49 Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Barbara County, CA
Marked by pristine sandy beaches, shopping and dining amenities and world-class medical facilities, Santa Barbara County promotes the quality of life that many retirees seek. While it’s also a popular vacation destination, it has about 450,000 permanent residents, nearly 16% of whom are seniors. The county is served by the Santa Barbara Airport, Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train and Route 1, making it an easy area to visit, and Santa Barbara MTD helps older adults navigate the area even without a vehicle. Residents have access to a large public library system and several senior centers, promoting social and recreational opportunities.
The Santa Barbara region supports its older population’s health and comfort through nearly 120 licensed assisted living facilities. This level of care costs approximately $5,000 per month, which is consistent with the statewide average, Combined with Santa Barbara County’s coastal setting and numerous amenities, the moderate cost of care can help make it a desirable retirement location for California seniors.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Barbara County, CA
Santa Maria Terrace
1405 E. Main St, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
Santa Maria Terrace is located in Santa Maria, California, just blocks away from Route 101 and Marian Regional Medical Center. Residents and visitors appreciate that the facility has a pleasant, homel
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Santa Maria Terrace is located in Santa Maria, California, just blocks away from Route 101 and Marian Regional Medical Center. Residents and visitors appreciate that the facility has a pleasant, homelike atmosphere. Residents enjoy making crafts, playing card games and watching movies in the expansive activity room. Residents and their loved ones are most impressed by the meticulously landscaped courtyard at Santa Maria Terrace, which boasts a rose garden, a gazebo and plenty of patio seating. The community also receives top marks for providing balance classes which help residents stay active and healthy.
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Santa Maria Terrace is located in Santa Maria, California, just blocks away from Route 101 and Marian Regional Medical Center. Residents and visitors appreciate that the facility has a pleasant, homel
… (read more)
Santa Maria Terrace is located in Santa Maria, California, just blocks away from Route 101 and Marian Regional Medical Center. Residents and visitors appreciate that the facility has a pleasant, homelike atmosphere. Residents enjoy making crafts, playing card games and watching movies in the expansive activity room. Residents and their loved ones are most impressed by the meticulously landscaped courtyard at Santa Maria Terrace, which boasts a rose garden, a gazebo and plenty of patio seating. The community also receives top marks for providing balance classes which help residents stay active and healthy.
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Mariposa at Ellwood Shores
190 ViaJero Ave., Goleta, CA, 93117
My mom has lived at Mariposa for almost four years. It is a lovely place. It has been tough during COVID but the residents and staff have remained healthy, for which I credit the management. The openi
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My mom has lived at Mariposa for almost four years. It is a lovely place. It has been tough during COVID but the residents and staff have remained healthy, for which I credit the management. The opening up of the facility has been a long time coming for the residents but is now occurring. Mom has been lucky to be in a place where she has remained healthy in this pandemic. She is happy to be eating in the dining room and will enjoy all the activities Dorie plans!
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My mom has lived at Mariposa for almost four years. It is a lovely place. It has been tough during COVID but the residents and staff have remained healthy, for which I credit the management. The openi
… (read more)
My mom has lived at Mariposa for almost four years. It is a lovely place. It has been tough during COVID but the residents and staff have remained healthy, for which I credit the management. The opening up of the facility has been a long time coming for the residents but is now occurring. Mom has been lucky to be in a place where she has remained healthy in this pandemic. She is happy to be eating in the dining room and will enjoy all the activities Dorie plans!
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Maravilla
5486 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111
I stayed for a week at Maravilla, and I loved it. It’s like a five-star hotel. It’s highly organized, the amenities are amazing, and it’s beautiful inside and out. The food is wonderful, exceptional,
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I stayed for a week at Maravilla, and I loved it. It’s like a five-star hotel. It’s highly organized, the amenities are amazing, and it’s beautiful inside and out. The food is wonderful, exceptional, and served on linens. The staff is amazing.
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I stayed for a week at Maravilla, and I loved it. It’s like a five-star hotel. It’s highly organized, the amenities are amazing, and it’s beautiful inside and out. The food is wonderful, exceptional,
… (read more)
I stayed for a week at Maravilla, and I loved it. It’s like a five-star hotel. It’s highly organized, the amenities are amazing, and it’s beautiful inside and out. The food is wonderful, exceptional, and served on linens. The staff is amazing.
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Wood Glen Hall
3010 Foothill Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
Wood Glen Hall is situated in the East San Roque neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. Visitors and residents agree that Wood Glen Hall exudes a bright and cheerful ambiance. Residents love the d
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Wood Glen Hall is situated in the East San Roque neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. Visitors and residents agree that Wood Glen Hall exudes a bright and cheerful ambiance. Residents love the delicious dishes and deserts served in the community dining hall. They also compliment this facility for having a gorgeous courtyard, which boasts tall trees, a gazebo and an array of colorful flowers. However, Wood Glen Hall receives the most praise for offering plenty of entertaining activities, including card games, craft-making projects, movie nights, tea parties and yoga classes.
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Wood Glen Hall is situated in the East San Roque neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. Visitors and residents agree that Wood Glen Hall exudes a bright and cheerful ambiance. Residents love the d
… (read more)
Wood Glen Hall is situated in the East San Roque neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. Visitors and residents agree that Wood Glen Hall exudes a bright and cheerful ambiance. Residents love the delicious dishes and deserts served in the community dining hall. They also compliment this facility for having a gorgeous courtyard, which boasts tall trees, a gazebo and an array of colorful flowers. However, Wood Glen Hall receives the most praise for offering plenty of entertaining activities, including card games, craft-making projects, movie nights, tea parties and yoga classes.
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Villa Santa Barbara
227 E. Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101
Villa Santa Barbara provides assisted and independent living and is nestled in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks from downtown. Visitors and loved ones appreciate the facility’s p
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Villa Santa Barbara provides assisted and independent living and is nestled in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks from downtown. Visitors and loved ones appreciate the facility’s prime location, homey atmosphere and apartments with ocean views. Residents enjoy their studio-style apartments with balconies and enjoy live music and trips to nearby towns. High-class amenities include a movie room, library, game room, fitness room and beauty salon. Family members praise the facility dining room for its good food and friendly environment, and compliment the beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens.
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Villa Santa Barbara provides assisted and independent living and is nestled in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks from downtown. Visitors and loved ones appreciate the facility’s p
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Villa Santa Barbara provides assisted and independent living and is nestled in beautiful Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks from downtown. Visitors and loved ones appreciate the facility’s prime location, homey atmosphere and apartments with ocean views. Residents enjoy their studio-style apartments with balconies and enjoy live music and trips to nearby towns. High-class amenities include a movie room, library, game room, fitness room and beauty salon. Family members praise the facility dining room for its good food and friendly environment, and compliment the beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens.
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Vista del Monte
3775 Modoc Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
Vista del Monte is located in Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks south of Route 101 and only a mile north of the shore. Residents and their loved ones praise Vista del Monte for having a ple
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Vista del Monte is located in Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks south of Route 101 and only a mile north of the shore. Residents and their loved ones praise Vista del Monte for having a pleasant and friendly ambiance. They also compliment the knowledgeable and accommodating staff at this facility. Residents love relaxing in the cozy library, exercising at the state-of-the-art fitness center and taking a dip in the community swimming pool. Vista del Monte also receives top marks for its gorgeous grounds, which are teeming with pine trees and other lush greenery.
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Vista del Monte is located in Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks south of Route 101 and only a mile north of the shore. Residents and their loved ones praise Vista del Monte for having a ple
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Vista del Monte is located in Santa Barbara, California, just a few blocks south of Route 101 and only a mile north of the shore. Residents and their loved ones praise Vista del Monte for having a pleasant and friendly ambiance. They also compliment the knowledgeable and accommodating staff at this facility. Residents love relaxing in the cozy library, exercising at the state-of-the-art fitness center and taking a dip in the community swimming pool. Vista del Monte also receives top marks for its gorgeous grounds, which are teeming with pine trees and other lush greenery.
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Tree Of Life Retirement Homes, Inc. – Santa Barbara, CA
5364 Berkeley Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111
My mother stayed at The Tree Of Life Retirement Homes. It’s probably the best option for a board-and-care place. It’s for people who have mid- to late-stage dementia. They also have people that are co
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My mother stayed at The Tree Of Life Retirement Homes. It’s probably the best option for a board-and-care place. It’s for people who have mid- to late-stage dementia. They also have people that are cognitively there, but physically they’re not. There are also people in wheelchairs. Each person has a private room. The food is excellent, and it’s all homemade. They read to them, and they do coloring and painting. There’s no playing ball or bowling like the other larger facilities have. It’s a quieter facility. It’s a house, and they have bedrooms. I would recommend this place to anybody. It’s very clean, and all the activities are geared toward each person. There are no group activities because each person requires a different level of care.
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My mother stayed at The Tree Of Life Retirement Homes. It’s probably the best option for a board-and-care place. It’s for people who have mid- to late-stage dementia. They also have people that are co
… (read more)
My mother stayed at The Tree Of Life Retirement Homes. It’s probably the best option for a board-and-care place. It’s for people who have mid- to late-stage dementia. They also have people that are cognitively there, but physically they’re not. There are also people in wheelchairs. Each person has a private room. The food is excellent, and it’s all homemade. They read to them, and they do coloring and painting. There’s no playing ball or bowling like the other larger facilities have. It’s a quieter facility. It’s a house, and they have bedrooms. I would recommend this place to anybody. It’s very clean, and all the activities are geared toward each person. There are no group activities because each person requires a different level of care.
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Villa Care Home II
946 W Bunny Avenue, Santa Maria, CA, 93458
My mother moved into Villa Care Home II, and she loves it there. The people are really good to her. They are very nice and very attentive. Both my mother and I are very pleased with them. The room is
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My mother moved into Villa Care Home II, and she loves it there. The people are really good to her. They are very nice and very attentive. Both my mother and I are very pleased with them. The room is very nice. The meals are excellent. She is a picky eater, but she loves the food that they fix. They are very good, we just love them, and the staff is excellent. With COVID going on there’s not a whole lot for them to do, but she enjoys what she does get to do with them. They are very good at getting their residents any kind of help that they need. We moved here last summer from Texas, and it’s hard for her to find a doctor. They went above and beyond to help us find one.
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My mother moved into Villa Care Home II, and she loves it there. The people are really good to her. They are very nice and very attentive. Both my mother and I are very pleased with them. The room is
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My mother moved into Villa Care Home II, and she loves it there. The people are really good to her. They are very nice and very attentive. Both my mother and I are very pleased with them. The room is very nice. The meals are excellent. She is a picky eater, but she loves the food that they fix. They are very good, we just love them, and the staff is excellent. With COVID going on there’s not a whole lot for them to do, but she enjoys what she does get to do with them. They are very good at getting their residents any kind of help that they need. We moved here last summer from Texas, and it’s hard for her to find a doctor. They went above and beyond to help us find one.
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Fountain Square of Lompoc
1420 West North Avenue, Lompoc, CA, 93436
I visited Fountain Square of Lompoc for my dad and it was nice and very cozy. The staff is fantastic. They gave me everything I asked for. The apartments were clean and well maintained. They have a ni
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I visited Fountain Square of Lompoc for my dad and it was nice and very cozy. The staff is fantastic. They gave me everything I asked for. The apartments were clean and well maintained. They have a nice outdoor patio to sit and relax.
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I visited Fountain Square of Lompoc for my dad and it was nice and very cozy. The staff is fantastic. They gave me everything I asked for. The apartments were clean and well maintained. They have a ni
… (read more)
I visited Fountain Square of Lompoc for my dad and it was nice and very cozy. The staff is fantastic. They gave me everything I asked for. The apartments were clean and well maintained. They have a nice outdoor patio to sit and relax.
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Alexander Gardens Assisted Living
2120 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
Alexander Gardens Assisted Living is nestled in the heart of the Upper East in Santa Barbara, California. Residents and their loved ones agree that Alexander Gardens is delightfully cozy. They love th
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Alexander Gardens Assisted Living is nestled in the heart of the Upper East in Santa Barbara, California. Residents and their loved ones agree that Alexander Gardens is delightfully cozy. They love the lush gardens and small terraces that dot the exterior of this facility. Residents enjoy the delicious food, which is prepared by a chef and served in an elegant community dining room. They also enjoy being able to update their look at the on-site beauty parlor. However, Alexander Gardens receives the most compliments for scheduling plenty of entertaining activities, such as musical programs and art classes.
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Alexander Gardens Assisted Living is nestled in the heart of the Upper East in Santa Barbara, California. Residents and their loved ones agree that Alexander Gardens is delightfully cozy. They love th
… (read more)
Alexander Gardens Assisted Living is nestled in the heart of the Upper East in Santa Barbara, California. Residents and their loved ones agree that Alexander Gardens is delightfully cozy. They love the lush gardens and small terraces that dot the exterior of this facility. Residents enjoy the delicious food, which is prepared by a chef and served in an elegant community dining room. They also enjoy being able to update their look at the on-site beauty parlor. However, Alexander Gardens receives the most compliments for scheduling plenty of entertaining activities, such as musical programs and art classes.
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Villa Care Home I
938 W Bunny Avenue, Santa Maria, CA, 93458
Villa Care Home I was good and we didn’t have any problems. The staff was very nice and pleasant. The dining room only had a kitchen table. It was average.
Villa Care Home I was good and we didn’t have any problems. The staff was very nice and pleasant. The dining room only had a kitchen table. It was average.
Villa Care Home III
965 W Robert Lane, Santa Maria, CA, 93458
The Villa Home Care III is in the Santa Barbara metro area, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Located in Santa Maria, California, the assisted living facility offers companion suites, private
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The Villa Home Care III is in the Santa Barbara metro area, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Located in Santa Maria, California, the assisted living facility offers companion suites, private rooms and shared rooms for residents and small pets. Staff members offer 24/7 security, companionship and personalized care to offer peace of mind to family members while encouraging resident independence. Additionally, the facility participates in community events and activities daily to keep residents entertained, along with providing meals, transportation and beauty/barbershop services.
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The Villa Home Care III is in the Santa Barbara metro area, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Located in Santa Maria, California, the assisted living facility offers companion suites, private
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The Villa Home Care III is in the Santa Barbara metro area, about 150 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Located in Santa Maria, California, the assisted living facility offers companion suites, private rooms and shared rooms for residents and small pets. Staff members offer 24/7 security, companionship and personalized care to offer peace of mind to family members while encouraging resident independence. Additionally, the facility participates in community events and activities daily to keep residents entertained, along with providing meals, transportation and beauty/barbershop services.
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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
1220 Suey Road, Santa Maria, CA, 93454
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is an assisted living, independent living and memory care facility just a few miles from downtown Santa Maria, California. Housing options, from studios up to two-bedroo
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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is an assisted living, independent living and memory care facility just a few miles from downtown Santa Maria, California. Housing options, from studios up to two-bedroom apartments, are available to seniors 65 and older, as well as their small pets. Visitors are impressed by the community’s high-quality amenities such as a swimming pool, garden, hair salon, gym, computer room and two restaurant-style dining rooms. Family members are pleased that there are a variety of activities offered to suit residents’ interests, including gardening, happy hour, bingo, exercise classes and frequent field trips to local attractions.
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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is an assisted living, independent living and memory care facility just a few miles from downtown Santa Maria, California. Housing options, from studios up to two-bedroo
… (read more)
Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is an assisted living, independent living and memory care facility just a few miles from downtown Santa Maria, California. Housing options, from studios up to two-bedroom apartments, are available to seniors 65 and older, as well as their small pets. Visitors are impressed by the community’s high-quality amenities such as a swimming pool, garden, hair salon, gym, computer room and two restaurant-style dining rooms. Family members are pleased that there are a variety of activities offered to suit residents’ interests, including gardening, happy hour, bingo, exercise classes and frequent field trips to local attractions.
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Valle Verde
900 Calle De Los Amigos, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
With Coastal Oaks mountains and hills in view, Valle Verde is a luxurious and rejuvenating assisted living and nursing home accommodation. Considered the “unsung heroes,“ the nurses provide around
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With Coastal Oaks mountains and hills in view, Valle Verde is a luxurious and rejuvenating assisted living and nursing home accommodation. Considered the “unsung heroes,“ the nurses provide around-the-clock attentive care to all residents of the one-story cottages. The entire team receives continual praise for congeniality and politeness. Dining in the Santa Barbara community is an enjoyable experience, as residents can choose from either à la carte, cafeteria-style or grilled meals. Valle Verde inhabitants always have projects to engage in — whether venturing to the opera or swimming in the in-house pool.
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With Coastal Oaks mountains and hills in view, Valle Verde is a luxurious and rejuvenating assisted living and nursing home accommodation. Considered the “unsung heroes,“ the nurses provide around
… (read more)
With Coastal Oaks mountains and hills in view, Valle Verde is a luxurious and rejuvenating assisted living and nursing home accommodation. Considered the “unsung heroes,“ the nurses provide around-the-clock attentive care to all residents of the one-story cottages. The entire team receives continual praise for congeniality and politeness. Dining in the Santa Barbara community is an enjoyable experience, as residents can choose from either à la carte, cafeteria-style or grilled meals. Valle Verde inhabitants always have projects to engage in — whether venturing to the opera or swimming in the in-house pool.
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is a Caring Star Community
Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
Paying for Assisted Living in Santa Barbara County
According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, the nationwide monthly assisted living rate is $4,300. However, care fees vary widely depending on local costs of living, state regulations and the number of available facilities in a given region. In California, care costs tend to be a little higher at an average of $5,000 per month. Fees for Santa Barbara County are based on the rates listed for the Santa Maria area, which includes Santa Maria and Santa Barbara. Here, seniors pay approximately $5,000 per month for care.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Compared to the state as a whole, Santa Barbara County is a moderately priced region for assisted living at $5,000 per month. It’s an affordable alternative to the San Luis Obispo area, which is about 90 miles away and has average monthly assisted living fees of $5,800. In Napa, costs are even higher at $6,250, and in Salinas, assisted living facilities charge the highest rates in the state at $7,100. Those looking for more economically priced care may consider Redding, where monthly fees are closer to the national average at $4,500. Modesto and Madera are reasonably priced at $4,000 and $3,913, respectively. In Stockton, rates are the lowest in the state at $3,500 per month.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Barbara 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.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Santa Barbara County
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens | (805) 925-9554 | The Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens is a local nonprofit organization and the designated Area Agency on Aging for Santa Barbara County. Through its Senior Information Program, older adults can find local services and programs that meet their needs. Help is available over the phone via the Senior Info Line, which is reached at (800) 510-2020. The agency also maintains the Senior Resource Directory, a searchable database with local organizations that provide services such as care planning, transportation and congregate meals. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman of Santa Barbara County | (805) 922-1236 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman of Santa Barbara County advocates on behalf of older adults in assisted living. This agency addresses complaints made on behalf of residents pertaining to staff training, the quality of care, residents’ rights and abuse or neglect. |
| Veterans Services | (805) 681-4500 | The county’s Veterans Services Division provides programs and assistance to veterans and their spouses or survivors, helping them obtain the services and benefits they’re entitled to. Benefits the office can help qualifying visitors obtain include disability compensation, pensions, life insurance, medical benefits and discharge upgrades. The division can also help seniors apply for the Aid and Attendance benefit, which may help them cover the cost of assisted living services. |
| Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County | (805) 963-6754 | The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides free legal assistance to those aged 60 and over. Through this office, older adults can get assistance with obtaining state and federal benefits that may help cover assisted living expenses, including Medi-Cal, Social Security and Supplemental Security Income. Volunteer attorneys at this agency can also help seniors assign powers of attorney or guardianship and draft simple wills. |
| Goleta Valley Senior Center | (805) 967-1237 | The Goleta Valley Senior Center is one of several senior centers in Santa Barbara County. At this location, older adults can connect with their peers and participate in activities geared toward those aged 50 and over. For a low annual fee, members can take part in activities such as line dancing; yoga; card games; knitting, crocheting, quilting and embroidery groups; and porcelain painting. The center can also help older adults connect with local services and supports. |
| Senior Volunteer Services | (805) 544-8740 | Senior Volunteer Services is a local nonprofit volunteer and human services agency that connects older adults with volunteer opportunities that suit their interests and abilities. It hosts the nationwide Retired and Senior Volunteer program for those aged 55 and over. Through RSVP, older adults can provide administrative assistance to local police departments, sort packaged foods at local food pantries, greet and guide visitors in local museums and organize donations for charities. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara 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.
