The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in San Luis Obispo, CA for 2023

 

San Luis Obispo, home to about 47,000 people, is a vibrant community noted for its charming downtown district, scenic mountain views and sandy beach. Although only 13% of the population is aged 65 and over,, there are numerous amenities for retirees, including a senior center, senior transportation programs and long-term care options. The city also has two hospitals, supporting easy access to health care.

Assisted living is a popular long-term care option for older adults who want to maintain as much independence as possible but need help with some daily activities such as personal care and housekeeping. It provides comfortable housing, individualized care plans, daily meals, transportation and housekeeping services, supporting a worry-free lifestyle. Monthly costs vary considerably depending on factors such as fee structures, the number of residents, and on-site amenities, but assisted living residents in San Luis Obispo pay approximately $5,300 per month for care. This is high compared to respective state and national norms of $5,250 and $4,500.

This guide highlights options for paying for assisted living and gives an overview of agencies and programs that support local seniors.

Assisted living facilities in San Luis Obispo are licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This division monitors local facilities through the Woodland Hills North Adult & Senior Care Regional Office. Seniors can call this office at (818) 596-4334 to get answers to questions regarding residents’ rights or to report substandard conditions or care.

 

• Seniors in San Luis Obispo pay state income taxes on most forms of retirement income at the full state rate, which is high compared to national norms. However, Social Security benefits are fully exempt, which may make living in the city financially feasible for those who rely mainly on this benefit for living expenses.
• San Luis Obispo provides curb-to-curb transportation for older adults through two programs, including Dial-A-Ride and the Senior GO! Shuttle. In most cases, seniors should schedule their trip at least two days in advance, but same-day services may be available. These programs can supplement transportation services available through assisted living facilities.  
• The American Lung Association gives the San Luis Obispo region failing grades for ozone and 24-hour particle pollution but a passing score for annual particle pollution. While this may impact the health and comfort of older adults living with chronic lung or heart conditions, assisted living facilities provide indoor activities throughout the year.
• There are 250 doctors per capita in San Luis Obispo compared to 210 nationally, which may support short wait times to see specialists and primary care providers, and local health care costs are about 12% below national norms. Two hospitals serve the city, including Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center and French Hospital Medical Center, offering high access to care for assisted living residents.  
• San Luis Obispo has mild weather and low humidity levels throughout the year, making it ideal for those who enjoy outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures in the winter are in the low 60s, and in the summer highs are in the mid-70s. To help residents stay comfortable, many assisted living communities have individual climate control in suites and apartments.
• Violent crime happens at about the same rate in San Luis Obispo as in the region, state and nation as a whole, but property crime is considerably more prevalent. On a 100-point index, the city rates 25.4 for violent crime and 53.6 for property-related incidents compared to national norms of 22.7 and 35.4. This may make assisted living a preferred alternative to living alone for seniors with safety concerns.

 

 

Assisted living facilities in San Luis Obispo charge $5,300 per month for housing and care.

In San Luis Obispo, assisted living residents pay an average of $5,300, but exact costs vary considerably depending on amenities and required services. Statewide, average rates are slightly lower at $5,250, and nationally, rates are considerably more economical at $4,500. Seniors seeking more affordable care may consider Hanford or Bakersfield, where respective rates average $4,350 and $3,750. San Luis Obispo is a budget-friendly alternative to nearby cities such as Oxnard and Salinas, where facilities charge $5,750 and $6,000.

Assisted living is the most affordable surveyed long-term care option in San Luis Obispo, with rates coming in at $5,300. This is considerably lower than the cost of nonmedical in-home care and skilled home health care, which averages $7,150 and doesn’t include expenses such as housing and meals. Nursing home care costs about double the norm for assisted living at $10,038 and is suitable for those who need more intensive care.

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.