29 Assisted Living Communities in Santa Cruz County, California

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $5,595 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 29 Assisted Living Communities in Santa Cruz County and several in surrounding areas.

Assisted living: $5,595
Nursing home semiprivate room: $8,076
In-home care: $5,529
Adult day health services: $1,809

Assisted Living Facilities near Santa Cruz County, California

Compare Costs, Photos, & Reviews of All Your Options Near Santa Cruz County

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Reviews of Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Cruz County

Daughter-in-law

December 26, 2019

I am a friend or relative of a current/past residentReview of Paradise Villa

We specifically liked the layout of Paradise Villa. It was a perfect setting for our aging mother with mild cognitive impairment. We also felt like it is a great location because we can visit and go to the beach! Overall we are very happy!

J.A. daughter

March 21, 2018

I Am A Friend Or Relative Of A Current/Past ResidentReview of Aegis of Aptos

My father lived in the Alzheimers care unit for many months. I stayed w my mother nearby for 3 months and went to visit and help him at least 2X day. I saw much of what went on and I was not happy and neither was my 91 year old father. I would go in to see him and his face would be in his plate of food. He was paying more than $11,000. per month yet nobody was available to help him eat ! aand he lost a great deal of weight. We hired a private R.N. to go over all of his meds and had an M.D. come in also. Aegis had him so drugged he could not function, we changed that with no help from them. They left him sitting in his wheelchair if I wasn't there. It was terribly uncomfortable, I would have to chase someone down to help get him into his comfortable recliner in his room where he could look out the window or nap. I made sure he ate well. There were some residents who were quite mean but the staff did not care, other residents needed much more help than was provided. While I was there I found another place and got him moved out, he was infinitely happier at the new place. He never fell after that because he was cared for, not left on his own. No more ambulance rides to the hospital. No more abrasions. He ate home cooked food and gained weight. He was allowed to die a natural death with dignity, not rushed to a sterile hospital.

Charlene

November 21, 2017

I visited this facilityReview of Brookdale Scotts Valley

We're getting set up for a one-month trial stay for my mother-in law at Brookdale. It was clean and well maintained. My parents used to stay there and really liked it. My mother-in-law is not interested in anything, except mostly having her own room, some assistance, and her meals prepared. She'll have a furnished studio apartment.

Jane

July 17, 2017

I am a current client of this providerReview of Right at Home Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay, CA

We have in-home services from Right at Home for my husband. I'm very happy with all of their services. They are here when I'm not here, so it is just a matter of keeping him functioning and doing activities in the house. He plays musical instrument and the caregiver encourages him on that. Sometimes, they work together to prepare for lunch. The communication is always clear, and they're always available. If I need to change a date or a time, they're very courteous. Their caregivers are very nice people. They have blended in well with my husband and he likes them.

CaringSS

July 17, 2017

I visited this facilityReview of Paradise Villa

My tour of Paradise Villa went well. They were very nice, very sweet, continually call, very receptive ,and responsive. I liked them. It was a clean and nice place. The rooms were average but older.

Clay

July 17, 2017

I visited this facilityReview of Brookdale Scotts Valley

I liked Oak Tree Villa (Brookdale Scotts Valley). My impression of it was fine, but the food was bad. The rooms and the dining area was fine, but the chef was a lousy cook; they got rid of him. I liked the community. They have a new chef now, and that's why I want to go back. I did not like that I have to buy a portable air conditioner because they don't have air conditioning there.

Map of Santa Cruz County, California

Assisted Living Costs in Santa Cruz County

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, assisted living costs in Santa Cruz County are higher than both the state average ($4,500) and the national average ($4,000). Costs for assisted living is similar in the nearby cities of Salinas ($5,500), San Jose ($5,500) and San Francisco ($5,500) but significantly lower inland in Modesto ($3,200), Merced ($3,500) and Madera ($3,323).

Santa Cruz County

$5,595

National average

$4,000

State average

$4,500

Salinas

$5,500

San Jose

$5,500

San Francisco

$5,500

Modesto

$3,200

Merced

$3,500

Madera

$3,323

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs vary based on the type of service, the location and whether or not room and board is included. In Santa Cruz County nursing home care is significantly more expensive than assisted living, while in-home services, such as a home health aide and homemaker, costs are similar to assisted living. When comparing the costs for senior care, it’s important to factor in the expenses associated with maintaining a home, including rent, upkeep and utilities, since these costs are usually included with residential care services. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

Assisted living: $5,595

Homemaker services: $5,529

Home health aide: $5,815

Adult day health: $1,809

Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,076

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

Assisted living

$5,595

Homemaker services

$5,529

Home health aide

$5,815

Adult day health

$1,809

Nursing home care (semiprivate room)

$8,076

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County

Medicaid in California

Medicaid is a national health insurance program that is jointly funded by federal and state governments. It provides limited coverage for essential health care services, such as doctor visits, hospitalization and emergency services for Americans of all ages with low income and assets.

The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers Medicaid, known also as Medi-Cal. Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage under the Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program (A&D FLP).

To qualify, seniors must have a countable income below $1,242 (individual) or $1,682 (couple) and own less than $2,000 in nonexempt assets (individual) or $3,000 (couple).

Income includes monies received from all sources such as pensions, wages and investment interest, while countable assets include cash, bank account balances and bonds. Medicaid asset exemptions include personal effects, furniture, one automobile, non-revocable burial trusts and a primary residence that either the Medicaid applicant and/or their spouse reside in.

Unlike many other states, California does not cap the value of the primary residence in determining Medicaid eligibility. There is a look-back period of 30 months prior to applying for Medi-Cal. Any assets that applicants gift or sell during this time will be appraised, and the market value will be added to the total assets assigned to the applicant. This may result in a penalty assessed as a period of Medi-Cal ineligibility.

Seniors over the age of 65 who are ineligible for Medi-Cal under the A&D FLP due to excess income, may be eligible for coverage through the Aged, Blind and Disabled – Medically Needy Program (ABD-MN), which is a Medi-Cal Share of Cost program.

Under the ABD-MN program, applicants are required to pay a monthly share of cost towards their Medi-Cal coverage. The monthly share is determined by subtracting a needs allowance from the applicant’s countable monthly income. In cases where the share is prohibitively high, applicants may have the option of purchasing additional health insurance in order to reduce their countable income down to the Medi-Cal A&D FLP maximum income rate.

California Assisted Living Waiver

Seniors who are 65 and older and currently members of Medi-Cal may be eligible for help with assisted living costs through the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program.

The ALW program is designed to reduce nursing home placement rates among seniors in California through additional funding, enabling them to live in assisted living facilities or public subsidized housing. This Medicaid waiver program is open to Medi-Cal eligible seniors who require nursing home level of care as a result of their medical needs.

Seniors who are already enrolled in Medi-Cal don’t need to submit an additional application to the ALW program; however, potential ALW candidates do need to contact a Care Coordination Agency (CCA) through the County of Santa Cruz Employment and Benefit Services Division to request a CCA assessment.

Registered nurses assess the needs of each applicant to determine eligibility for nursing home level care in an independent living setting, develop an Individualized Service Plan (ISP) and monitor service delivery.

Services under the ALW program can include:

Assistance with creating and maintaining a current ISP
Home care aide and homemaker services
Meal preparation and service
Skilled intermittent nursing services
Supervision of self administered medications
Medication administration by a licensed registered nurse or licensed vocational nurse
Daily recreational programming
Medical transportation
Provision of an emergency call system

Individuals who are enrolled in Medi-Cal on a Share of Cost (SOC) basis are excluded from the Assisted Living Waiver program. There are a limited number of ALW slots available statewide, and seniors who qualify for the Assisted Living Waiver may be placed on a waiting list.

For more information about Medi-Cal coverage and the Assisted Living Waiver program, contact the County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department, Employment and Benefit Services Division at (888) 421-8080.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Veterans Aid and Assistance and Housebound Benefits

Veterans, and their survivors, who receive a regular VA pension and are either housebound or require daily assistance due to a disability may qualify for a pension top up through the Aid and Attendance and Housebound program

To qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits, applicants must meet at least one of the following conditions:

Be bedridden
Live in a nursing home to receive care for mental and/or physical disabilities
Require daily assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, eating and/or managing a prosthetic device
Have limited corrected eyesight that tests at 5/200 or poorer
Suffer from concentric contraction of the visual field to five or fewer degrees

To qualify for the Housebound allowance, applicants must have a VA disability rating of 100 percent and be largely restricted to their primary residence due to the disability. The disability does not need to be related to military service.

Note that applicants may be approved for only one of these benefits even if they meet the criteria for both programs.

For more information on the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits contact the Santa Cruz County Vet Center at (831) 464-4575 or the Santa Cruz County Veterans Services Office at (831) 454-7276.

Santa Cruz County Senior Centers

Senior centers in Santa Cruz County offer a wide variety of recreational and social programs for older adults, including weekly exercise classes, day trips and computer classes. Seniors aged 55 and older can participate in special events, connect with others and learn about community resources at these centers.

Downtown Senior Center
301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 420-6180

Mid-County Senior Center
829 Bay Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 476-4711

Community Assistance Agencies

A number of government organizations and nonprofit groups provide seniors in Santa Cruz with access to free transportation, low-cost legal support and information about area resources for older adults. Lift Line Accessible Transportation
521 Main Street Suite H, Watsonville, CA 95076
(831) 688-8840 Seniors Council of Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties
234 Santa Cruz Avenue, Aptos, CA 95003
(831) 688-0400

Veteran Centers and Clinics

There are a number of resources for veterans and their families in Santa Cruz County that provide assistance with benefits, access to VA health care and advocacy for veterans. Veterans who need help with their VA pension or pension top up programs can contact the Santa Cruz Vet Center or the Santa Cruz County Veterans Services Office.

Santa Cruz County Veterans Services Office
842 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 454-7276

Santa Cruz Vet Center
1350 41st Avenue, Suite 104, Capitola, CA 95010
(831) 464-4575

VA Capitola Clinic
1350 41st Avenue, Suite 102, Capitola, CA 95010-3906
(831) 464-5519

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29 Assisted Living Communities in Santa Cruz County, California

Assisted Living Facilities near Santa Cruz County, California

Compare Costs, Photos, & Reviews of All Your Options Near Santa Cruz County

Our Family Advisors can help your family make a confident decision about senior living.

Reviews of Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Cruz County

Map of Santa Cruz County, California

Assisted Living Costs in Santa Cruz County

Care Cost Comparison

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County

Medicaid in California

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Santa Cruz County Senior Centers

Community Assistance Agencies

Veteran Centers and Clinics

Nearby Assisted Living Communities

Find Communities

Other Senior Living in Santa Cruz County, CA

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Nearby Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted Living Articles and Resources

Compare Costs, Photos, & Reviews of All Your Options Near Santa Cruz County

29 Assisted Living Communities in Santa Cruz County, California

Assisted Living Facilities near Santa Cruz County, California

Brookdale Scotts Valley

Paradise Villa

Twin Lakes Manor

Aegis of Aptos

Dominican Oaks

Sunshine Villa

Compare Costs, Photos, & Reviews of All Your Options Near Santa Cruz County

De Un Amor

Wesley House III

Montecito Manor

Seaview Guest Home

Alexandria Victoria

Hanover Guest Home

The Maple House II

Valley Haven

Blue Hammock Care Home

Camphill Communities California

Chouteau Guest Home

Cobblestone Manor

Darwin House

Flor'S Guest Home #1

Mystic Oaks

Opal Cliff Residential Center

Rillera'S Guest Home

Rillera'S Guest Home 2

Rose Garden Rch

Sea Cove Residential Care Home

Valley View Residential Care Home

Wesley House Iv

Willowbrook

Atria Willow Glen

Belmont Village San Jose

Brookdale San Jose

Ivy Park at San Jose

Vista Harden Ranch

Oakmont of San Jose

Atria Evergreen Valley

Westmont of Morgan Hill

Loma Clara Senior Living

Villa Fontana Retirement Community

Palm Villas of Campbell

Westgate Villa Assisted Living

Oakmont of Silver Creek

Sonnet Hill Senior Living

Belmont Village Los Gatos

2All About Seniors

Juliet Stephen RCH

Bellerose Senior Living

Merrill Gardens at Campbell

Terraces of Los Gatos

Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen

Merrill Gardens at Gilroy

Saratoga Retirement Community

Valley Pines Senior Assisted Living

Lincoln Glen Manor

Los Gatos Meadows

The Watermark at Almaden

Campbell Village

Our Lady of Fatima Villa

Canterbury Woods - Pacific Grove

Forest Hill

Coastal Care Home

Prima Vera Gardens

Princess Lodge

All About Seniors Elder Care

Caring Hearts Senior Care Home, Inc

Harvy'S Home Care

Pacific Grove Convalescent Hospital

Pruneridge Residential Care Home 2

Blossom Hill Gardens

MayFlower Care Home

Hansell Villa

JNJJ Care Home

Dry Creek Guest Home

Villa Verde

Villa Antonio

Esther's Residential Care Home

College Manor