Menlo Park, California, a city of 33,780 people, is located in San Mateo County between San Francisco and San Jose. Seniors aged 65 and older make up 14% of the population, and the city is surrounded by parks and protected natural forests. Senior Menlo Park residents can enjoy strolling through the gardens and museums of the Allied Artists Guild and visiting its shops and cafés. The walkable downtown also features shopping, dining and several art galleries. The Menlo Park campus of the Palo Alto Veterans Medical Center offers comprehensive healthcare services for veterans.
Seniors who require some assistance with daily living activities such as grooming, dressing and preparing meals might enjoy living in an assisted living community. Housekeeping and laundry services as well as meals are provided, and transportation to appointments and activities is often included. The cost of assisted living is $6,100 per month in Menlo Park, which is a bit higher than the $5,000 median for the state.
This guide examines the benefits and drawbacks of living in Menlo Park. It compares the local cost of assisted living with other parts of the state and types of senior care, and provides information about available aging-related resources.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Menlo Park, CA
644 Menlo Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025
My wife stayed at Orchid Lane. The people loved her, and she loved the people there. She really enjoyed the food, but her disease got to the point where she started having hallucinations. She refused
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My wife stayed at Orchid Lane. The people loved her, and she loved the people there. She really enjoyed the food, but her disease got to the point where she started having hallucinations. She refused to eat or drink and she ended up going to the hospital and to a memory care facility. It was a small residence with six people. The layout was fantastic, and the place was very homey. It felt like family there. At the time she was there, I had a caretaker pick her up and take her swimming in the morning and to Rosener House for activities in the afternoon. The facility was outstanding. They had a nice little patio in the back with a garden area, and even though it might have been 100 degrees outside during the summer, it was cool there. There were no activities.
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My wife stayed at Orchid Lane. The people loved her, and she loved the people there. She really enjoyed the food, but her disease got to the point where she started having hallucinations. She refused
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My wife stayed at Orchid Lane. The people loved her, and she loved the people there. She really enjoyed the food, but her disease got to the point where she started having hallucinations. She refused to eat or drink and she ended up going to the hospital and to a memory care facility. It was a small residence with six people. The layout was fantastic, and the place was very homey. It felt like family there. At the time she was there, I had a caretaker pick her up and take her swimming in the morning and to Rosener House for activities in the afternoon. The facility was outstanding. They had a nice little patio in the back with a garden area, and even though it might have been 100 degrees outside during the summer, it was cool there. There were no activities.
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16 Coleman Place, Menlo Park, CA, 94025
Silver Point Plaza was an old facility that needed updating. It did not meet the needs of my dad, but the staff seemed to be very friendly and eager. The place was clean and provided activities.
Silver Point Plaza was an old facility that needed updating. It did not meet the needs of my dad, but the staff seemed to be very friendly and eager. The place was clean and provided activities.
1379 Madera Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025
485 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA, 94061
For older people downsizing, Brookdale, located in Redwood City, California, receives high praise. Reviewers state that the comfortable apartments, planned activities, and delicious food are some of t
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For older people downsizing, Brookdale, located in Redwood City, California, receives high praise. Reviewers state that the comfortable apartments, planned activities, and delicious food are some of the amenities that the residents enjoy the most. There are different levels of care available at Brookdale, which families say makes it easier to ease their loved one into senior living. Nutritious meals are prepared onsite, served communally in the dining room, with assistance where needed. Many residents praise the activities highly, citing the game nights, Bingo games, and offsite activities as their personal favorites. Minibuses are available for transportation.
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For older people downsizing, Brookdale, located in Redwood City, California, receives high praise. Reviewers state that the comfortable apartments, planned activities, and delicious food are some of t
… (read more)
For older people downsizing, Brookdale, located in Redwood City, California, receives high praise. Reviewers state that the comfortable apartments, planned activities, and delicious food are some of the amenities that the residents enjoy the most. There are different levels of care available at Brookdale, which families say makes it easier to ease their loved one into senior living. Nutritious meals are prepared onsite, served communally in the dining room, with assistance where needed. Many residents praise the activities highly, citing the game nights, Bingo games, and offsite activities as their personal favorites. Minibuses are available for transportation.
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2883 South Norfolk Street, San Mateo, CA, 94403
Atria Park of San Mateo is located in San Mateo, California with a waterfront location close to Laurelwood Park and Bair Island Ecological Reserve and 20 minutes from Downtown San Francisco. Loved one
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Atria Park of San Mateo is located in San Mateo, California with a waterfront location close to Laurelwood Park and Bair Island Ecological Reserve and 20 minutes from Downtown San Francisco. Loved ones praise the well-kept grounds and cleanliness of the facility. They say that the unstructured dining schedule allows residents to eat at any time and comment on multiple daily activities that take place, including cards and Bingo. Visitors will sometimes play the piano and host sing-a-longs. Larger party events are open to both residents and loved ones. Loved ones appreciate sightseeing tours provided by the facility and the attentiveness the staff.
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Atria Park of San Mateo is located in San Mateo, California with a waterfront location close to Laurelwood Park and Bair Island Ecological Reserve and 20 minutes from Downtown San Francisco. Loved one
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Atria Park of San Mateo is located in San Mateo, California with a waterfront location close to Laurelwood Park and Bair Island Ecological Reserve and 20 minutes from Downtown San Francisco. Loved ones praise the well-kept grounds and cleanliness of the facility. They say that the unstructured dining schedule allows residents to eat at any time and comment on multiple daily activities that take place, including cards and Bingo. Visitors will sometimes play the piano and host sing-a-longs. Larger party events are open to both residents and loved ones. Loved ones appreciate sightseeing tours provided by the facility and the attentiveness the staff.
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633 S. Knickerbocker Drive, Sunnyvale, CA, 94087
Sunrise of Sunnyvale is situated in Sunnyvale, California, near the interchange of Highways 82 and 85. It’s close to a variety of stores and restaurants, Sutter Health and El Camino Hospital. Family m
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Sunrise of Sunnyvale is situated in Sunnyvale, California, near the interchange of Highways 82 and 85. It’s close to a variety of stores and restaurants, Sutter Health and El Camino Hospital. Family members note the clean, modern facility that’s bright and cheerful and has a nice outside patio with a fountain. Residents appreciate the exercise classes, movie nights, card games and arts and crafts. Seniors receive three healthy meals a day served restaurant style. Visitors comment on the pleasant staff who are caring, attentive and go out of their way to help others.
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Sunrise of Sunnyvale is situated in Sunnyvale, California, near the interchange of Highways 82 and 85. It’s close to a variety of stores and restaurants, Sutter Health and El Camino Hospital. Family m
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Sunrise of Sunnyvale is situated in Sunnyvale, California, near the interchange of Highways 82 and 85. It’s close to a variety of stores and restaurants, Sutter Health and El Camino Hospital. Family members note the clean, modern facility that’s bright and cheerful and has a nice outside patio with a fountain. Residents appreciate the exercise classes, movie nights, card games and arts and crafts. Seniors receive three healthy meals a day served restaurant style. Visitors comment on the pleasant staff who are caring, attentive and go out of their way to help others.
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707 Thayer Lane, Foster City, CA, 94404
Atria at Foster Square is tucked away in Foster City, California, a short drive from Laurelwood Park. Some of the most popular amenities include a fitness center, library and a studio. Residents enjoy
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Atria at Foster Square is tucked away in Foster City, California, a short drive from Laurelwood Park. Some of the most popular amenities include a fitness center, library and a studio. Residents enjoy the waterfront views from their balconies, and each suite is equipped with a private bathroom and walk-in closet. Atria at Foster Square features three distinct restaurants, each with its own menu and daily selection of entrees. Residents are fond of taking short walks to the nearby cafes and boutiques on the main road.
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Atria at Foster Square is tucked away in Foster City, California, a short drive from Laurelwood Park. Some of the most popular amenities include a fitness center, library and a studio. Residents enjoy
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Atria at Foster Square is tucked away in Foster City, California, a short drive from Laurelwood Park. Some of the most popular amenities include a fitness center, library and a studio. Residents enjoy the waterfront views from their balconies, and each suite is equipped with a private bathroom and walk-in closet. Atria at Foster Square features three distinct restaurants, each with its own menu and daily selection of entrees. Residents are fond of taking short walks to the nearby cafes and boutiques on the main road.
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1174 Los Altos Avenue, Los Altos, CA, 94022
I toured BridgePoint at Los Altos and I loved it. If they had had a transition to a memory care unit, I wouldn’t have looked any further. That was my top choice. Unfortunately, it won’t work for us. T
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I toured BridgePoint at Los Altos and I loved it. If they had had a transition to a memory care unit, I wouldn’t have looked any further. That was my top choice. Unfortunately, it won’t work for us. The grounds were beautiful. There were several areas for people to sit out and enjoy. The landscaping was lovely. The staff during the tour was wonderful. She understood that this was not going to be a solution for us, but she was certainly willing to show me around and give me the tour. I saw some social groups. I didn’t see any organized activities, per se. The dining area was great. It was set up nicely for small groups of people to sit at their tables, and it just looked like a very nice place to be.
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I toured BridgePoint at Los Altos and I loved it. If they had had a transition to a memory care unit, I wouldn’t have looked any further. That was my top choice. Unfortunately, it won’t work for us. T
… (read more)
I toured BridgePoint at Los Altos and I loved it. If they had had a transition to a memory care unit, I wouldn’t have looked any further. That was my top choice. Unfortunately, it won’t work for us. The grounds were beautiful. There were several areas for people to sit out and enjoy. The landscaping was lovely. The staff during the tour was wonderful. She understood that this was not going to be a solution for us, but she was certainly willing to show me around and give me the tour. I saw some social groups. I didn’t see any organized activities, per se. The dining area was great. It was set up nicely for small groups of people to sit at their tables, and it just looked like a very nice place to be.
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600 Sand Hill Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304
The Vi is beautiful, it’s wonderful, and elegant. Beautiful swimming pools, tennis courts, it’s extremely attractive. If it’s me by myself I would be living there. The rooms were big and lovely. I hav
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The Vi is beautiful, it’s wonderful, and elegant. Beautiful swimming pools, tennis courts, it’s extremely attractive. If it’s me by myself I would be living there. The rooms were big and lovely. I have no criticisms of the place, I thought it was just beautiful. The service, the waitress and the food that we had there are very elegant, I have no complaints.
I had dinner with them. The food was very excellent. The problem was my partner, the person I would be sharing a residence with is a vegan. We inquired about that, but they said that they don’t provide special diets for diabetics or gluten-free diet. But he’s a vegan, and they prepared a special dish for him. They don’t have special vegan diet. So that’s the big problem. If it weren’t for that I would move in right away.
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The Vi is beautiful, it’s wonderful, and elegant. Beautiful swimming pools, tennis courts, it’s extremely attractive. If it’s me by myself I would be living there. The rooms were big and lovely. I hav
… (read more)
The Vi is beautiful, it’s wonderful, and elegant. Beautiful swimming pools, tennis courts, it’s extremely attractive. If it’s me by myself I would be living there. The rooms were big and lovely. I have no criticisms of the place, I thought it was just beautiful. The service, the waitress and the food that we had there are very elegant, I have no complaints.
I had dinner with them. The food was very excellent. The problem was my partner, the person I would be sharing a residence with is a vegan. We inquired about that, but they said that they don’t provide special diets for diabetics or gluten-free diet. But he’s a vegan, and they prepared a special dish for him. They don’t have special vegan diet. So that’s the big problem. If it weren’t for that I would move in right away.
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2701 El Camino Real, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
Ivy Park at Palo Alto is located in the heart of Palo Alto, near a wide variety of stores and restaurants and adjacent to Stanford University, which includes Stanford Hospital. Visitors give high prai
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Ivy Park at Palo Alto is located in the heart of Palo Alto, near a wide variety of stores and restaurants and adjacent to Stanford University, which includes Stanford Hospital. Visitors give high praise to the bright, spacious facility, with its well-designed rooms, tasteful furnishings and abundant parking options. Residents appreciate the library, the exercise and entertainment rooms and the family dining area that can be reserved for birthdays or special occasions. Family members praise the high level of safety and security evident in the facility as well as the impressive, helpful staff.
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Ivy Park at Palo Alto is located in the heart of Palo Alto, near a wide variety of stores and restaurants and adjacent to Stanford University, which includes Stanford Hospital. Visitors give high prai
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Ivy Park at Palo Alto is located in the heart of Palo Alto, near a wide variety of stores and restaurants and adjacent to Stanford University, which includes Stanford Hospital. Visitors give high praise to the bright, spacious facility, with its well-designed rooms, tasteful furnishings and abundant parking options. Residents appreciate the library, the exercise and entertainment rooms and the family dining area that can be reserved for birthdays or special occasions. Family members praise the high level of safety and security evident in the facility as well as the impressive, helpful staff.
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1010 Alameda de Las Pulgas, Belmont, CA, 94002
Ivy Park at Belmont is an assisted living facility located in Belmont, California just moments from Barrett Park and several banks, shopping centers and restaurants. Residents of the facility and thei
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Ivy Park at Belmont is an assisted living facility located in Belmont, California just moments from Barrett Park and several banks, shopping centers and restaurants. Residents of the facility and their guests enjoy 24-hour trained staff, three balanced meals served daily with an array of menu choices and snacks available throughout the day. Residents are proud of the facility’s range of amenities, which include a beauty/barber shop, TV room, spa and library, as well as resident parking, a party space, resident transportation and private cleaning services. Residents also appreciate the activities such as religious services, games, music, Wii Sports and gardening.
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Ivy Park at Belmont is an assisted living facility located in Belmont, California just moments from Barrett Park and several banks, shopping centers and restaurants. Residents of the facility and thei
… (read more)
Ivy Park at Belmont is an assisted living facility located in Belmont, California just moments from Barrett Park and several banks, shopping centers and restaurants. Residents of the facility and their guests enjoy 24-hour trained staff, three balanced meals served daily with an array of menu choices and snacks available throughout the day. Residents are proud of the facility’s range of amenities, which include a beauty/barber shop, TV room, spa and library, as well as resident parking, a party space, resident transportation and private cleaning services. Residents also appreciate the activities such as religious services, games, music, Wii Sports and gardening.
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1 East Selby Lane, Redwood City, CA, 94063
I went to Sunrise of Redwood City. I toured their assisted living and memory care. I like that it was a complete care center where they don’t force them to leave if they get too sick. The buildings we
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I went to Sunrise of Redwood City. I toured their assisted living and memory care. I like that it was a complete care center where they don’t force them to leave if they get too sick. The buildings were very nice. It’s brand new. The person who assisted me was very knowledgeable. She answered all my questions. I saw that there was a lecture going on. The rooms were nice. There was a nice variety of sizes and designs.
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I went to Sunrise of Redwood City. I toured their assisted living and memory care. I like that it was a complete care center where they don’t force them to leave if they get too sick. The buildings we
… (read more)
I went to Sunrise of Redwood City. I toured their assisted living and memory care. I like that it was a complete care center where they don’t force them to leave if they get too sick. The buildings were very nice. It’s brand new. The person who assisted me was very knowledgeable. She answered all my questions. I saw that there was a lecture going on. The rooms were nice. There was a nice variety of sizes and designs.
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4075 El Camino Way, Palo Alto, CA, 94306
Palo Alto Commons looked very clean and welcoming. I felt very comfortable there. The room was adequate. The woman during the tour was very good, very kind and welcoming, and interested in my problems
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Palo Alto Commons looked very clean and welcoming. I felt very comfortable there. The room was adequate. The woman during the tour was very good, very kind and welcoming, and interested in my problems and how to solve them. I was offered the opportunity to come to have a meal there, but I have not taken them up on that. It looked like a nice sociable facility and socialization would be very important. We passed by a physical exercise class and that was good. I certainly think that my husband would be able to participate in that.
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Palo Alto Commons looked very clean and welcoming. I felt very comfortable there. The room was adequate. The woman during the tour was very good, very kind and welcoming, and interested in my problems
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Palo Alto Commons looked very clean and welcoming. I felt very comfortable there. The room was adequate. The woman during the tour was very good, very kind and welcoming, and interested in my problems and how to solve them. I was offered the opportunity to come to have a meal there, but I have not taken them up on that. It looked like a nice sociable facility and socialization would be very important. We passed by a physical exercise class and that was good. I certainly think that my husband would be able to participate in that.
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1025 Carson Drive, Sunnyvale, CA, 94086
We didnt care for Sunnyside Gardens. The rooms didnt have bathrooms; they had shared bathrooms down the hall to take a shower. Everybody seemed nice. It was clean, and the dining area was OK. The
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We didnt care for Sunnyside Gardens. The rooms didnt have bathrooms; they had shared bathrooms down the hall to take a shower. Everybody seemed nice. It was clean, and the dining area was OK. The location was good, but the rooms were small.
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We didnt care for Sunnyside Gardens. The rooms didnt have bathrooms; they had shared bathrooms down the hall to take a shower. Everybody seemed nice. It was clean, and the dining area was OK. The
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We didnt care for Sunnyside Gardens. The rooms didnt have bathrooms; they had shared bathrooms down the hall to take a shower. Everybody seemed nice. It was clean, and the dining area was OK. The location was good, but the rooms were small.
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1235 Hopkins Ave., Redwood City, CA, 94062
Hopkins Manor is the best of the best! They provide outstanding and loving service to their residents. My mother was one. Honestly, my family and I feel so blessed to have had them provide the care
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Hopkins Manor is the best of the best! They provide outstanding and loving service to their residents. My mother was one. Honestly, my family and I feel so blessed to have had them provide the care to our wonderful mom. And during her last weeks and final hours, they cared for us as well. They fed us, brought us blankets and pillows. We were very grateful towards their sincere care and generosity. I cannot say enough good things.
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Hopkins Manor is the best of the best! They provide outstanding and loving service to their residents. My mother was one. Honestly, my family and I feel so blessed to have had them provide the care
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Hopkins Manor is the best of the best! They provide outstanding and loving service to their residents. My mother was one. Honestly, my family and I feel so blessed to have had them provide the care to our wonderful mom. And during her last weeks and final hours, they cared for us as well. They fed us, brought us blankets and pillows. We were very grateful towards their sincere care and generosity. I cannot say enough good things.
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777 Bayview drive, San Carlos, CA, 94070
419 Topaz Street, Redwood City, CA, 94062
2921 Isabel Avenue, San Mateo, CA, 94403
1608 Alameda De Las Pulgas, Redwood City, CA, 94061
2634 Holland Street, San Mateo, CA, 94403
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Menlo Park
The California Department of Social Services is responsible for licensing and inspecting residential care facilities in Menlo Park and throughout the state. The department also keeps track of available beds and informs the public about senior residential care policies.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Menlo Park
- Menlo Park has a mild climate, with summer temperatures ranging from the low 50s to the high 70s. Winter temperatures rarely dip below 40 degrees, with highs in the 50s. The sun shines about 70% of the time, and most rainy days occur during the winter months.
- The San Francisco area, which includes Menlo Park, is ranked as the third-best city for seniors by Sperling’s Best Places, with a score of 100% for the environment. Menlo Park is just a 40-minute drive from the sights and attractions of downtown San Francisco.
- Although Menlo Park has a cost of living that’s higher than the United States as a whole, the cost of health care is three points lower than average. Additionally, Menlo Park has 302 physicians per 100,000 residents compared to the U.S. average of 210.
- In Menlo Park, the crime rates are low. The city has a violent crime rate of 9.8 on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the highest, and the U.S. average is 22.7. The property crime rate is also low at 28.7 compared to 35.4 for the country.
- Perched between Menlo Park and Palo Alto, Stanford University offers seniors the opportunity to continue learning. Classes, lectures and online discussions are available to the surrounding community, along with free or low-cost performances, lectures and workshops.
- Bedwell Bayfront Park is surrounded by a wildlife refuge. Located at the east end of the city, it’s a great spot for birdwatching and photography. Some of the walking and biking trails there are wheelchair-accessible.
Paying for Assisted Living in Menlo Park
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020, the cost of assisted living in Menlo Park is $6,100 per month, which is significantly higher than the statewide average of $5,000 and the national median of $4,300 per month.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Although the cost of assisted living in Menlo Park is higher than the California and U.S. averages, it’s on par with other cities in the San Francisco Bay Area. Only Santa Clara has a higher cost at $6,800, and San Jose’s assisted living cost is lower at $5,875. Costs drop in cities further away from the Bay, such as Sacramento and Fresno, where rates average $5,395 and $4,750, respectively.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
At $6,100 per month, the cost of assisted living is about midrange compared to other options in Menlo Park. Seniors who prefer to age in place in their own homes can hire a homemaker or a home health aide at a median monthly cost of $6,101 for either service. For seniors who only need assistance on weekdays, adult day health care is a more affordable $1,950 per month. Full-time care in a nursing home ranges from $12,471 to $15,208 per month respectively for a semiprivate or private room.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Data for Menlo Park was unavailable, so data for San Francisco was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Menlo Park
Eligible seniors can find financial assistance services in Menlo Park through both the Medicaid 1915(c) Assisted Living Waiver Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and the optional state supplement (OSS).
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.
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 Menlo Park
Free resources are available to help Menlo Park seniors with finding transportation, navigating healthcare coverage and dealing with long-term care issues. Seniors can also find advocates for issues that arise in their assisted living communities.
The city hosts various programs for seniors at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, including congregate meals that older residents can enjoy with friends. They can also attend fun activities and classes. Seniors can paint, practice sewing or learn Spanish, and take part in exercise classes including armchair yoga and chair dancing.
The California Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an advocate for Menlo Park seniors in assisted living and other long-term care settings. The ombudsman deals with issues such as dietary problems and insufficient care. Seniors can also get advice and help from the ombudsman about medical care, rehabilitation and access to state benefits.
The San Mateo County Area Agency on Aging helps seniors connect with a wide range of resources, such as health promotion programs, transportation services and legal assistance through the county's Legal Aid Society. The AAA also partners with AARP to provide seniors with information on vital issues, such as avoiding phone scams.
RSVP offers Menlo Park residents aged 55 and older opportunities to volunteer and continue contributing to the community using the skills they’ve learned over a lifetime. RSVP volunteers also offer seniors in assisted living communities the chance to connect with others through friendly visits.
San Mateo County HICAP provides seniors with free Medicare and Medi-Cal counseling and help accessing resources to cover expenses such as prescription drugs. New and current Medicare recipients can get unbiased advice about their coverage options, including long-term care insurance plans, and assistance with filing claims and appeals.
The Veterans Services Office helps Menlo Park seniors access state and federal benefits they’ve earned through their military service. Vets can get assistance applying for VA health care coverage as well as disability compensation, pensions and Aid and Attendance benefits, which may help them pay for assisted living.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Menlo Park
Menlo Park-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.
