Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

Caring Chat

Assisted Living Communities in Merced, California

Merced provides views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains from within the San Joaquin Valley. This city contains 5 assisted living residences, along with 15 more within driving distance. As of 2024, these facilities charge around $3,195 per month, making it a relatively cost-effective place to obtain care. By comparison, the statewide norm runs higher at $6,250.

In our guide, we include...

Directory of Assisted Living in Merced, CA

20 Results


Pets AllowedPhysical TherapyPool / Hot TubVeterans Benefits

Filters

20 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

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

The Cost of Assisted Living in Merced, CA and Nearby Cities

Based on the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Merced pay roughly $3,195 per month for assisted living. This cost comes in about half the statewide norm of $6,250 and offers over $2,000 in savings over the national median. It also trends below costs in nearby communities. For example, in Salinas, fees run higher at around $7,709, and in Santa Cruz seniors pay approximately $8,130.

Merced

$3,195

California

$6,250

The United States

$5,350

Modesto

$4,100

Madera

$2,925

Santa Cruz

$8,130

Salinas

$7,709

Paying for Assisted Living in Merced, CA

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Merced

Eligible seniors can find financial assistance services in Merced 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.

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Living in Merced, CA

With monthly rates near $3,195, assisted living ranks as the most cost-effective senior care solution recorded in the Merced region. This type of care costs thousands of dollars less than nursing home care, which comes in at approximately $9,155, highlighting the affordability of nonmedical residential care compared to institutional care.

Assisted Living Facility

$3,195

Nursing Home Facility (semi-private room)

$9,155

Free Assisted Living Resources in Merced

Assisted living residents will find numerous free resources in Merced that help them get around, stay active and retain their independence. These resources are provided by government entities or nonprofit organizations wanting to make a difference in the lives of seniors throughout the community.

ResourceContactService
Merced County Area Agency on Aging(209) 385-7550Merced AAA provides numerous senior services to help keep aging adults safe and healthy. It contracts with Central California Legal Services to provide free legal and notary services to senior citizens throughout the county. AAA also distributes donated cell phones to seniors free of charge and contracts with other organizations to provide congregate and home-delivered meals and free bus passes for seniors aged 60 and older.
Merced County Adult and Aging Services(209) 385-3105Merced County Adult and Aging Services assists elderly and disabled adults to retain their independence and well-being through various services, including transportation, home-delivered meals, health insurance counseling, legal assistance and family caregiver support. It also provides services and support to seniors who are victims of neglect, abuse or exploitation.
Merced County Long-Term Care Ombudsman(209) 385-7402Merced County LTC Ombudsman advocates for residents of assisted living and other adult care facilities. It works to resolve problems to improve quality of care issues for residents by helping identify, investigate and resolve complaints in long-term care settings.
Merced Senior Community Center(209) 385-8803The Merced Senior Community Center provides a place for seniors to remain active and socialize with old and new friends. Programs and activities include the Merced Senior Social Club, bingo, ballroom and line dancing, yoga, Tai Chi, cards, crafts, a computer lab with free Wi-Fi, pool tables, a library, free tax help and AARP meetings.
Resources for Independence Central Valley(559) 221-2330RICV’s Merced office helps any resident with a disability regardless of age to live more independently through various programs and services. Its Repair & Share Program is a loan and recycle program that provides power wheelchairs temporarily to aid people with mobility issues until they can get a power wheelchair of their own.

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Merced

The Senior Care Licensing Program, operated by the California Department of Social Services, monitors and licenses assisted living centers in Merced and throughout the state. Field staff from its Adult and Senior Care Program perform regulatory inspections at assisted living residences and all other residential care facilities for the elderly statewide.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Merced

  • Social Security benefits aren’t taxed by the state, which helps Merced seniors financially. Unfortunately, most other retirement benefits are taxed, but income taxes are low for average seniors. Sales tax in California can also be high, but groceries and prescriptions are tax-exempt. Overall, California is considered relatively good tax-wise for seniors.
  • California is noted for its high cost of living, and although Merced’s cost of living is nearly 5% higher than the national average, it’s lower than the state average by 45%. Housing costs are 12% higher than the national average but over 125% lower than the average cost statewide. Health care costs and utilities are slightly higher in Merced but lower costs elsewhere more than make up for it.
  • Although violent and property crime rates in Merced are quite a bit higher than the national average, rates have dropped significantly compared to 2012. By 2019, violent crime had dropped by more than 35% and property crime by about 45%, which is a considerable improvement in a relatively short period. Seniors should also note that most assisted living facilities have security measures in place to keep residents safe.
  • Retirees who dislike extremely cold weather and snow won’t have to worry because there isn’t any snow or days when temperatures fall below zero. Rainfall in Merced is well below the national average, with about 13 inches per year compared to 38 inches. Summertime temperatures can get high, with July’s average around 95 degrees, and occasionally humidity can become unpleasant. For those who love the sun, Merced gets 262 sunny days per year, almost 60 more than the national average.
  • Merced has a local hospital with an on-site emergency department and medical-surgical ICU, which saves residents from traveling to a larger, nearby city. Mercy Medical Center Merced was rated high performing for treating COPD and has 264 providers practicing at the facility.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Merced

Merced-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 

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Reviewer#RD0810f

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Pacifica Senior Living Merced

My grandparents have moved into Pacifica Senior Living Merced. The community is great. My grandfather has chosen it because he likes that there is memory care available for his declining wife. The...

Read more

Assisted Living

Kathlene

I visited this facility

Review of Amie Marchini Park Merced

Hopefully, Amie Marchini Park Merced is where my sister will move into. I walked in and it was an automatic open door. The concierge person was very, very pleasant. The director or the person who...

Read more

Assisted Living

Barbara

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Pacifica Senior Living Merced

Pacifica Senior Living Merced is a lovely facility. It is the best that we have been able to find for my husband and we feel comfortable with him there. It's an older facility, but it's classy, and...

Provider response

Hi Barbara, thank you for sharing this positive review about your experience with our community! Here at Pacifica Senior Living Merced, we always strive for top-quality service and are glad we...

Read more

Helpful Articles

Assisted Living near Merced, CA

AtwaterTurlockHughsonMaderaModestoOakdale

Other Options in Merced, 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.