualify for Medi-Cal and are willing to live in an assisted living facility instead of a nursing home. ALW services include recreational activities, transportation services, medication administration, 24-hour staff, assistance with activities of daily living, meals, housekeeping and laundry.

Prescreening assessments are done over the phone, followed by an appointment with a registered nurse. To learn more or apply, contact the administrator for Access TLC Home Health Care at (818) 551-1900 or (800) 852-9887. You may also email cca@accesstlchomehealth.com.

In-Home Operations Waiver

Medi-Cal beneficiaries who wish to remain in their homes or communities may be eligible for the IHO Waiver. Participant level of care is determined by medical need, which is substantiated by a licensed physician who conducts a home evaluation and creates a plan of treatment. Personal care services, nursing home care and case management are all part of the IHO Waiver. To learn more, contact the WPCS hotline at (916) 552-9214 or call DHCS Integrated Systems of Care Division Hotline at (833) 388-4551. You may also email IHOWaiver@dhcs.ca.gov.   

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The MSSP is available for seniors who qualify for Medi-Cal. Recipients of the MSSP would typically require a nursing facility level of care were it not for the services provided by the program. These include:

• Personal care and chore services
• Environmental modifications
• Transportation
• Adult day care
• Home-delivered or congregant meals
• Counseling
• Translation services
• Case management
• Minor home repairs

Seniors serviced by MSSP may not be simultaneously served by another waiver, and a limited number of spots are available. For more information or to apply, contact the California Department of Aging at (800) 510-2020.  

PACE

The Program For All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is available in Irvine for seniors 55 and older who qualify for nursing home care but wish to remain within the community. PACE is automatically available for those who qualify for Medi-Cal. However, even those who don’t qualify for Medi-Cal may be eligible through private pay. PACE covers numerous services, including primary care medical, occupational or physical therapy, housekeeping, assistance with ADLs and meals.

An interdisciplinary team, including physicians, social workers, health care workers and physical therapists, coordinates and provides the necessary medical care for each individual. To learn more, contact Irvine’s local PACE provider, CalOptima, at (714) 468-1070.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial Services helps make the transition between home and an assisted living facility easier with its bridge loans. These loans, which are easily applied for over the phone, can provide funds to assist with move-in or initial assisted living costs. Funds, which can be used in the form of a line of credit or taken as a single lump sum, come in 12-month repayment terms and are usually available within 24 hours. To learn more or apply, visit Elderlife Financial or call (888) 245-4500.

Orange County’s Office on Aging serves seniors through advocacy, information and support. In addition to providing a comprehensive listing of resources and services available, it offers a number of educational courses. Some of these are designed to help those living with chronic illness and diabetes, while others provide preventive information and practices. Counseling, housing and assisted living information and in-home care services are all available. Orange County Office on Aging
1300 S Grand Ave Bldg B, Santa Ana, CA 92705
(800) 510-2020 

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