Caring.com
Caring.com

Call (800) 558-0653

Sign in

The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Cruz, CA for 2023

There are 39 Assisted Living Facilities in the Santa Cruz area, with 12 in Santa Cruz and 27 nearby.

The average cost of assisted living in Santa Cruz is $4,122 per month. This is higher than the national median of $3,735.

To help you with your search, browse the 135 reviews below for assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz. On average, consumers rate assisted living in Santa Cruz 4 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Scotts Valley with an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars.

Caring.com has helped thousands of families find high-quality senior care. To speak with one of our Family Advisors about assisted living options and costs in Santa Cruz, call (855) 948-3865.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Cruz, California

39 Results

Didn't find what you were looking for?

Caring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.

1

2

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Santa Cruz

Situated on Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz, California, features beaches, wharfs, and open space for all to enjoy. For seniors specifically, there are also 47 assisted living facilities in the area. Of these communities, 20 are in Santa Cruz and 27 are located in nearby regions such as Scotts Valley, Aptos, Soquel, Lomond, Watsonville, Freedom, Saratoga, San Jose and Los Gatos. These facilities fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz

  • Weather is ideal in Santa Cruz for seniors, offering 262 sunny days each year. The region gets precipitation on just 46 days. The Sperling Comfort Index is also excellent at 86 out of 100 (the national average is 54). High temperatures in the summer are a comfortable 72 degrees Fahrenheit, while lows in the winter stay above freezing at 42 degrees.

  • According to the American Lung Association, Santa Cruz receives an A grade for ozone. However, particle pollution is a problem. Here, the ALA gives Santa Cruz an F. This is a concern for seniors with respiratory conditions.

  • Cost of living is high in Santa Cruz, 107.7 percent higher than the average for the rest of the U.S., which could hinder seniors. While housing is the biggest factor, transportation and health costs influence the percentage, too, with each sitting at five percent higher than the U.S. average.
  • Like all other areas of the state, Santa Cruz does not offer much tax relief. California fully taxes public and private pension incomes, as well as whatever you withdraw from retirement accounts. Social Security, however, isn’t taxed.

  • Crime is an issue in Santa Cruz. The city rates at 67.6 for violent crime and 64.3 for property crime, based on a scale of one to 100. The national averages, for comparison, are 31.1 and 38.1, respectively. Seniors and their families might want to ensure that the ALF they select can provide extra security.
  • The Santa Cruz area is home to world-class medical facilities, including  Dominican Hospital and the Santa Cruz Surgery Center, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.

Paying for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz

Assisted Living costs in Santa Cruz start around $4,122 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of assisted living is $4,000 per month, according to the latest figures from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey.

It’s important to note that assisted living rates in Santa Cruz and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Cities in California

Campbell

$4,500

Saratoga

$4,228

Santa Cruz

$4,122

US

$4,000

Scotts Valley

$3,330

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz

Currently, Santa Cruz doesn’t participate in the Assisted Living Waiver program. However, seniors might qualify for assistance through other programs and waivers, such as the Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver or Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) program.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in California page.

Financial Assistance 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 Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agencies and non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for or currently residing in an assisted living community. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such as geriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, finding home care and health and wellness programs.

To see a list of free assisted living resources in Santa Cruz, please visit our Assisted Living in California page.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz-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.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in California

Helpful Articles

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Our Services

  • Senior Living Directory

  • Senior Care Directory

  • Caregiving Resources

  • Sitemap


© 2023 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.