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

There are 35 Assisted Living Facilities in the Santa Maria area, with 16 in Santa Maria and 19 nearby.

The average cost of assisted living in Santa Maria is $3,675 per month. This is lower than the national median of $3,750.

To help you with your search, browse the 89 reviews below for assisted living facilities in Santa Maria. On average, consumers rate assisted living in Santa Maria 4.3 out of 5 stars. Better rated regions include Nipomo with an average rating of 4.9 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 Maria, call (855) 948-3865.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Maria, California

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Santa Maria

On the southern California coast in Santa Barbara County, Santa Maria is bigger than most cities in the state and has 100 years of history for seniors to explore. It's population is over 107,000 with those ages 65 and over making up almost 10 percent of it. Seniors requiring help with daily living tasks who want to live in a community of peers experiencing similar challenges can choose from 16 residential care communities in Santa Maria and 13 in surrounding towns. These communities are regulated by the California Code of Regulations as well as the RCFE Act to make sure elderly residents are cared for in safe, respectful manner. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Santa Maria

  • As evidenced by the lower monthly costs of living in an assisted living facility there, the cost of living in Santa Maria is lower than it is in other, bigger cities such as Los Angeles. However, since California is still prime real estate, the cost of living in Santa Maria is still slightly higher than the national average.

  • The crime rate in Santa Maria is higher than even more heavily populated areas such as Los Angeles when it comes to both violent crimes and property crimes.

  • There are multiple services that provide transportation for elderly or disabled residents in Santa Maria. SMOOTH, for example, provides transportation for seniors over the age of 60 and promotes a safe, community-driven experience.

  • Santa Maria has a thriving arts community. There are many opportunities for seniors and their families alike to take in art, theater, or concerts on a semi-regular basis.

  • Santa Maria has an array of community resources for seniors, including the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens, an organization that helps seniors in the San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties to be more active in their community while maintaining their independence.

  • The Santa Maria area is home to world-class medical facilities, including the Marian Regional Medical Center, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.

Paying for Assisted Living in Santa Maria

Assisted Living costs in Santa Maria start around $3,340 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 Maria 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

San Luis Obispo

$4,225

US

$4,000

Lompoc

$3,799

Nipomo

$3,795

Arroyo Grande

$3,440

Santa Maria

$3,340

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Maria

Seniors who require financial assistance with an ALF can seek eligibility through the California Medicaid program. Low-income individuals who prefer to live in an ALF can also apply to receive help through the Assisted Living Waiver 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 Maria

Santa Maria 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 Maria, please visit our Assisted Living in California page.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Santa Maria

Santa Maria-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

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