Caring.com
Caring.com

(800) 558-0653

The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Monica, CA for 2024

The sunny city of Santa Monica is situated just miles from sandy beaches in Los Angeles County, near world-class medical facilities, award-winning restaurants and upscale shops and boutiques, creating a laidback lifestyle for its 16,000 local seniors. The city covers just over eight square miles, and while public transportation options are plentiful, wide pedestrian-friendly sidewalks make it easy to navigate the city on foot. The city is a prime retirement destination for those seeking comfortable year-round temperatures and affordable healthcare. 

For many seniors, assisted living provides a worry-free environment that balances independence and privacy with attentive care. Local assisted living facilities offer housing, meals and snacks, personal care, housekeeping and specially curated recreational programs to accommodate the interests of residents. Many facilities feature resort-like amenities such as fitness rooms and pools, while others feature a close-knit, family-like environment. Monthly costs vary, but on average, locals pay $5,000 per month for care, consistent with California’s average. 

This guide provides comprehensive information on assisted living in Santa Monica, including how much care costs, the benefits and drawbacks of living here and the agencies that support older adults and help them make informed decisions regarding their care.

What you can do with Caring

  • Search the Caring database

    Quickly search the largest online senior living and senior care directory

  • Read reviews and expert guidance

    Read our authentic consumer reviews and content by experts

  • Speak to a Family Advisor for free

    Guided, expert advice to find the best community or agency for you

  • Take a tour to decide yourself

    We’ll help you book tours or get in touch with local agencies

Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Monica, California

64 Results


Pets AllowedPhysical TherapyPool / Hot TubVeterans Benefits

Filters

64 Results

Sort By

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.

Call us at (855) 948-3865

1

2

3

4

What to Consider About Assisted Living in Santa Monica

Assisted living facilities are licensed under the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. This division enforces a range of regulations to ensure residents’ comfort and safety through an initial licensing process and scheduled and random visits throughout the licensing term.  

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Santa Monica

  • As is typical of the Los Angeles region, Santa Monica is an expensive place to live. Its overall cost of living is about three times higher than the national average, mainly due to its expensive housing. However, healthcare services in Santa Monica tend to be affordable compared to other cities, with average fees for hospitalization, doctor’s office visits and dental checkups coming in about 10% lower than in the nation as a whole.  
  • Property crime is somewhat prevalent in Santa Monica, but the city’s violent crime rate is consistent with the national average. On a 10-point crime index, with a higher score indicating more crime, the city’s property crime scores 56.9 and violent crime scores 21.7, compared to respective national scores of 35.4 and 22.7.  
  • Older adults have two options for navigating Santa Monica, including the city’s Big Blue Bus and LA Metro, which have discounted fares for older adults. Those unable to use regular public transportation have access to the city’s Mobility On Demand Every Day program, which operates on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. 
  • Santa Monica’s climate is comfortable throughout the year, and measurable snow is highly uncommon, making it a good option for active seniors who enjoy being outdoors. On a 10-point comfort index, the city rates two points higher than the nation at 9.2, indicating that most of its days are between 70-80 degrees and humidity levels are low. 
  • While California charges some of the highest income taxes in the nation, Social Security benefits are exempt, so those who rely primarily on this form of retirement income may not be burdened by high taxes. To help older adults afford taxes on other retirement income, the state offers a personal exemption plus a senior income tax exemption.   

Paying for Assisted Living in Santa Monica

Seniors in Santa Monica pay approximately $5,000 per month for assisted living services. While this is several hundred dollars per month higher than the national average of $4,300, it’s consistent with the state median.  

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

Santa Monica’s assisted living costs are the same as the California average of $5,000, indicating that local monthly care fees are typical of the state. Rates are approximately 43% higher than in Stockton, where assisted living fees are the cheapest in the state at $3,500, and they’re 42% lower than rates in Salinas, which is the most expensive city for this level of care at $7,100 per month. In San Jose, rates exceed the state median at $5,875, and in Visalia, fees are competitive at $4,548.  

Santa Monica

$5,000

California

$5,000

The United States

$4,300

Visalia

$4,548

San Jose Area

$5,875

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living is a comparatively affordable senior care option in Santa Monica, with older adults paying $5,000 per month for this level of care. Home-based care is generally higher and doesn’t cover living costs such as housing, meals and recreational activities. Homemaker services, which feature a scope of care comparable to assisted living, costs $5,434 per month. Home health aides, who also provide limited skilled nursing services, charge $5,529 per month. Adult day health care is the most affordable option at $1,647. Nursing home care is the costliest at $8,060 for shared rooms and $10,570 for private rooms.  

Home Health Aide

$5,529

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$8,060

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

$10,570

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Santa Monica

Low-income seniors residing in Santa Monica may be eligible for assistance programs that can help them cover the cost of assisted living. Currently, there are two programs available: the 1915(c) Assisted Living Waiver program through Medi-Cal and Supplemental Security Income – Category G.

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 Monica

Santa Monica is home to a broad range of programs and agencies that help seniors make informed decisions regarding their care and finances. This table features organizations that help older adults find assisted living facilities that fit their lifestyle and budget, connect with social and recreational programs and get answers to financial and legal questions.  

ResourceContactService
County of Los Angeles Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services(213) 738-4004WDAC is the designated Area Agency on Aging for the Santa Monica region. It provides a range of services to older adults, including wellness support groups, computer classes, social and recreational programs and congregate meals. The agency also has specialists who provide information and referrals to help older adults obtain services in the community. 
VA Los Angeles Regional Office(800) 827-1000Veterans obtain one-on-one help with obtaining VA benefits that can help cover assisted living expenses through the Los Angeles Regional Office, located about four miles east of Santa Monica’s city center. At this location, specialists assist with applying for pension programs, disability compensation and the Aid and Attendance benefit.  
WISE & Healthy Aging(310) 394-9871WISE & Healthy Aging has a long-term care ombudsman that advocates on behalf of those living in assisted living facilities in Santa Monica, ensuring that they receive the services they’re entitled to and mediating conflicts between family members or with facilities. The organization also has a peer counseling program with paraprofessional counselors who provide guidance and support with age-related issues such as poor health, loss and retirement.  
Bet Tzedek Legal Services(323) 939-0506Bet Tzedek Legal Services is a nonprofit organization that provides free civil legal services to seniors in Santa Monica and the surrounding region. It’s nationally recognized for its Justice for Seniors program, which helps older adults address issues such as advance planning, assigning conservators, preventing elder abuse and obtaining public benefits.  
Center for Health Care Rights(213) 383-4519Center for Health Care Rights is a local nonprofit organization. It administers the statewide senior health insurance options counseling program. Through this program, trained volunteers help seniors understand their Medicare benefits, determine eligibility for Medicaid and research long-term care insurance. Seniors can also get help with obtaining prescription drug assistance or dental benefits.  

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Santa Monica

Santa Monica-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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Lina

I visited this facility

Review of Bentley Suites by Serenity Care Health

I was disappointed with Bentley Suites by Serenity Care Health. It looked to me like it was a converted apartment building into a home and it was just very small, almost depressing. I didn't like...

Read more

Assisted Living

Gaby

I visited this facility

Review of Savant of Santa Monica

I toured Holiday Villa East for my mom, and I loved it. If I could go myself in a few years, I would go there. I saw apartments with their own bathrooms. The person who gave me the tour was...

Read more

Assisted Living

Reviewer#DT1103

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens

My husband was a resident of Brookdale Santa Monica Gardens. It was modern, clean, and quiet. They have good staffing, good meals, and nice grounds. Everything about it was great. It was very...

Read more

Helpful Articles

Assisted Living near Santa Monica, CA

Pacific PalisadesCulver CityBeverly HillsWest HollywoodInglewoodSherman Oaks

Other Options in Santa Monica, CA

Business Owners

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

  • Terms of Use

  • Privacy Policy


© 2024 Caring, LLC. All rights reserved.