Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Lake Forest, CA for 2024

Assisted living residences are often preferred settings for seniors who only require minimal personal assistance, nursing care and housekeeping services in a safe, secure environment. In Lake Forest, the average cost of assisted living is $5,000 per month, which is higher than the national average but mirrors the state average.

Seniors looking for more information about assisted living in Lake Forest will find it in this guide, which provides cost comparisons of other senior care options and assisted living costs in other California cities. It also offers a roundup of benefits and drawbacks of retiring in Lake Forest and includes details on free resources for aging-related programs and services.

Assisted Living Facilities in Lake Forest, California

115 Results


Pets AllowedPhysical TherapyPool / Hot TubVeterans Benefits

Filters

115 Results

Sort By

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Caring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.

Call us at (855) 948-3865

1

2

3

6

What you can do with Caring

  • Search the Caring database

    Quickly search the largest online senior living and senior care directory

  • Read reviews and expert guidance

    Read our authentic consumer reviews and content by experts

  • Speak to a Family Advisor for free

    Guided, expert advice to find the best community or agency for you

  • Take a tour to decide yourself

    We’ll help you book tours or get in touch with local agencies

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Lake Forest

The California Department of Social Services, Senior Care Licensing Program licenses and monitors assisted living facilities in Lake Forest and around the state. The Adult and Senior Care Program sends out field staff to perform regulatory inspections of residential care facilities for the elderly, which includes annual and focused inspections and complaint investigations.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Lake Forest

  • Except for Social Security benefits, retirement income is fully taxed in Lake Forest, and California has some of the highest state income tax rates nationwide. However, the top rate is for millionaires, and it’s much less for low-income or middle-income seniors. The state has a 2.5% penalty on early withdrawals from IRAs, retirement plans and annuities on top of the 10% federal penalty.
  • California’s sales taxes are relatively high. The state sales tax rate is 6%, and Orange County adds 0.25% to this total. There’s also a special sales tax rate of 1.5% countywide, for a total combined sales tax rate of 7.75%. However, Orange County has a lower sales tax rate than 68.5% of California’s other cities and counties, and groceries and prescription drugs are tax-exempt.
  • Lake Forest doesn’t have a local hospital, but seniors only need to travel about 3 miles to MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills. MemorialCare is regionally ranked and rated high performing in nine adult procedures and conditions, including the treatment of heart attacks, heart failure, strokes and pneumonia.
  • Lake Forest offers a safe environment for seniors because crime rates are low. Violent crime in Lake Forest is rated at 13.3, with a rating of one being the best. The national average is 22.7, and the state average is 25.2. Property crime is also lower at 17.3 in Lake Forest compared to 35.4 nationwide and 37.1 statewide. Safewise ranked it sixth on its list of the 50 safest California cities compiled in 2021.
  • Lake Forest has a mild climate that includes about 14 inches of rain and zero snow annually, which is much lower than the national average. Seniors enjoy an average of 279 days of sunshine each year, also well above the national average. The Comfort Index for Lake Forest is 9.1, making it one of the most pleasant places in California.

Paying for Assisted Living in Lake Forest

Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey lists the average cost of assisted living in Lake Forest at $5,000 per month, which matches the statewide average. However, it’s about $700 higher than the national average.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Lake Forest’s average cost of assisted living is midrange for the state, so it’s higher than some cities while lower than others. Compared to Riverside and San Diego, the average cost of assisted living in Lake Forest is higher by $1,100 and $475 per month, respectively. Alternately, its monthly cost is $825 lower than El Centro’s and $845 less than Oxnard’s.

Lake Forest

$5,000

California

$5,000

The United States

$4,300

Riverside

$3,900

San Diego

$4,525

El Centro

$5,825

Oxnard

$5,845

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living isn’t the only type of senior care available to older adults in Lake Forest. Seniors may opt for adult day health care at an average cost of $1,647 monthly if they need minimal assistance. Seniors who want care in their homes may choose homemaker services at $5,434 or home health aides at $5,529 per month. For extensive personal and nursing care needs, nursing homes cost an average of $8,060 per month for semiprivate rooms or $10,570 for private rooms.

Homemaker Services

$5,434

Home Health Aide

$5,529

Adult Day Health Care

$1,647

Assisted Living Facility

$5,000

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$8,060

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$10,570

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lake Forest

Low-income seniors residing in Lake Forest may be eligible to apply for government funding to help pay for assisted living. There are currently two programs available: the 1915(c) Assisted Living Waiver program through Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income – Category G.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.

Financial Assistance in California

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Lake Forest

Many government entities and nonprofit organizations offer a variety of free resources for seniors in Lake Forest and throughout Orange County. Services and programs may cover everything from transportation and legal services to nutrition and social activities to help seniors stay healthy and active. 

ResourceContactService
Age Well Senior Services(949) 855-8033Age Well in Lake Forest provides critical programs, services and resources to seniors throughout Orange County to support their independence and promote their health and well-being. Programs and services include case management, transportation, congregate and delivered meals, health and wellness programs, senior centers, online classes, legal assistance and exercise programs, among others.
OC Office on Aging(714) 480-6450 or (800) 510-2020Orange County’s Office on Aging advocates on behalf of approximately 600,000 seniors aged 60 and older throughout the county. Programs and services focus on improving access to nutritious food, appropriate housing and transportation. The Office on Aging also strives to enhance the health and safety of the county's older adults while helping them remain active through social interactions.
Council on Aging Southern California(714) 479-0107The Council on Aging Southern California is a nonprofit that offers free services to seniors aged 60 or older and their families. It provides programs, services and unbiased information to seniors across Orange County and four other SOCAL counties. Services include concierge care navigators, friendly visitor programs, long-term care ombudsman, educational seminars, volunteer opportunities, support groups, special events and senior protection programs, among others.
COASC Long-Term Ombudsman(800) 300-6222 or (800) 231-4024COASC LTC ombudsmen advocate for residents of assisted living facilities, board and care homes and nursing homes. They mediate, investigate complaints and attempt to resolve issues. Ombudsmen also investigate suspected neglect and physical, emotional or mental abuse of residents and report serious facility violations to state licensing agencies.
The Clubhouse for Seniors(949) 461-3408Lake Forest’s Clubhouse for Seniors is a free drop-in program with various activities and services for adults aged 50 or older. Programs and services include transportation, games, monthly tournaments, exercise classes, wellness lectures, book clubs, computer classes, movies and craft classes, among others.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Lake Forest

Lake Forest-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in California are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in California

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Randy W.

I visited this facility

Review of Freedom Village

My mother was a resident of Freedom Village/ Lake Forest Ca. She passed away while residing in the assisted living facility of Freedom Village. Shortly after a fall she passed away. Before...

Provider response

Randy, we are disheartened to read your review. Your mother was a valued resident of Freedom Village and we mourned her loss when she passed away three years ago. Freedom Village is dedicated to...

Read more

Assisted Living

Reviewer#DT0327

I visited this facility

Review of Leisure Lodge III

When I visited Leisure Lodge III, it was tight to fit the wheelchair through the doorways, but the rest of the house was okay. There are four bedrooms, two are private and two are shared. I met...

Read more

Assisted Living

Reviewer#DT0327

I visited this facility

Review of Serene Valley Care Home

Serene Valley Care Home is a little bit better than the other place I saw, but I thought that the price was high for what they gave you for the facility. They say that there are no activities. One...

Read more

Helpful Articles

Assisted Living near Lake Forest, CA

Laguna WoodsLaguna HillsMission ViejoAliso ViejoIrvineLaguna Niguel

Other Options in Lake Forest, CA

Business Owners

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Caregiving Resources

  • Sitemap

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy


© 2024 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.