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The Best Communities in Santa Cruz County, CA
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authentic reviews in Santa Cruz County, CA below include Assisted Living facility with 1224 reviews. On average in Santa Cruz County, residents and their loved ones rate Assisted Living options 4.1 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 Santa Cruz 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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Paying for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County
Seniors in Santa Cruz can expect to pay approximately $6,800 per month for assisted living, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020. Costs in the area are about 58% higher than the United States as a whole, or $2,500 more. Santa Cruz residents also pay significantly more in comparison to the California average of $5,000, which represents a difference of 36% or $1,800 per month.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Santa Cruz County, CA and Nearby Cities
Santa Cruz County is significantly more expensive than other cities in the state. In southern California, Los Angeles costs $1,800 less, and further north, San Luis Obispo is about $1,000 more affordable than Santa Cruz. However, costs drop even more outside of the Bay Area; seniors in Sacramento, which is the state’s capital city, pay $5,395 per month — that’s $1,405 less. Those living in San Jose, about 30 miles to the northeast of Santa Cruz, can expect to pay $5,875 a month. Costs increase slightly toward the northwest in San Francisco, where city residents pay $6,100 per month. About 35 miles to the south, Salinas has the highest costs in the state; seniors here pay $7,100 per month, which is $300 more than their counterparts in Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz County
$6,800
California
$5,000
The United States
$4,300
Los Angeles
$5,000
Sacramento
$5,395
San Luis Obispo
$5,800
San Jose
$5,875
San Francisco
$6,100
Salinas
$7,100
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz County
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Network Services of Santa Cruz County | (831) 462-1433 | Senior Network Services has a range of programs to improve the quality of life for older adults living in Santa Cruz County. The agency’s staff assesses the needs of seniors and refers them to the local resources they require. Social workers provide counseling to fill out applications for public benefits, and seniors receive assistance to create a care plan for their particular situation. Volunteers may also help with managing medical bills and submitting insurance claims. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (831) 429-1913 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is responsible for ensuring the quality of life for older citizens living in assisted living facilities and other residential care centers throughout Santa Cruz County. The program’s representatives investigate complaints made by seniors about quality of care, personal dignity, legal concerns, abuse and the rights of residents. All services are confidential and available at no cost. |
| Lift Line Transportation Service | (831) 688-9663 | This service provides free, door-to-door transportation to older adults who are unable to use standard, fixed-route buses. Seniors can request a trip to medical appointments, dining sites and adult centers within Santa Cruz County. The service works from Monday to Friday, and personal care attendants or traveling companions can ride at no cost. Certain participants may also be eligible for medical transportation to nearby areas outside of Santa Cruz. |
| Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program | (831) 462-1433 | The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program provides unbiased, impartial information about Medicare and insurance problems. Volunteers offer forums and individual counseling to help older adults select a plan that suits their specific requirements. The program’s staff assesses if the senior’s health insurance company can cover the cost of long-term care, and assistance to submit claims is also available. |
| Santa Cruz County Senior Centers | (831) 420-6180 | Santa Cruz County’s Parks and Recreation Department manages several senior centers throughout the area. Older adults have access to a variety of recreational activities, including yoga, tai chi, cinema and dancing; as well as the Senior Computer Center, where they can learn how to use mobile phones and PCs. Instructors teach breathing exercises and guided meditation, and there are also free classes on arts, languages, writing and fitness. |
| Santa Cruz County Veterans Services Office | (831) 464-4575 | The Santa Cruz County Veterans Services helps those who served in the military to receive the benefits they have earned. Volunteers help veterans to file claims, and seniors with limited income may qualify for a monthly pension, which could contribute to the cost of care at an assisted living facility. Veterans who incurred an injury during their military service may also be eligible for disability compensation. |
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz 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
Louanne
5.0
Review of Brookdale Scotts Valley
My dad will move into Brookdale Scotts Valley. We chose it because of a combination of things. There was a good ratio of men to women. The place is very clean, well taken care of, has very friendly...
Assisted Living
Meesook
4.0
Review of Brookdale Scotts Valley
Brookdale Scotts Valley is a very nice place. I like that they provide meals and that it's clean. The manager was nice to show all the options they have: studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom. The...
Assisted Living
Annalea
4.0
Review of Brookdale Scotts Valley
We had my father-in-law at Brookdale Scotts Valley. They're very caring. Excellent staff. It was a nice facility. They had accommodations that made the financing at least possible. They were able...
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