The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Dana Point, CA for 2023

 

Dana Point is home to one of the few harbors along the Orange County coast, making it a popular destination for those who enjoy water-based activities. Its pleasant weather and sunny skies make it an attractive retirement option, with seniors comprising about a fifth of its 32,000 residents, and features such as minimal crime and high access to health care appeal to those seeking long-term care.

The Dana Point region is home to numerous assisted living facilities that accommodate active seniors who need help with daily living activities. These facilities have dedicated caregivers who provide personal care and support, along with amenities such as hair salons, movie theaters and fitness centers. They also provide time-saving services, such as daily meal preparation, transportation and housekeeping. On average, seniors in this region pay $5,250 per month for assisted living, which is equal to the California norm but hundreds of dollars higher than the national average of $4,500.

This guide outlines some programs that can help seniors pay for assisted living in Dana Point, as well as some resources that help them navigate the system. It also highlights benefits and drawbacks of relocating to this region for long-term care. 

The California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, licenses all assisted living communities in Dana Point. This department enforces rules related to care planning, supportive services, staffing and housing requirements to support a consistent standard of care for all residents. It also conducts regular facility inspections and investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents.

 

• On a 100-point crime index, Dana Point scores 10.9 for violent crime and 25.4 for property crime, compared to national scores of 22.7 and 35.4, making this city an attractive option for those seeking a safe retirement community. Additionally, the number of crime occurrences has been decreasing over the past decade, which may provide peace of mind to prospective assisted living residents.
• Dana Point has a temperate climate, with year-round temperatures ranging from 43 to 83 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are wet and mild with virtually no snow, and summers are warm and pleasant. The city sees about 275 sunny days annually and receives precipitation just 36 days out of the year, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Many assisted living facilities feature outdoor amenities, such as walking paths and gardens, to let residents enjoy the weather throughout the year.
• Dana Point’s overall cost of living gives the city a rating of 204.8 on an index based on a national norm of 100, indicating that it’s among the more expensive communities to live in nationwide. Housing prices are about four times higher than the national average, and seniors can expect to spend more on groceries and transportation here than in a typical U.S. city. While this may be prohibitive for some people considering assisted living in Dana Point, programs such as the Assisted Living Waiver may help them afford expenses.
• California imposes some of the highest state income taxes in the nation, and with the exception of Social Security benefits, seniors pay taxes on all forms of retirement income. However, the state provides a personal exemption along with a senior income tax exemption, which may help some seniors afford local assisted living expenses.
• Several hospitals are located near Dana Point, including Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo and Providence Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, both of which are within 5 miles of the city center. There are approximately 249 doctors per capita compared to the national norm of 210, and many assisted living facilities have on-call physicians who provide on-site care.

 

 

Dana Point seniors pay approximately $5,250 per month for assisted living.

In Dana Point, assisted living facilities charge monthly median rates of $5,250, which is 17% higher than the national norm but in line with California's average. The city may be a budget-friendly alternative to care in El Centro, where residents pay $6,150 for assisted living, as well as Oxnard, where monthly fees average $5,750. Similarly, rates in San Diego are about 4% higher than in Dana Point, although seniors may save $1,250 per month by opting for care in Riverside.

There are several senior care options available in the Dana Point region to accommodate varying lifestyle preferences and budgets. Assisted living costs approximately $5,250 per month and includes housing, meals, recreational activities and amenities and personal care, making it the most cost-effective solution for many older adults. While adult day health care is considerably more affordable at $1,652, this option is limited to daytime services in a community setting. Similarly, in-home care and home health care don’t include housing, but these options exceed the cost of assisted living by 13%. Nursing home care, which includes 24-hour medical support, is the costliest option at $9,125.

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.