The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Walnut Creek, CA for 2023

Walnut Creek is situated in California’s East Bay region. It has approximately 70,000 residents and a large senior community that accounts for over 30% of the population, about double the national average percentage of seniors. The city is a popular option for older adults seeking a safe community with low crime rates, comfortable weather and high access to medical care and public transportation.

Assisted living is a prime long-term care option for older adults who need help with some activities of daily living. In addition to housing and daily meals, these facilities provide social and recreational activities and transportation services. Many facilities have on-site amenities, such as fitness centers and swimming pools, and some accommodate small pets. The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey estimates local assisted living rates at $6,319 per month, which is high compared to state and national averages.

Through this guide, seniors can learn about local benefits and amenities that make Walnut Creek a great place for retirees, along with a few things to consider before making the move. The guide also provides more information on assisted living rates and highlights financial assistance programs and nonprofit organizations that help older adults pay for care.

The California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division regulates assisted living facilities in Walnut Creek and the rest of the state, ensuring a high quality of care for residents. Walnut Creek residents can contact the Oakland Adult & Senior Care Regional Office at (510) 286-4201 for information on assisted living regulations and how to report abuse or neglect.  

• The American Lung Association gives Contra Costa County, where Walnut Creek is located, a passing score for annual particle pollution levels but failing grades for ozone and 24-hour particle pollution. To help older adults who are sensitive to environmental pollutants to stay active, assisted living facilities organize indoor recreational activities year-round.  
• Older residents in Walnut Creek have access to several public transportation options to supplement what they access through their residential care communities. County Connection provides para-transit and fixed-route services throughout Walnut Creek and surrounding cities. Seniors can also access transportation through Senior Helpline Services and the Senior Mini Bus Program.  
• California taxes most forms of retirement income, with the exception of Social Security benefits, at some of the highest rates in the nation. To help seniors access the deductions and exemptions they qualify for, agencies such as Contra Costa Senior Legal Services provide income tax preparation services. 
• Walnut Creek’s cost of living is nearly double the national average and about 50% higher than in the state as a whole. High housing costs are the primary driver of the high cost of living, but seniors may be able to avoid housing-related expenses by transitioning to assisted living. 
• While property crime is a little more prevalent in Walnut Creek than in most U.S. cities, local violent crime rates are very low, making it a good option for older adults seeking long-term care. Assisted living facilities minimize crime risks for residents through measures such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems and high-security locks.  
• Walnut Creek is among the cooler places in California, with year-round high temperatures ranging from 56-86 degrees. There are 5 months in which high temperatures are between 70-85 degrees, and measurable snowfall is rare. The city’s comfortable climate may appeal to older adults who enjoy therapeutic outdoor activities, such as gardening.  
• Two hospitals are located in Walnut Grove, including John Muir Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Walnut Creek Medical Center. Health care costs tend to be a little higher here than in most U.S. cities, but to promote access to affordable services, many assisted living facilities have visiting physicians.  

In Walnut Creek, assisted living residents pay $6,319 per month for care. 

Seniors in Walnut Creek pay $6,319 per month for assisted living services, which is high compared to the state average of $5,250 and the national rate of $4,500. Those seeking more affordable care may find competitive rates in other central California cities, including Santa Cruz, where fees come in at $5,500, and Yuba City, where rates are closer to the national median at $4,658. In Stockton, assisted living fees are among the lowest in California at $3,649, and in Santa Rosa, care costs are the highest at $7,048. 

Seniors in Walnut Creek have a range of long-term care options available, depending on the level of care they need. Assisted living is priced at $6,319 per month. Home care and home health care provide a similar level of service in the individual’s home for $6,864 and $7,150, respectively, and nursing home care is costlier at $11,566. For those seeking more economically priced care, adult day health care costs $1,950 per month. 

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.