Assisted Living in San Francisco, CA

Assisted Living Costs in San Francisco

San Francisco, along with San Jose, has the highest average monthly assisted living costs in the state according to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study. Assisted living costs in the city are $1,500 higher than the national average and $1,000 higher than the state average. When compared with other major cities such as Los Angeles ($4,500) and Sacramento ($4,473), assisted living in San Francisco is substantially more expensive, and the same can be said for small cities throughout California, such as Bakersfield ($3,150) and Madera ($3,323). 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• San Francisco: $5,500
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,500
• Bakersfield: $3,150
• Los Angeles: $4,500
• Madera: $3,323
• Oxnard: $4,525
• Sacramento: $4,473
• San Jose: $5,500

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care is the biggest factor in determining the average cost per month, and in San Francisco, this is particularly evident. The average monthly cost of nursing care in the city is nearly $4,000 higher than the cost of assisted living. Although home care services are only a little more expensive than assisted living, those who choose to continue living at home have to account for additional costs such as rent, food and utilities, all of which are usually included in the cost of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,500
• Homemaker services: $5,625
• Home health aide: $5,625
• Adult day health: $1,733
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,148

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Francisco

Medicaid in California

California’s Medicaid Managed Care Program is called Medi-Cal. The program provides financial assistance and services to seniors who reside in assisted living facilities under one of two waivers: The Assisted Living Waiver and the Multipurpose Senior Services Program. 

To be eligible for these waiver programs, seniors must be at least 65 years of age and require daily nursing care. They must also be able to live safely within an assisted living community. Financial eligibility requirements stipulate that individuals may not earn more than $1,242 per month and may not own more than $2,000 in assets. Couples may not earn more than $1,682 per month and may not own more than $3,000 in assets. 

Assisted Living Waiver

For those who reside in an assisted living facility, the Assisted Living Waiver is their best chance at receiving Medicaid assistance. This waiver helps seniors who require regular nursing care yet choose to continue living in an assisted living facility. It covers the cost of services in an assisted living facility as well as additional support services such as nonmedical transportation, nurse visits and case management. 

To apply for this program, seniors can contact their nearest care coordination agency in person or by telephone. 

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

California’s Multipurpose Senior Services program is a waiver program that’s managed under the Medi-Cal Managed Care Program. MSSP was created to decrease the load on the Medicaid system in the state by reducing the number of seniors who require care in nursing homes, which in California are quite expensive. Seniors who participate in this program are generally those who need a nursing level of care but prefer to continue living at home or in an assisted living facility. The program may provide a number of services in addition to assisted living or home care such as nurse visits, occupational or physical therapy, nonmedical transportation and adult companions. The MSSP only accepts 12,000 participants at one time, so there’s usually a waiting list. 

To apply for the MSSP, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Care Services at (415) 206-5317. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State Supplemental Payment

Seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income have the option to apply for California’s state supplemental payment. This payment is intended to top-up SSI payments and provides seniors with additional cash to pay for necessities such as room and board in assisted living facilities. The senior’s income determines the benefit amount, which has a maximum of $160.72 a month. 

The financial eligibility requirements of this benefit change often, so it’s best for seniors who are interested in applying to contact their local Social Security office in person or call (800) 772-1213.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who hold a long-term care insurance policy are covered for their annual care costs in assisted living and nursing care homes by their insurance providers. Typically, the policyholder must pay a yearly deductible.

While eligibility and policy terms vary depending on the plan and provider, most insurance companies won’t offer policies to those who are already in poor health and require daily care. The amount of coverage purchased, as well as the policyholder’s age and health history,  generally determine premiums.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provides seniors who are ineligible for Medicaid and other government assistance programs with access to temporary funds to pay for the cost of assisted living or nursing home care. Bridge loans are paid to the senior’s care facility directly and are repaid by the senior in monthly installments. Elderlife Financial Services offers flexible loan terms and low interest rates. 

Eligibility is dependent on several factors, particularly, credit history and income. Seniors who don’t qualify on their own may include up to six cosigners on their loan, which may increase the likelihood of approval and reduce monthly payments. Seniors can apply for a bridge loan online or by calling (888) 228-4500.

Assisted Living Resources in San Francisco

Senior Community Centers

Senior centers act as a local gathering place for individuals over 55 years of age. They usually provide a range of programming that may include congregate meals, fitness classes, day trips and social activities.

Golden Gate Park Senior Center
6101 Fulton Street, San Francisco, California 94121
(415) 666-7079

Castro Senior Center
110 Diamond Street, San Francisco, California 94114
(415) 863-3507

Self Help for the Elderly Senior Centers
(Various locations)
(415) 677-7600

Curry Senior Center
333 Turk Street, San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 885-2274

Active Senior Programs

The city of San Francisco’s Recreation and Parks Department offers a variety of workshops, classes and social programs to entertain the city’s elderly population. San Francisco residents generally receive program discounts.

San Francisco Recreation and Parks Senior Program
501 Stanyan Street, San Francisco, California 94117
(415) 518-7725

Veterans Affairs

Many seniors are eligible for financial assistance and medical benefits from Veterans Affairs. Eligible seniors can access health care at VA medical clinics.

San Francisco Vet Center
505 Polk Street, San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 441-5051

Senior Advocacy Programs

Senior advocates provide a range of services designed to protect seniors’ best interests. Services may include benefits assistance, support groups and community resource facilitation. 

San Francisco Office of Aging
1650 Mission Street #5, San Francisco, California 94103
(415) 355-3555

National Council on Aging
870 Market Street #785, San Francisco, California 94102
(415) 955-8560