Pacific Grove is an affluent city in Monterey County with a little over 15,000 residents, over a quarter of whom are aged 65 and over. The region offers affordable health care and exceptional year-round weather, making it a great option for retirement living.
Many older adults in Pacific Grove require personal care services at some point. Assisted living facilities provide exceptional convenience and access to care for those who need some help with daily living activities but want to maintain as much independence as possible. These facilities are staffed with trained caregivers who provide personal care, and residents enjoy daily meals and snacks, housekeeping and laundry services and curated recreational activities. Some facilities allow pets and have additional amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, multiple dining options and salons. Monthly fees vary, depending on the scope of amenities, but on average, seniors in Pacific Grove pay $6,800 per month for assisted living. This rate is considerably higher than state and national averages.
This guide provides more information on assisted living in Pacific Grove, including an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of living here and a summary of local senior care costs. It also highlights local organizations and programs that help older adults find the best care for their needs.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Pacific Grove, CA
Located near the beautiful Asiloma State Marine Preserve, Forest Hill Manor offers multiple levels of care in Salinas, California. Residents and their guests routinely give high marks to the facility’
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Located near the beautiful Asiloma State Marine Preserve, Forest Hill Manor offers multiple levels of care in Salinas, California. Residents and their guests routinely give high marks to the facility’s elegant ambiance, numerous events like holiday parties, close proximity to the downtown core of Salinas and the solid level of security. The on-site shuttle service, restaurant, crafting room and library also make a good impression. Residents appreciate a variety of group outings such as shopping trips, sight-seeing excursions and hiking expeditions. Forest Hill Manor also received accolades for its gorgeous setting and gracious architectural style.
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Located near the beautiful Asiloma State Marine Preserve, Forest Hill Manor offers multiple levels of care in Salinas, California. Residents and their guests routinely give high marks to the facility’
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Located near the beautiful Asiloma State Marine Preserve, Forest Hill Manor offers multiple levels of care in Salinas, California. Residents and their guests routinely give high marks to the facility’s elegant ambiance, numerous events like holiday parties, close proximity to the downtown core of Salinas and the solid level of security. The on-site shuttle service, restaurant, crafting room and library also make a good impression. Residents appreciate a variety of group outings such as shopping trips, sight-seeing excursions and hiking expeditions. Forest Hill Manor also received accolades for its gorgeous setting and gracious architectural style.
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My dad moved into assisted living at Canterbury Woods – Pacific Grove. It looks very nice. He knows several people who currently live there and he’s able to work out a deal where his current home heal
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My dad moved into assisted living at Canterbury Woods – Pacific Grove. It looks very nice. He knows several people who currently live there and he’s able to work out a deal where his current home health aide can continue to be his aide there. The dining staff and director were very helpful and nice to work with. The food looks fine. There seemed to be quite a few activities, like lectures and discussion groups. My dad has struggled a couple of times recovering from pneumonia and they have on-site skilled nursing so he can move from his apartment into that long enough to recover and back to his apartment without going into a different facility. They have a large facility where they do exercises and lectures.
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My dad moved into assisted living at Canterbury Woods – Pacific Grove. It looks very nice. He knows several people who currently live there and he’s able to work out a deal where his current home heal
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My dad moved into assisted living at Canterbury Woods – Pacific Grove. It looks very nice. He knows several people who currently live there and he’s able to work out a deal where his current home health aide can continue to be his aide there. The dining staff and director were very helpful and nice to work with. The food looks fine. There seemed to be quite a few activities, like lectures and discussion groups. My dad has struggled a couple of times recovering from pneumonia and they have on-site skilled nursing so he can move from his apartment into that long enough to recover and back to his apartment without going into a different facility. They have a large facility where they do exercises and lectures.
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The Park Lane is located in Monterey, California, close to Monterey Regional Airport, Del Monte Shopping Center and numerous museums. Visitors describe the rooms as nice and large, and they’re impress
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The Park Lane is located in Monterey, California, close to Monterey Regional Airport, Del Monte Shopping Center and numerous museums. Visitors describe the rooms as nice and large, and they’re impressed by the ocean views available from the balconies. Visitors also praise the community’s friendly, professional staff. Residents and their guests enjoy the varied menu and restaurant-style meals. Relatives mention the facility’s on-site amenities, which include a beauty salon, fitness center and top-floor lounge. Visitors speak highly of the variety of activities available, including art classes and scenic drives.
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The Park Lane is located in Monterey, California, close to Monterey Regional Airport, Del Monte Shopping Center and numerous museums. Visitors describe the rooms as nice and large, and they’re impress
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The Park Lane is located in Monterey, California, close to Monterey Regional Airport, Del Monte Shopping Center and numerous museums. Visitors describe the rooms as nice and large, and they’re impressed by the ocean views available from the balconies. Visitors also praise the community’s friendly, professional staff. Residents and their guests enjoy the varied menu and restaurant-style meals. Relatives mention the facility’s on-site amenities, which include a beauty salon, fitness center and top-floor lounge. Visitors speak highly of the variety of activities available, including art classes and scenic drives.
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Ivy Park at Monterey is located in Monterey County, California, near U.S. Highway 1, King’s Highway and Garrapata State Park. Visitors describe the community as very nice and beautiful. They note the
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Ivy Park at Monterey is located in Monterey County, California, near U.S. Highway 1, King’s Highway and Garrapata State Park. Visitors describe the community as very nice and beautiful. They note the facility is immaculately clean, and the staff is friendly, caring and cooperative. Residents enjoy gardening, religious services and exercise classes in the fitness room. The dining area is large with a wide selection of meals and even home-made soups. Transportation is provided for field trips to local attractions, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Golden State Theater. A coffee shop, bistro, party space and on-site beauty salon are available.
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Ivy Park at Monterey is located in Monterey County, California, near U.S. Highway 1, King’s Highway and Garrapata State Park. Visitors describe the community as very nice and beautiful. They note the
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Ivy Park at Monterey is located in Monterey County, California, near U.S. Highway 1, King’s Highway and Garrapata State Park. Visitors describe the community as very nice and beautiful. They note the facility is immaculately clean, and the staff is friendly, caring and cooperative. Residents enjoy gardening, religious services and exercise classes in the fitness room. The dining area is large with a wide selection of meals and even home-made soups. Transportation is provided for field trips to local attractions, such as Monterey Bay Aquarium and Golden State Theater. A coffee shop, bistro, party space and on-site beauty salon are available.
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Located along the scenic central Californian coast, Carmel Valley Manor gives residents easy access to Pebble Beach Golf Course, Monterey Bay and Big Sur. Seniors praise the community for its wealth o
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Located along the scenic central Californian coast, Carmel Valley Manor gives residents easy access to Pebble Beach Golf Course, Monterey Bay and Big Sur. Seniors praise the community for its wealth of activities, ranging from aqua aerobics to Mah-Jong and musical performances. They also appreciate the many on-site amenities such as athletic facilities, golf courses, swimming pools and a fitness center, and recreational facilities, including a library, computer center and craft rooms. The housing accommodations also receive praise. Apartments come with kitchens, over-sized showers and private patios. Visitors report that the food is very good, and the staff is great.
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Located along the scenic central Californian coast, Carmel Valley Manor gives residents easy access to Pebble Beach Golf Course, Monterey Bay and Big Sur. Seniors praise the community for its wealth o
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Located along the scenic central Californian coast, Carmel Valley Manor gives residents easy access to Pebble Beach Golf Course, Monterey Bay and Big Sur. Seniors praise the community for its wealth of activities, ranging from aqua aerobics to Mah-Jong and musical performances. They also appreciate the many on-site amenities such as athletic facilities, golf courses, swimming pools and a fitness center, and recreational facilities, including a library, computer center and craft rooms. The housing accommodations also receive praise. Apartments come with kitchens, over-sized showers and private patios. Visitors report that the food is very good, and the staff is great.
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Cottages of Carmel are located in Carmel, California, close to Carmel Rancho Shopping Center, The Barnyard Shopping Village and Carmel Bay. Visitors compare the facility’s clean, attractive building a
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Cottages of Carmel are located in Carmel, California, close to Carmel Rancho Shopping Center, The Barnyard Shopping Village and Carmel Bay. Visitors compare the facility’s clean, attractive building and grounds to a resort hotel and say they are impressed by the location’s proximity to nearby attractions. Guests compliment the facility’s good food and state that the private apartments have large closets and a warm, inviting feel. Loved ones mention that residents are engaged with exercises and events like holiday parties with visiting musicians. Facility amenities include a beauty salon, computer room, coffee shop, library and patio.
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Cottages of Carmel are located in Carmel, California, close to Carmel Rancho Shopping Center, The Barnyard Shopping Village and Carmel Bay. Visitors compare the facility’s clean, attractive building a
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Cottages of Carmel are located in Carmel, California, close to Carmel Rancho Shopping Center, The Barnyard Shopping Village and Carmel Bay. Visitors compare the facility’s clean, attractive building and grounds to a resort hotel and say they are impressed by the location’s proximity to nearby attractions. Guests compliment the facility’s good food and state that the private apartments have large closets and a warm, inviting feel. Loved ones mention that residents are engaged with exercises and events like holiday parties with visiting musicians. Facility amenities include a beauty salon, computer room, coffee shop, library and patio.
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Merrill Gardens at Monterey is located on the edge of Monterey, California, right above the Naval Postgraduate School. Residents have access to a swimming pool, salon and there are washing machines in
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Merrill Gardens at Monterey is located on the edge of Monterey, California, right above the Naval Postgraduate School. Residents have access to a swimming pool, salon and there are washing machines in every room. Visitors also acclaim the facility’s chef who prepares the meals with healthy, local ingredients. Residents can enjoy the on-site movie theater, wine bar, library and fitness area. There is also chair yoga, TED talks, pet therapy, jazz concerts and games. Residents are pleased by the size of their suites that allows for personal belongings, and that pets are welcome in the facility.
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Merrill Gardens at Monterey is located on the edge of Monterey, California, right above the Naval Postgraduate School. Residents have access to a swimming pool, salon and there are washing machines in
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Merrill Gardens at Monterey is located on the edge of Monterey, California, right above the Naval Postgraduate School. Residents have access to a swimming pool, salon and there are washing machines in every room. Visitors also acclaim the facility’s chef who prepares the meals with healthy, local ingredients. Residents can enjoy the on-site movie theater, wine bar, library and fitness area. There is also chair yoga, TED talks, pet therapy, jazz concerts and games. Residents are pleased by the size of their suites that allows for personal belongings, and that pets are welcome in the facility.
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Coastal Care Home is situated close to Cabrillo Highway in Marina, California, not far from a Walmart Supercenter and a Starbucks. Its location at the edge of Monterey Bay offers scenic views of Marin
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Coastal Care Home is situated close to Cabrillo Highway in Marina, California, not far from a Walmart Supercenter and a Starbucks. Its location at the edge of Monterey Bay offers scenic views of Marina State Beach. The community’s staff is well reviewed for their efficient, attentive care and respectful demeanor. Visitors describe the facility as clean and airy, with upscale furnishings and decor. They also praise its family-like atmosphere, and residents have kind words for the food. Coastal Care Home provides residents with a variety of recreational activities.
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Coastal Care Home is situated close to Cabrillo Highway in Marina, California, not far from a Walmart Supercenter and a Starbucks. Its location at the edge of Monterey Bay offers scenic views of Marin
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Coastal Care Home is situated close to Cabrillo Highway in Marina, California, not far from a Walmart Supercenter and a Starbucks. Its location at the edge of Monterey Bay offers scenic views of Marina State Beach. The community’s staff is well reviewed for their efficient, attentive care and respectful demeanor. Visitors describe the facility as clean and airy, with upscale furnishings and decor. They also praise its family-like atmosphere, and residents have kind words for the food. Coastal Care Home provides residents with a variety of recreational activities.
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Carmelo Park is located in Monterey, California, a short drive away from Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Veterans Memorial Park and several museums. Relatives describe the facility as nice and hom
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Carmelo Park is located in Monterey, California, a short drive away from Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Veterans Memorial Park and several museums. Relatives describe the facility as nice and homey, and they’re impressed by the very good food. Relatives and visitors have high praise for the facility’s staff, who they say are wonderful. Visitors mention Carmelo Park’s on-site beauty salon, exercise room, large deck and other amenities. They say their loved ones are kept entertained by the facility’s many activities, which include bingo, walking groups and pet therapy visits.
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Carmelo Park is located in Monterey, California, a short drive away from Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Veterans Memorial Park and several museums. Relatives describe the facility as nice and hom
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Carmelo Park is located in Monterey, California, a short drive away from Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey Veterans Memorial Park and several museums. Relatives describe the facility as nice and homey, and they’re impressed by the very good food. Relatives and visitors have high praise for the facility’s staff, who they say are wonderful. Visitors mention Carmelo Park’s on-site beauty salon, exercise room, large deck and other amenities. They say their loved ones are kept entertained by the facility’s many activities, which include bingo, walking groups and pet therapy visits.
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The physical set-up of Flanders Court is simultaneously gracious, secure, and homey. The handsome garden and patio are integrated into the living area. Internally, residents have access to abund
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The physical set-up of Flanders Court is simultaneously gracious, secure, and homey. The handsome garden and patio are integrated into the living area. Internally, residents have access to abundant natural light, eclectic tasteful furnishings, and bedrooms are personalized with a resident’s own possessions. All of this helps support a sense of identity and orientation. I speak as a retired R.N.
For all the positives mentioned above, the real treasure of Flanders Court as a resource for residents and those who love them is its care-giving staff. They were kind and helpful with me, drew my loved one out as an individual with a history and identity, and provided enrichments like scenic drives and conversation.
I observed a wide range of physical and mental capability and needs accompanied by a wide range of support and independence available to residents. That speaks well for individualized care.
The compassion and quality care I observed remain with me to this day. I am grateful for Flanders Court and appreciate this opportunity to share my experience.
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The physical set-up of Flanders Court is simultaneously gracious, secure, and homey. The handsome garden and patio are integrated into the living area. Internally, residents have access to abund
… (read more)
The physical set-up of Flanders Court is simultaneously gracious, secure, and homey. The handsome garden and patio are integrated into the living area. Internally, residents have access to abundant natural light, eclectic tasteful furnishings, and bedrooms are personalized with a resident’s own possessions. All of this helps support a sense of identity and orientation. I speak as a retired R.N.
For all the positives mentioned above, the real treasure of Flanders Court as a resource for residents and those who love them is its care-giving staff. They were kind and helpful with me, drew my loved one out as an individual with a history and identity, and provided enrichments like scenic drives and conversation.
I observed a wide range of physical and mental capability and needs accompanied by a wide range of support and independence available to residents. That speaks well for individualized care.
The compassion and quality care I observed remain with me to this day. I am grateful for Flanders Court and appreciate this opportunity to share my experience.
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Ave Maria Rcfe #1, located near Highway 68 in Monterey, California, is a short driving distance to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and not far from Jacks Peak Park. Family members appreci
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Ave Maria Rcfe #1, located near Highway 68 in Monterey, California, is a short driving distance to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and not far from Jacks Peak Park. Family members appreciate that Mass is held daily at the on-site chapel. They also praise the clean, modern dining room and the food. High marks are given to the staff, who community members’ loved ones describe as very caring. Residents can participate in exercise and enjoy the garden area at this facility, which sits on seven acres of landscaped grounds.
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Ave Maria Rcfe #1, located near Highway 68 in Monterey, California, is a short driving distance to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and not far from Jacks Peak Park. Family members appreci
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Ave Maria Rcfe #1, located near Highway 68 in Monterey, California, is a short driving distance to Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula and not far from Jacks Peak Park. Family members appreciate that Mass is held daily at the on-site chapel. They also praise the clean, modern dining room and the food. High marks are given to the staff, who community members’ loved ones describe as very caring. Residents can participate in exercise and enjoy the garden area at this facility, which sits on seven acres of landscaped grounds.
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My friend is at Queen of Angels II RCFE. There are five residents currently, but the maximum number of residents is six. Three ladies live in the home, so there are at least two caregivers around the
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My friend is at Queen of Angels II RCFE. There are five residents currently, but the maximum number of residents is six. Three ladies live in the home, so there are at least two caregivers around the clock. The owner comes in every other day and checks on them. I am extremely happy with them. They cater to her dietary likes and needs, they’re very efficient with her medications, and they are giving her wonderful care. Her legs look better than they have ever looked. She has improved rapidly under their care. There are individual rooms and a shared room. Their activities are more geared toward their individual needs. She likes to go out into the yard and garden and they’re doing that for her. She likes succulents, so they have a variety of succulents in her room and outside on the patio for her.
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My friend is at Queen of Angels II RCFE. There are five residents currently, but the maximum number of residents is six. Three ladies live in the home, so there are at least two caregivers around the
… (read more)
My friend is at Queen of Angels II RCFE. There are five residents currently, but the maximum number of residents is six. Three ladies live in the home, so there are at least two caregivers around the clock. The owner comes in every other day and checks on them. I am extremely happy with them. They cater to her dietary likes and needs, they’re very efficient with her medications, and they are giving her wonderful care. Her legs look better than they have ever looked. She has improved rapidly under their care. There are individual rooms and a shared room. Their activities are more geared toward their individual needs. She likes to go out into the yard and garden and they’re doing that for her. She likes succulents, so they have a variety of succulents in her room and outside on the patio for her.
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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Pacific Grove
In Pacific Grove, assisted living facilities are licensed by the Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Facilities are required to adhere to a comprehensive set of rules regarding staff-to-resident ratios, care planning, medication requirements and the facility’s structural requirements. The division also conducts background checks and investigates reports of mistreatment or substandard care.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Pacific Grove
- Crime is uncommon in Pacific Grove, which may provide peace of mind to older adults. The city reports some of the lowest violent crime cases in the nation, with this type of crime occurring at a much lower rate than in similarly sized cities in California.
- Temperatures in Pacific Grove are mild and consistent throughout the year with highs ranging between 59 and 69 degrees. Snow is very uncommon, although residents occasionally see a light dusting in March, and the city only gets about 18 inches of annual rainfall. On a 10-point climate index, the city has an almost perfect score of 9, indicating that it’s more comfortable than most U.S. cities.
- Pacific Grove is one of the most expensive places to live in California. Its overall cost of living is nearly double the national average and about 45% higher than the state median. The biggest driver behind the high cost of living is the region’s expensive real estate. Houses cost nearly four times more here than in the typical U.S. city, which may make assisted living an affordable alternative for retirees.
- Seniors in Pacific Grove pay full state income taxes on most retirement income, and the state has some of the highest sales taxes in the nation. However, Social Security benefits are fully exempt, which may make retirement more affordable for those who rely primarily on this income.
- Health care services cost about 5% less in Pacific Grove than in the typical U.S. city, which may benefit those managing chronic conditions. The closest hospital, Community Hospital of Monterey Peninsula, is about 2 miles away in Monterey.
Paying for Assisted Living in Pacific Grove
Assisted living rates in Pacific Grove are considerably higher than state and national averages, with locals paying approximately $6,800 per month for care. By comparison, the national rate is $4,300, and in California, the average is $5,000.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
At $6,800 per month, assisted living rates in Pacific Grove are among the highest in the state. The average monthly rate in Salinas is $7,100, making it the only surveyed city with higher care costs. In the San Francisco area, care costs exceed state and national medians but are more affordable than in Pacific Grove at $6,100. In Visalia, rates are closer to the national average at $4,548, and in Bakersfield, seniors pay $3,613.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Older adults in Pacific Grove have several senior care options to choose from. The cheapest way to obtain care is through adult day health services, which provides personal care, meals and activities in a daytime community setting for $2,600 monthly. Home-based care, including homemaker services and specialized home health aide services, averages $6,292 per month for 44 hours of weekly care. Assisted living is several hundred dollars more at $6,800, but this rate also includes meals and housing. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care and are the costliest, with residents in shared rooms paying $9,201 per month and those in private rooms paying $12,547.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Note: Care cost data for Pacific Grove was not available, so data for the closest city, Santa Cruz Area, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Pacific Grove
In Pacific Grove, seniors may qualify for financial aid to help pay for the cost of assisted living. There are two programs that may help fund assisted living, Medi-Cal, which offers an Assisted Living Waiver program, and Supplemental Security Income – Category G.
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 Pacific Grove
Prospective assisted living residents in Pacific Grove can get support, information and advice through numerous local agencies and programs. This table features resources for older adults in the region that can help them find options for paying for assisted living and connecting with services in the community.
The Meals on Wheels Community Center is a local nonprofit activity center with programs and services for those aged 55 and over. It has a library, a large dining room for congregate meals and multipurpose rooms used for fitness classes and activities. At the center, members participate in games, classes, lectures and holiday and theme parties. The center also provides free civil legal services and options counseling to help older adults make informed decisions regarding their care.
The Area Agency on Aging is a nonprofit organization that offers assistance, referrals and advocacy for those aged 60 and over in the Pacific Grover region. It hosts events, such as Matter of Balance workshops and the annual Elder Justice Summit, keeping older adults up-to-date on issues relevant to their quality of life. It also contracts with local providers to connect seniors with community-based services, such as legal assistance, options counseling and durable medical equipment rentals.
The county’s Military & Veterans Affairs Division helps veterans in the Pacific Grove region connect with local, state and federal benefits. Through the division, qualifying seniors can obtain health care and health insurance, transportation services and referrals for community-based services. The office can also help veterans enroll in benefits that may help cover assisted living services, including Aid and Attendance and veterans’ and survivors’ pensions.
Alliance on Aging is a local nonprofit organization with a long-term care ombudsman program. Through this program, state-certified individuals help assisted living residents obtain the quality of care they deserve. The ombudsman can help older adults research local assisted living facilities and identify options for paying for their care. The ombudsman can also mediate family disputes and investigate reports of abuse and substandard care. The agency also administers HICAP, a program that provides free, unbiased health insurance options counseling for seniors.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove-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.
