Oakland is a fast-growing city of over 440,000 people, about 13% of whom are retirement-aged. It’s a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, indicating that its policies support the quality of life of residents of all ages. Local amenities such as several major hospitals and a robust public transportation system make Oakland a favorable option for those seeking long-term care. 

Assisted living provides long-term residential care services to older adults who are largely independent but need varying levels of help with daily activities. These facilities provide meals and snacks, transportation for errands and medical appointments and social and recreational activities. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey reports that assisted living facilities in Oakland charge $6,319 per month for services, which is considerably higher than state and national averages. 

This guide provides information on the benefits and drawbacks for seniors moving to Oakland for assisted living. It also features an in-depth look at local and state-wide assisted living rates and an overview of financial assistance options available to qualified individuals in the city. Finally, this guide highlights nonprofit agencies and programs that help older adults find the right facilities for their needs.  

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Oakland, CA

Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights

2361 E 29th St, Oakland, CA, 94606

Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care faci … (read more)
Located near Central Recreation Area and William D. Wood Park and three blocks from Highland Hospital, Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights is an assisted and independent living and memory care faci … (read more)

The Point at Rockridge

4500 Gilbert Street, Oakland, CA, 94611

The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food serve … (read more)
The Point at Rockridge is located in Oakland, California, close to the beautiful Berkeley and Piedmont areas. Residents love the spacious and homey apartments, and the delicious and healthy food serve … (read more)

2012, 2015

Ivy Park at Oakland Hills

11889 Skyline Boulevard, Oakland, CA, 94619

Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close … (read more)
Located in Berkeley, California, Ivy Park at Oakland Hills sits in a residential area east of Oakland, just off Skyline Boulevard. The location is easily accessible from MacArthur Freeway and is close … (read more)

Lake Park Senior Living

1850 ALICE, Oakland, CA, 95612

My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could af … (read more)
My experience at Lake Park Senior Living was great. Everything was great. However, I was looking for a facility that was based on my grandmother’s income. It’s a beautiful facility. I wish we could af … (read more)

Golden Living Guest Home, LLC

9450 Mountain Blvd, Oakland, CA, 94605

My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact wi … (read more)
My mother is in Golden Living Guest Home, LLC. It’s a board and care for six people. It’s bright and cheerful, and they encourage the people to engage in activities. I haven’t had that much contact wi … (read more)

Bellaken Garden and Skilled Nursing Center

2780 26th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601

We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding th … (read more)
We ended up placing my mom in Bellaken Garden in Oakland’s assisted living. We were able to visit and we went through her Medicare health plan with them and they did some sort of contract regarding th … (read more)

St. Paul’s Towers

100 BAY PLACE, Oakland, CA, 94610

St. Paul’s Towers is a large community with 14 floors. I like the people that I’ve met, and it’s easily accessible. I like that the inside is filled with wood, and I like the big wood panels.
St. Paul’s Towers is a large community with 14 floors. I like the people that I’ve met, and it’s easily accessible. I like that the inside is filled with wood, and I like the big wood panels.

Mercy Retirement & Care Center

3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland, CA, 94601

We went to Mercy Retirement & Care Center. When you’re admitted, I guess technically they call it assisted living, but as you age in place and your faculties start to deteriorate further, they don … (read more)
We went to Mercy Retirement & Care Center. When you’re admitted, I guess technically they call it assisted living, but as you age in place and your faculties start to deteriorate further, they don … (read more)

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

5238 Coronado Ave., Oakland, CA, 94618

The people at Merrill Gardens at Rockridge were very nice and very friendly. The place was clean and new, and it looked pretty good to us. The manager explained the place to us very well, including wh … (read more)
The people at Merrill Gardens at Rockridge were very nice and very friendly. The place was clean and new, and it looked pretty good to us. The manager explained the place to us very well, including wh … (read more)

Piedmont Gardens CCRC

110 41st Street, Oakland, CA, 94611

Piedmont Gardens CCRC was more in the heart of the city. It was more like an independent place where they didn’t have any locked gates. You could come and go with this kind of machine you have to go t … (read more)
Piedmont Gardens CCRC was more in the heart of the city. It was more like an independent place where they didn’t have any locked gates. You could come and go with this kind of machine you have to go t … (read more)

Hilton House

6112 Hilton Street, Oakland, CA, 94605

My friend has lived in Hilton House for about 2 years now. It’s just an excellent facility for people who don’t have a huge amount of money. The food is great, the people that worked there are ver … (read more)
My friend has lived in Hilton House for about 2 years now. It’s just an excellent facility for people who don’t have a huge amount of money. The food is great, the people that worked there are ver … (read more)

Dimond Care

3003 Fruitvale Ave., Oakland, CA, 94602

Dimond Care seemed a little dark to me. It’s just one floor, so I saw everything. The staff I met was very friendly, showed me different things, and let me tour the kitchen (which is kind of different … (read more)
Dimond Care seemed a little dark to me. It’s just one floor, so I saw everything. The staff I met was very friendly, showed me different things, and let me tour the kitchen (which is kind of different … (read more)

Bell’s Rest Home

865 VERMONT STREET, Oakland, CA, 94610

When we were searching for a facility, there were a few things that were absolute essentials; one was the manner with which the residents were treated. Other important factors were cleanliness, space, … (read more)
When we were searching for a facility, there were a few things that were absolute essentials; one was the manner with which the residents were treated. Other important factors were cleanliness, space, … (read more)

Lakeshore Residential Care

1901 3rd Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94606

My mother stayed in Lakeshore Residential Care for 2 weeks. It was a great facility, but it was out of our price range. Her room was way expensive and was much nicer. She had her own private room and … (read more)
My mother stayed in Lakeshore Residential Care for 2 weeks. It was a great facility, but it was out of our price range. Her room was way expensive and was much nicer. She had her own private room and … (read more)

House of Psalms Assisted Living

1525 7th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94606

Located in Oakland, CA, House of Psalms Assisted Living boasts a highly experienced staff that is courteous and responsible. The community offers companion suites that are easily accessible, spacious … (read more)
Located in Oakland, CA, House of Psalms Assisted Living boasts a highly experienced staff that is courteous and responsible. The community offers companion suites that are easily accessible, spacious … (read more)

East Bay Assisted Living

1301 E. 31st St, Oakland, CA, 94602


Evergreen Eldercare

4600 Fairfax Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601


Elder Ashram

3121 Fruitvale Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94602

Honoring elders as wisdom keepers and social contributors sets the stage to look at elders in terms of all they offer to those younger in years and experience. We are passionate about learning from el … (read more)
Honoring elders as wisdom keepers and social contributors sets the stage to look at elders in terms of all they offer to those younger in years and experience. We are passionate about learning from el … (read more)

Good Shepherd Vista

5472 Foothill Blvd.., Oakland, CA, 94601


Santiago Home Care In Oakland

1272 – 75Th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94621


COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Oakland

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 Oakland

Assisted living facilities in Oakland follow the rules and guidelines set by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This agency ensures a high standard of care through routine inspections, and it has a complaint hotline seniors, visitors and facility staff members can call to report instances of abuse or noncompliance with state regulations. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Oakland

  • Seniors in Oakland have several public transportation options available to supplement what they obtain through assisted living. AC Transit provides Transbay bus connections to San Francisco and has routes throughout Oakland and neighboring cities. City residents also have access to BART, the San Francisco Bay Ferry and free shuttle service
  • Seniors in Oakland don’t pay state income taxes on their Social Security benefits, but they pay taxes on all other types of retirement income at some of the highest rates in the nation. Several nonprofit agencies in the region provide free tax preparation services to help older adults identify exemptions and deductions they qualify for, which may help them afford assisted living. 
  • The air quality in the Oakland region is poor and may be a concern for seniors with conditions such as asthma or heart disease. The American Lung Association gives the region failing grades in the Ozone and Particle Pollution 24-hour categories. However, the region has a passing score in the Particle Pollution Annual category, which indicates low levels of year-round exposure to particle pollution.  
  • Oakland is a member of the AARP Age-Friendly Network, indicating that its officials have taken steps to make the city a safe and comfortable place for residents of all ages. The city has a livability score of 60 for factors such as high access to public transportation, health care amenities and diverse neighborhoods.  
  • Oakland has a high cost of living, even by California’s standards. On a 100-point cost-of-living index based on living costs nationwide, the city rates 174 compared to the state rate of 150. Local agencies have options for counselors who help seniors determine eligibility for public benefits that may help cover costs.  
  • Health care costs in Oakland come in slightly below the national average and there are more doctors per capita in this city than in the nation as a whole, promoting access to medical care for seniors. Three major medical facilities are located within the city proper, including Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center and Highland Hospital

Paying for Assisted Living in Oakland

Assisted living facilities in Oakland charge an estimated $6,319 per month for housing and care.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities 

In Oakland, older adults pay approximately $6,319 per month for assisted living. This is over $1,000 higher than the state median of $5,250, and it’s about $1,800 over the national average of $4,500, indicating that Oakland is one of the most expensive cities in the state and nation for care. In San Jose, care costs are a little lower at $6,000. In Modesto, seniors pay $4,000 per month, while Stockton rates are even lower at $3,649. Oakland’s monthly rates are economical compared to care costs in Santa Rosa, which come in at $7,048.  

$6319

Oakland

$5250

California

$4500

United States

$6000

San Jose

$4000

Modesto

$3649

Stockton

$7048

Santa Rosa

Costs of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living costs $6,319 per month in Oakland, which is affordable compared to rates for most other long-term care options. Those who seek personal care at home pay $6,864 per month for in-home care, and those who need skilled nursing pay $7,150 for home health care. Nursing home fees are even higher at $11,566 for shared rooms. Adult day health care is the cheapest option at $1,950 per month. 

$6864

In-Home Care

$7150

Home Health Care

$1950

Adult Day Health Care

$6319

Assisted Living Facility

$11566

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

Note: Care cost data for Oakland was not available, so data for the closest city, San Francisco, was used instead. 

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Oakland

The majority of assisted living facilities in Oakland are private pay only, and there aren’t many opportunities for financial assistance unless you’re living in a small selection of communities. Residents in these designated RCFEs can benefit from the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) if they have full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility and meet other requirements. The ALW only allows reimbursement for services and does not pay for room and board.

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 Oakland

Navigating the system and finding assisted living services in Oakland can be challenging. Fortunately, seniors can access several programs and services that provide free assistance. The following table highlights top resources for seniors in the region.

Resource  

Contact  

Description 

(510) 577-1900  

The AAA for Oakland administers a full range of free services to those aged 60 and over, helping them maintain their independence and make informed decisions regarding their care. Seniors can contact the AAA to help research assisted living facilities in the region and ways to pay for services. 

(510) 238-3284  

The Downtown Oakland Senior Center is a recreational center for those aged 55 and over. At this location, seniors can participate in age-friendly fitness programs, arts and crafts, games and congregate meals. The center is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and membership costs $12 annually. 

(510) 638-6878  

Empowered Aging is a regional nonprofit organization that provides supportive and informational services for seniors. It’s the long-term care ombudsman for the region, advocating for those in assisted living and ensuring they receive a high standard of care. It also administers the Resident Empowerment Program. 

(510) 832-3040  

Legal Assistance for Seniors is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services for those aged 60 and over. Seniors can contact the program for help with applying for public benefits and guidance on understanding assisted living contracts and residents’ rights.

(800) 698-2411  

At the VA Oakland Regional Office, older veterans get one-on-one help applying for benefits that may help pay for assisted living expenses, including veterans’ and survivors’ pensions, Aid and Attendance and disability compensation. The office can also screen for eligibility for VA health care, community care and health insurance.  

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Oakland

Oakland 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