Assisted Living in Palm Desert, CA

Assisted Living Costs in Palm Desert

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Palm Desert is $3,500 per month, according to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey. This cost is $1,000 less than the state average and $500 less than the national average. In larger cities throughout California, such as Los Angeles ($4,500), San Francisco ($5,500) and San Jose ($5,500), the cost of assisted living in Palm Desert is far less expensive. Lower costs are available in similar-sized cities, such as Madera at $3,323 and Bakersfield at $3,150 per month. 

Note: Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Palm Desert. Data for the nearest major city, Riverside, has been used instead.  

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs differ quite a bit depending on the care type. In Palm Desert, assisted living is the least expensive type of 24-hour care at $3,500 per month. The cost of nursing home care is more than double the cost of assisted living, and home health care averages about $1,000 more per month for services alone. Seniors who choose to receive care in their own home need to be mindful to also budget home upkeep expenses, such as home, utility and grocery fees, which are usually included in the cost of assisted living. 

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Palm Desert

Medicaid in California

Medi-Cal is the state Medicaid plan offered to low-income individuals and families throughout California. It provides health insurance to those who aren’t able to afford it and aims to ensure that all Californians have access to safe health care services. Some of the costs Medi-Cal covers include hospitalization, doctor and dentist services, medical devices, prescription medications, transportation and nursing home care. 

To qualify for the state plan as a senior citizen, applicants must be 65 years of age or older. Single applicants may not have an income exceeding $1,242 per month or assets exceeding a value of $2,000. Married applicants applying together are allowed an income of up to $1,682 per month and $3,000 in countable assets. Exempt assets include the applicant’s home, a single vehicle and personal belongings. 

To apply for Medi-Cal, seniors can complete an application online or call (800) 300-1506. 

While the state Medi-Cal plan doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living services, seniors can apply for coverage under one of the state’s two waiver programs. 

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living waiver is available to low-income seniors who reside in assisted living facilities that qualify for financial aid programs. The waiver covers expenses, including the cost of care, medical treatment, dental care and nonmedical transportation. Seniors are responsible for paying the cost of room and board out of their own pocket. 

Financial eligibility requirements are the same as the state Medi-Cal plan.  Additionally, seniors must be willing to live in an assisted living facility as opposed to a nursing home, qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal and require assistance with at least two activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating or toileting. 

To apply, seniors can contact the Institute on Aging at (408) 474-0679 or any Care Coordinator Agency in the Riverside County area. 

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The Multipurpose Senior Services program provides assistance to seniors who choose to reside either at home or in assisted living facilities yet require a nursing home level of care. This program exists to reduce the number of seniors living in nursing home facilities throughout the state. It covers the costs of a variety of services, including personal care, nurse visits, occupational and physical therapy and transportation. 

This program has the same financial requirements as the Medi-Cal state plan. This program is only open to 12,000 participants, so waiting lists are typically long and seniors may be required to submit to annual reassessments. 

To apply or to inquire about the wait list and the application process, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Services at (800) 541-5555.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State Supplemental Payment

California’s State Supplemental Payment provides a cash benefit to seniors and disabled individuals who receive SSI and reside in long-term care facilities. Its purpose is to help its recipients pay for costs that aren’t covered by Medicaid programs, such as room and board. Payments are determined by the applicant’s income and living situation and may be as high as $423.37 per month for individual recipients and double for married couples. 

Seniors who are Medicaid eligible automatically qualify for the SSP. To apply, seniors can call the Social Security Office in Riverside County at (800) 772-1213. 

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services is a temporary solution for senior citizens unable to immediately afford the upfront costs associated with moving into an assisted living facility. The company provides bridge loans, which are paid directly to the senior’s place of residence. The senior is then required to repay this loan in monthly installments. 

To qualify, seniors must meet minimum credit and income eligibility requirements. Those whose have difficulty qualifying alone may still be eligible since a maximum of six cosigners may apply and help repay the loan.

To apply, seniors can call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in Palm Desert

Senior Centers in Palm Desert, CA

The Joslyn Center is a community gathering place for active seniors. In addition to classes and special programs, the center facilitates connections with important senior resources, including Meals on Wheels and local support groups. 

The Joslyn Center
73750 Catalina Way, Palm Desert, CA, 92260
(760) 340-3220

Riverside County Office on Aging

The Riverside County Office on Aging serves the Palm Desert area and operates as the county’s Area Agency on Aging. Services it provides include benefits assistance, nutrition programs and case management for low-income senior citizens. 

Riverside County Office on Aging
6296 River Crest Dr, Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 867-3800

Veterans Services in the Palm Desert Area

Veterans can receive a range of assistance and benefits services, including financial aid and medical assistance, at the Palm Desert VA Clinic. Seniors living in Palm Desert can also access benefits assistance from the Palm Springs Veterans Benefits and Consulting office. 

Palm Desert VA Clinic
41990 Cook St #1004 Ste F, Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 341-5570

Veterans Benefits & Consulting
777 E Tahquitz Canyon Way #200-38, Palm Springs, CA 92262
(760) 507-4906