Assisted Living in Santa Rosa, CA

Assisted Living Costs in Santa Rosa

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

When comparing the average monthly cost of assisted living in Santa Rosa to that of the rest of California, and even to the national average ($4,000), the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study indicates that the city’s costs are among the highest in the state. When compared with the state average ($4,500), Santa Rosa’s assisted living costs are $1,000 higher, and when compared with a few the largest cities in the state such as Los Angeles ($4,500), Sacramento ($4,473) and San Diego ($4,500), the cost is much higher as well. However, in both San Jose and San Francisco, the cost of assisted living is just as high, at $5,500.

• Santa Rosa: $5,500
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $4,500
• Chico: $4,000
• Fresno: $3,500
• Los Angeles: $4,500
• Sacramento: $4,473
• San Diego: $4,500
• San Jose: $5,500
• San Francisco: $5,500

Care Cost Comparison

The average cost of care typically depends on the type of care needed, and in places like Santa Rosa, this is especially true. The average monthly cost of nursing home care in the city is nearly double that of assisted living. Although the cost of home care and the cost of assisted living are similar, seniors who choose to keep living in their home should budget for additional costs, such as rent, groceries, utilities and maintenance, all of which are typically 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: $5,815
• Adult day health: $2,362
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,258

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Rosa

Medicaid in California

Medi-Cal is California’s state Medicaid Managed Care Program. It provides low-income residents of California with access to a range of services that includes medical and dental care, long-term residential care, supportive services and necessary medical supplies. The program primarily serves seniors, disabled individuals and those with temporary conditions including pregnancy. Seniors who wish to receive funding for assisted living must apply under either the Assisted Living Waiver or the Multipurpose Senior Services Program. 

Eligibility for these waivers depends on several factors. Seniors must need regular nursing care while being capable of living safely within an assisted living facility. Income requirements for this program stipulate that individuals may not have a monthly income exceeding $1,242 or assets valued at more than $2,000, and couples may not have a monthly income exceeding $1,682 or assets exceeding $3,000

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living Waiver program provides seniors who are living in assisted living facilities with financial assistance and supportive services including nurse visits, nonmedical transportation, medical care and dental care. Although the cost of services provided by the assisted living facility are covered under this program, seniors are required to pay for room and board. 

To apply for the Assisted Living Waiver, seniors can contact their nearest care coordination agency in person or by telephone. 

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

Medi-Cal’s Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) also provides support to seniors residing in assisted living facilities. The MSSP is similar to the Assisted Living Waiver in that it provides support to seniors in assisted living facilities who require a nursing home level of care. However, this waiver program is also available to seniors who have chosen to continue living at home and require access to home health care. Seniors who participate in the MSSP are assessed to determine their needs and have services assigned to them as required. The program provides a range of assistance including nurse visits, respite care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, case management and nonmedical transportation.

There are only 12,000 seniors accepted into this program, which means the waiting list can get rather long. Eligibility requirements for MSSP are the same as for the Assisted Living Waiver, and seniors are generally asked to reapply annually. 

To learn more about the application process, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Care Services at (707) 565-4700.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

State Supplemental Payment

Supplemental Security Income recipients can apply for California’s State Supplemental Payment. This is a cash benefit that’s provided to seniors who require additional financial aid to pay for the cost of room and board in an assisted living or nursing care facility. The amount of the benefit is determined by the applicant’s income and is paid out at a maximum of $160.72 each month. 

The financial eligibility requirements for this program change regularly. To obtain information about these requirements or to apply for the benefit, seniors should contact their local Social Security office in person or call (800) 772-1213. 

Elderlife Bridge Loan

For seniors who are unable to receive Medicaid or other government financial assistance, Elderlife Financial Services provides assistance in paying for the cost of assisted living by offering elder bridge loans to seniors. Bridge loans are paid directly to the applicant’s assisted living facility upon approval and are paid back in monthly installments by the senior and their cosigners.

Eligibility is dependent on credit and income, but applicants can use up to six cosigners, which can increase their chances of approval and help to reduce monthly payments. Seniors can apply for a loan online or by calling (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies help seniors to pay for the cost of assisted living or other long-term care. Generally, these insurance policies need to be purchased before the policyholder reaches a point where they require long-term care. Monthly premiums, deductibles and eligibility vary depending on the provider and plan purchased. 

Assisted Living Resources in Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa Senior Center

Senior centers generally offer a central gathering place for seniors aged 55 and older and provide activities and services that may include congregate meals, fitness classes, day trips or senior dances. 

Bennett Valley Senior Center
704 Bennett Valley Road Santa Rosa, California 95404
(707) 545-8608

Senior Advocacy Programs

Senior advocates typically provide a range of services to senior citizens that may include benefits assistance, case management services and connecting seniors with useful resources in their communities.

Council on Aging – Services for Seniors
1050 3rd Street Santa Rosa, California 95404
(707) 525-4487

Veterans Affairs

Seniors who have served in the military may be eligible for financial, medical and social assistance provided by Veterans Affairs (VA). To determine eligibility and which benefits are available, seniors can visit or call their nearest VA administration office. Those who are eligible for health benefits may receive care at any VA medical clinic. 

Sonoma County Veterans Service Office
3725 Westwind Boulevard, First Floor Santa Rosa, California 95403
(707) 565-5960

Santa Rosa VA Clinic
3841 Brickway Boulevard Santa Rosa, California 95403
(707) 569-2300