The Best Assisted Living Communities in San Mateo County, CA
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authentic reviews in San Mateo County, CA below include Assisted Living facility with 2617 reviews. On average in San Mateo County, residents and their loved ones rate Assisted Living options 4.3 out of 5 stars.
To support you in your search, our Family Advisors are standing by to provide you with a free, no-obligation care and budget consultation.
We’ve spent hundreds of hours compiling helpful information below these listings, ranging from assisted living costs statistics of in San Mateo County, to local laws & regulations in the area, to nearby services and programs that can help older adults in the community thrive, and more.
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On this page:
- Assisted Living Facilities in San Mateo County, CA
- Paying for Assisted Living in San Mateo County
- Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Mateo County
- Free Assisted Living Resources in San Mateo County
- Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Mateo County
- Reviews of Communities Nearby
- Helpful Articles
Paying for Assisted Living in San Mateo County
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey discloses that the average assisted living facility in the United States charges $4,300 per month for services. In California, care costs tend to be higher, with average assisted living fees coming in at $5,000. Cost data isn’t available for San Mateo County, but because of its proximity to San Francisco, this city is used for the following cost comparison. Here, assisted living fees exceed state and national averages at $6,100 per month.
The Cost of Assisted Living in San Mateo County, CA and Nearby Cities
At $6,100 per month, the San Mateo County region is among the most expensive in the state for assisted living. Only a handful of cities have higher monthly care costs, including Santa Cruz, where facilities charge approximately $6,800 per month, and Salinas, where monthly fees are the highest in the state at $7,100. Seniors seeking more affordable care options may find lower rates in Santa Maria, where fees are consistent with the statewide average at $5,000, or in San Diego, where they’re closer to the national median at $4,525. In Merced, rates are low at $3,750, and in Bakersfield, care costs are the lowest in the state at $3,613.
San Mateo County/San Francisco Area
$6,100
California
$5,000
The United States
$4,300
Santa Cruz Area
$6,800
Salinas
$7,100
Santa Maria Area
$5,000
San Diego Area
$4,525
Merced
$3,750
Bakersfield
$3,613
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Mateo County
California’s Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, offers financial assistance to help impoverished seniors cover the cost of assisted living. Those who are eligible may be able to take part in the state’s Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP).
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.
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Free Assisted Living Resources in San Mateo County
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Aging and Adult Services | (800) 675-8437 | Aging and Adult Services is one of California’s 33 Area Agencies on Aging, which are nonprofit organizations that advocate on behalf of aging issues in the state. Through their local AAA, San Mateo County seniors obtain a broad range of services, including information and referrals for community-based services, legal assistance and transportation services. The agency is also a HICAP location with advisors who can answer questions and provide guidance with issues related to Medicare, Medicaid and long-term care insurance. |
| Well Connected | (877) 797-7299 | Well Connected is a service of Covia, a local nonprofit public benefit organization. This virtual community features free programming that addresses a broad range of interests, including line dancing, art classes, knit and crochet circles, health and wellness and current events. Participants also find groups where they can share stories about their pets, travels or work history. Services are available in English and Spanish. |
| Veterans Service Office | (650) 802-6598 | The county’s VSO serves veterans and families in the region through a wide range of programs, including those that may help cover health and assisted living expenses. The office can help qualifying veterans and their families apply for service-related disability compensation, non-service-connected pension claims, federal and state veterans’ benefits, and the Aid and Attendance benefit. The office also provides information and referrals for discharge upgrading and community-based agencies. |
| Senior Center | (650) 522-7490 | The senior center in the City of San Mateo is one of several in the county. This center provides social and recreational programming for residents aged 50 and over, including history or current events seminars, yoga classes and games. Members can participate in regular activities such as the center’s band, book discussion groups, computer and technology classes and chorus. The center also hosts special seasonal and holiday events. |
| Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. | (650) 780-5707 | Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc., advocates on behalf of seniors in a variety of issues that may arise in assisted living, from problems related to the quality of care to abuse, neglect or exploitation. This agency educates residents of their rights and ensures that they’re receiving the services they’re entitled to. It can also help seniors and families locate long-term care facilities. |
| Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County | (650) 558-0915 | The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County provides free civil legal services to those aged 60 and over. Through this nonprofit agency, seniors obtain assistance with applying for public benefits such as Medicare or Social Security, as well as with drafting wills or assigning powers of attorney. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in San Mateo County
San Mateo County-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.
Reviews of Communities Nearby
Assisted Living
RebeccaRose
5.0
Review of San Carlos Elms
My mom joined the community at The Elms at the end of May/beginning of June, and she is loving it! Her one bedroom apartment is a good size, a nice balcony with great afternoon sun, big closet, big...
Assisted Living
C. Miller
5.0
Review of Unified Hearts Home Care
Lina and her team at Unified Hearts allowed me to sleep and grieve. They cared for my Father as I would and that alone brought great peace when I would leave for the evening. Lina and her team...
Assisted Living
Nicki
5.0
Review of Ivy Park at Belmont
The food is fabulous! The people are very warm and welcoming and the activities are exceptional!
Provider response
Hi Nicki, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear you’ve enjoyed the food, activities, and friendly atmosphere. Creating a warm, welcoming environment and exceptional...





