Irvine is centrally located between Los Angeles and San Diego, offering a range of health care options, shopping and dining venues and entertainment. While its cultural amenities make it a popular vacation destination, its number of permanent residents has grown significantly over the past decade. Over 300,000 people live here, one in 10 of whom are aged 65 and over. Its comfortable climate appeals to older adults seeking retirement in Southern California, and high access to public transportation makes the city livable for those without private vehicles. It also has an active senior center and a wide range of long-term care options for seniors.

Assisted living is a preferred care option for seniors seeking comfort, convenience and affordability. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey shows that, on average, seniors in Irvine pay $5,250 for care, which is on par with the state average despite the city’s relatively high living costs. Assisted living is a cost-effective alternative to home-based care and offers a worry-free lifestyle with housing, meals, personal care and scheduled daily activities.

This guide provides an overview of options for paying for services, as well as a list of top resources that help Irvine seniors find care.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Irvine, CA

2023

Atria Golden Creek

33 Creek Road, Irvine, CA, 92604

My parents moved into Atria Golden Creek. The staff is very kind and the facility is spotlessly clean. It’s just great management and excellent food. They have a really nice theater, church services, … (read more)
My parents moved into Atria Golden Creek. The staff is very kind and the facility is spotlessly clean. It’s just great management and excellent food. They have a really nice theater, church services, … (read more)

2013, 2015, 2016

Brookdale Irvine

10 Marquette, Irvine, CA, 92612

Brookdale Irvine is an assisted living community located just minutes from the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve. Family members of residents give the facility high marks for the large variety of healthy … (read more)
Brookdale Irvine is an assisted living community located just minutes from the San Joaquin Marsh Reserve. Family members of residents give the facility high marks for the large variety of healthy … (read more)
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2013, 2015, 2016

2013, 2016

Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine

1 Witherspoon, Irvine, CA, 92604

Room is nice and facility is well kept for the most part, although there have been plumbing issues and recently the fire alarms have been going off randomly. Frequent staff turnover which I suppose is … (read more)
Room is nice and facility is well kept for the most part, although there have been plumbing issues and recently the fire alarms have been going off randomly. Frequent staff turnover which I suppose is … (read more)

Whispering Oaks – Waverly

14782 Waverly Lane, Irvine, CA, 92620

I didn’t care for Whispering Oaks – Waverly very much at all. The rooms were very small. Everything was very clean, but it was very dated and not very well appointed. I know it’s a different type of f … (read more)
I didn’t care for Whispering Oaks – Waverly very much at all. The rooms were very small. Everything was very clean, but it was very dated and not very well appointed. I know it’s a different type of f … (read more)

Whispering Oaks – Ranchgrove

4531 Ranchgrove Drive, Irvine, CA, 92620


Regents Point

19191 Harvard Avenue, Irvine, CA, 92612

My wife and I moved to Regents Point a little over four years ago. We knew that we were going to a very nice facility located near the UCI campus where we could easily walk to the shops that support t … (read more)
My wife and I moved to Regents Point a little over four years ago. We knew that we were going to a very nice facility located near the UCI campus where we could easily walk to the shops that support t … (read more)

Whispering Oaks – Yankee

2 Yankee St, Irvine, CA, 92620

Food brought to facility for resident disappears and the constantly changing staff knows nothing about it. Staff often doesnt speak English. Facility is clean! Staff stability is a constant problem. E … (read more)
Food brought to facility for resident disappears and the constantly changing staff knows nothing about it. Staff often doesnt speak English. Facility is clean! Staff stability is a constant problem. E … (read more)

2013

The Groves at Tustin

1262 Bryan Ave, Tustin, CA, 92780

My mom has moved into The Groves at Tustin. They have assisted living and memory care, which was important to us. I liked the size of the rooms, not too big, not too small. Everything was clean, and t … (read more)
My mom has moved into The Groves at Tustin. They have assisted living and memory care, which was important to us. I liked the size of the rooms, not too big, not too small. Everything was clean, and t … (read more)

2013

Park Plaza

620 South Glassell Street, Orange, CA, 92866

My sister has been in Park Plaza since last year. She has a two-bedroom apartment. It’s aging in place. When you move in your apartment is redone for you, So you get everything done. New floors, new p … (read more)
My sister has been in Park Plaza since last year. She has a two-bedroom apartment. It’s aging in place. When you move in your apartment is redone for you, So you get everything done. New floors, new p … (read more)

Crown Cove Senior Living

3901 East Coast Highway, Newport Beach, CA, 92625

Give Noemi a raise. Rooms are very satisfactory Thank you for a delicious lunch View are excellent A place we could consider for the future.
Give Noemi a raise. Rooms are very satisfactory Thank you for a delicious lunch View are excellent A place we could consider for the future.

2014

Ivy Park of Wellington – Laguna Woods, CA

24962 Calle Aragon, Laguna Woods, CA, 92637

I went to look at Ivy Park of Wellington. I like the daily activities, the food, and the facility. They have a gym, a movie theater, and a wide range of activities. The menu looked very appealing. The … (read more)
I went to look at Ivy Park of Wellington. I like the daily activities, the food, and the facility. They have a gym, a movie theater, and a wide range of activities. The menu looked very appealing. The … (read more)

2015

Pacifica Senior Living South Coast

2619 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA, 92627

Pacifica Senior Living South Coast is tucked into the heart of Costa Mesa, CA, just east of Fairview Park. Residents are very pleased by the pet-friendly facility; they are encouraged to bring their d … (read more)
Pacifica Senior Living South Coast is tucked into the heart of Costa Mesa, CA, just east of Fairview Park. Residents are very pleased by the pet-friendly facility; they are encouraged to bring their d … (read more)

Ivy Park at Laguna Woods

24441 Calle Sonora, Laguna Woods, CA, 92637

My mother moved into Ivy Park at Laguna Woods. It’s perfect for her. It’s not overly expensive but it’s very, very nice. The people there seem to like their jobs, and they are very friendly. The food … (read more)
My mother moved into Ivy Park at Laguna Woods. It’s perfect for her. It’s not overly expensive but it’s very, very nice. The people there seem to like their jobs, and they are very friendly. The food … (read more)

The Ivy at Wellington – Laguna Hills, CA

24903 Moulton Parkway, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92653

The Ivy at Wellington – Laguna Hills, CA was beautiful. It was very nice. We were very impressed. The tour was very helpful. They covered everything. The staff who accommodated us with the tour was ve … (read more)
The Ivy at Wellington – Laguna Hills, CA was beautiful. It was very nice. We were very impressed. The tour was very helpful. They covered everything. The staff who accommodated us with the tour was ve … (read more)

Genesis Senior Living I

824 S Winthrope St., Orange, CA, 92869

My mom has been placed into Genesis Senior Living I. It’s very clean, helpful, and caring. The staff are very helpful, very assuring and very loving. I have not tried their food, but I’ve watched my m … (read more)
My mom has been placed into Genesis Senior Living I. It’s very clean, helpful, and caring. The staff are very helpful, very assuring and very loving. I have not tried their food, but I’ve watched my m … (read more)

Hollybrook Senior Living of Orange

2025 North Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA, 92706

Hollybrook Senior Living of Orange is conveniently located close to Main Street and 17th Street, where you can easily find a number of restaurants, stores and entertainment venues. The facility is wel … (read more)
Hollybrook Senior Living of Orange is conveniently located close to Main Street and 17th Street, where you can easily find a number of restaurants, stores and entertainment venues. The facility is wel … (read more)

2013

Ivy Park at Tustin

12291 South Newport Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92705

Ivy Park at Tustin is an assisted living and memory care facility located less than two miles north of Tustin, CA. Residents can choose from a studio apartment up to a two-bedroom apartment, each equi … (read more)
Ivy Park at Tustin is an assisted living and memory care facility located less than two miles north of Tustin, CA. Residents can choose from a studio apartment up to a two-bedroom apartment, each equi … (read more)

Heyday Senior Living – Costa Mesa

2750 Lorenzo Ave., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626

Heyday Senior Living – Costa Mesa was a nice location. It was a nice home. The caregiver seemed very professional, very nice. She seemed very caring about her charges, but it was not the place for my … (read more)
Heyday Senior Living – Costa Mesa was a nice location. It was a nice home. The caregiver seemed very professional, very nice. She seemed very caring about her charges, but it was not the place for my … (read more)

Serene Valley Care Home

24321 Blueridge Road, Lake Forest, CA, 92630

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 lad … (read more)
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 lad … (read more)

Leisure Lodge II

24362 Fordview Street, Lake Forest, CA, 92630

My mother moved into Leisure Lodge 2. Everything is fine so far, and she’s sharing a nice, clean room with another resident. We don’t have any complaints about the food, and the staff is great.
My mother moved into Leisure Lodge 2. Everything is fine so far, and she’s sharing a nice, clean room with another resident. We don’t have any complaints about the food, and the staff is great.

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Irvine

Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in California. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Irvine

The California Senior Care Licensing Program licenses and monitors assisted living facilities, also called residential care facilities for the elderly, in Irvine and the rest of the state. The Orange County Adult & Senior Care Regional Office oversees assisted living facilities in Irvine and fields complaints regarding substandard care. To contact the office, individuals can call (714) 703-2840.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Irvine

  • California has a high income tax rate and imposes taxation on all types of retirement income, except for Social Security benefits. To help seniors file their state taxes and identify deductions they qualify for, many local seniors centers and organizations, such as the Area Agency on Aging, provide free tax assistance.
  • Health costs in Irvine average about 10% below the national norm, and the city has nearly 250 doctors per capita, ensuring accessible care for seniors. Two major medical facilities are within the city limits, including Irvine Medical Center and Hoag Orthopedic Institute, and over a hundred more hospitals are within driving distance.
  • Irvine residents have access to a range of public transportation options, helping them to avoid heavy traffic and reduce their reliance on private vehicles. In addition to the fixed route services offered by Metrolink and iShuttle, the city operates ACCESS, which provides door-to-door service for those unable to drive.
  • Irvine’s comfortable climate makes the city a top retirement destination for seniors who enjoy relaxing outdoors. The city gets 281 sunny days annually compared to the national average of 205, and there are only 36 rainy days and a total annual rainfall average of 13 inches. Summers are warm with high temperatures around 82 degrees, and winters are mild with lows in the mid-40s.
  • Irvine’s air quality is very poor and may impact the health of seniors and those with cardiovascular or respiratory illnesses. The American Lung Association gives Orange County the lowest grades for ozone and 24-hour particle pollution and a passing grade for annual particle pollution levels. Seniors who are sensitive to air pollution may want to take advantage of their assisted living facility’s indoor activities.
  • As is typical of the region, the cost of living in Irvine is high, exceeding the national average by about 80%. This is mainly due to very high housing costs, which seniors may be able to avoid by moving to assisted living.

Paying for Assisted Living in Irvine

Assisted living rates in Irvine are consistent with the rest of California, averaging an estimated $5,250 per month. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Assisted living facilities in Irvine charge $5,250 per month for services, which is the same as the state average but several hundred dollars more than the national median of $4,500. In San Diego, rates are a couple of hundred dollars higher at $5,475, and in Oxnard, facilities charge $500 more than those in Irvine, with fees coming in at $5,750. Seniors in El Centro pay considerably higher rates of $6,150, but in Riverside, facilities charge $4,000, over $1,000 less than in Irvine. 

$5250

Irvine

$5250

California

$4500

United States

$5750

Oxnard

$5475

San Diego

$6150

El Centro

$4000

Riverside

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

In Irvine, seniors in assisted living pay $5,250 per month for care. This is hundreds of dollars cheaper than the cost of obtaining care in a private home, which costs approximately $5,911 for basic in-home care and specialized home health care. Nursing homes, which provide 24-hour medical monitoring and care for those with extensive needs, charge base rates of $9,125. Adult day health care is the only recorded option cheaper than assisted living, with monthly fees averaging $1,652. 

$5911

In-Home Care

$5911

Home Health Care

$1652

Adult Day Health Care

$5250

Assisted Living Facility

$9125

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

Note: Data for Irvine was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Irvine

The state of California’s Medicaid 1915(c) Assisted Living Waiver will pay for the services provided by residential care facilities for eligible seniors who live in certain counties, including Orange County. 

California offers seniors an optional supplement to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) that can be used to help pay for room and board in residential care facilities. 

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

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities 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 Irvine

While it can be challenging to find the best assisted living option, seniors in Irvine have access to a network of organizations that provide free assistance, including the local senior center, the Area Agency on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Connection. These organizations help older adults research local facilities and find ways to pay for services.

Resource
Contact
Description

(949) 724-6600

There are three senior centers in Irvine, including Lakeview Senior Center, Rancho Senior Center and Trabuco Center. At these locations, members participate in a range of activities, including games, art classes and fitness classes. Centers may also offer on-site amenities such as cafes, fitness centers and computer labs.

(714) 480-6450

The county’s Office on Aging administers a range of free services to seniors in Irvine, including information and referrals for community-based services, congregate meal programs and health insurance options counseling. It also provides nonemergency medical transportation to supplement the transportation services available through assisted living.

(800) 300-6222

The long-term care ombudsman visits assisted living facilities in Irvine and helps staff and residents find solutions to problems related to services and care planning. They can also help residents understand their rights and file complaints regarding substandard care.

(714) 571-5200

Community Legal Aid specializes in helping those aged 60 and over handle legal issues, such as aggressive debt collection practices, canceled health insurance policies or benefits overpayment. Seniors can also get help with filing applications for federal benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income, which can help pay for assisted living.

(714) 953-5757

RSVP is a volunteer network that matches those aged 55 and over with volunteer opportunities that fit their interests and experience. Seniors can serve in a range of capacities in schools, libraries, museums and hospitals. In exchange, they may get benefits such as supplement insurance and recognition at annual events.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Irvine

Irvine Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities 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