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Assisted Living Communities in San Francisco, CA

The northern California city of San Francisco covers about 47 square miles on a peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay. The city offers numerous long-term care options for seniors who need daily support, including 250 assisted living residences within the city limits and nearby. In 2024, local seniors pay around $7,495 per month for assisted living, which exceeds the state baseline rate by about $1,250.

Based on 2305 reviews testimonials from seniors and families, we find an average quality rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars among assisted living communities in the San Francisco region.

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Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Ed215

I visited this facility

Review of Aldersly

We were able to visit the Aldersly. We did not like it at all. It had the amenities that the other place had, but the dining room area was very small, and there were just regular standard tables...

Provider response

Thank you for sharing your impressions following your visit to Aldersly. We truly appreciate the time you took to explore the community and provide such detailed feedback. Thank you again for your...

Read more

Assisted Living

Ralph

I visited this facility

Review of Buena Vista Manor House

I toured Buena Vista Manor House. I like that it's a privately held business, that David, the owner, is part of the hands-on, day-to-day operation of the Manor House, and that he made a very strong...

Read more

Assisted Living

Mary Fossourier

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

Review of Portola Gardens

ROOMS: The rooms are quiet and clean Residents do not need to bring their own furniture. Furniture, plus bed and bedding are provided. FOOD: I have visited but have not participated in any...

Read more

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What Is the Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco?

San Francisco's assisted living facilities charge a median fee of $8,500/month, according to CareScout. The monthly baseline drops to $6,390 in Santa Cruz. Rates in San Francisco run over $100 higher than California's norm of $7,350 and $2,600 more than the typical national cost of $5,900.

Assisted Living Costs in San Francisco

  • San Francisco: $8,500
  • Santa Cruz: $6,390
  • California: $7,350
  • U.S.: $5,900

San Francisco

$7,495

California

$6,250

United States

$5,350

San Jose

$7,150

Modesto

$4,100

Stockton

$4,363

Vallejo

$4,944

How to Pay for Assisted Living in San Francisco:

Assisted living communities in San Francisco often accept public and private payment options, offering flexibility for seniors and families. Programs such as Medicaid and Medicare reduce out-of-pocket expenses for many residents, while personal income and assets bridge funding gaps. Additionally, many local assisted living centers accept VA benefits.

  • Medicaid: Many assisted living communities in San Francisco accept reimbursement from the Assisted Living Waiver, which pays for long-term care services for those who meet functional criteria. This waiver doesn’t cover housing, but it pays for services such as meals, housekeeping, and personal care, as outlined in an individual’s care plan.
  • Medicare: While assisted living falls outside of Medicare’s scope of coverage, residents can use their Part B plan to pay for certain specialized care services they receive. This coverage applies to skilled nursing services and rehabilitative care they receive through third-party home health care providers.
  • VA Benefits: Veterans have several options for managing assisted living costs, including personal care services, meals, transportation and housing. The VA administers three programs: Aid and Attendance, Housebound benefits, and the Geriatrics and Extended Care program.
  • Private payments: Seniors use their personal income and savings to cover the costs of housing and services in assisted living. Common payment sources include monthly pension and Social Security income, 401(k) savings, and long-term care insurance.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in San Francisco

San Francisco, and California as a whole, is focused on keeping seniors in their own homes for as long as possible. Financial help in paying for assisted living facilities is extremely limited when compared to in-home or nursing home care as a result of this statewide policy. The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) program is available in San Francisco for people with full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility, although this does not cover all aspects of assisted living.

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

Inflation's Impact on the Cost of Assisted Living in San Francisco, CA

Like many other things, the cost of assisted living care has gone up in San Francisco. Over the period 2022-24, prices for room and care in the city's assisted living communities rose from $7,099 a month to a projected $8,375 in 2024, an 18% increase in three years. During the same period, California in general saw a more modest rise in costs of just 13%. The national average hike was 18%, from $4,070 to $4,802 a month, similar to the cost of care in several California cities. Sacramento, Riverside and Bakersfield all rose by 18%.

Location2022 Cost (Historical)2023 Cost (Current)2024 Cost (Estimated)
San Francisco$7,099$7,777 $8,375
U.S. Average$4,070$4,459 $4,802
California$4,625$4,946 $5,221
Sacramento$4,995$5,472 $5,893
Riverside$4,814$5,274 $5,680
Bakersfield$4,968$5,443 $5,862

Assisted living v. In-home care in San Francisco

At $8,500/month, assisted living costs about $500 more each month in San Francisco than full-time in-home care and home health care, which share a median rate of $8,008. Assisted living supports seniors in a residential environment, where they also have access to varied leisure activities and amenities. In comparison, home care provides assistance from visiting aides, allowing older adults to age in their homes.

Which San Francisco Communities Are Caring Stars?

Each year, we award Caring Stars to top-rated communities that have high average ratings, great reviews, and demonstrate review responsiveness. In the past 3 years, California has had 113 Caring Stars winners.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in San Francisco,CA

There are many resources in San Francisco,CA that assist seniors in their retirement. Caring.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs and agencies and categorized them into care types for easy reference.

For information about statewide resources and those in nearby cities, go to Caring's California state page.

Program NamePhone NumberDescription
San Francisco Human Services Agency415-557-5000The city’s Human Services Agency houses the Disability + Aging division, which supports seniors through nutrition services, health care initiatives, case management and veterans’ assistance. It has legal professionals who help seniors navigate civil legal issues such as benefits assistance and tenants’ rights.
Meals on Wheels San Francisco415-920-1111The local Meals on Wheels program delivers two healthy meals daily to seniors at risk of food instability. It has a team of social workers who help program participants find in-home support services, including transportation, social opportunities and free phones.
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank415-282-1900This nonprofit organization helps older adults find food banks throughout San Francisco. It also distributes monthly food boxes to seniors who meet income requirements.
The ReCARES Network5405ReCARES distributes gently used durable medical equipment and consumable supplies to seniors throughout San Francisco. Through this organization, seniors can obtain items such as toilet risers, knee scooters, wheelchairs, walkers and blood pressure machines.
Institute on Aging415-750-4111The Institute on Aging operates the Friendship Line, a friendly caller program that provides emotional support for those aged 60 and over. The program also has a caregiver support program for family caregivers, and it offers enhanced case management for older adults with special care needs.
Bayview Senior Services415-822-1444Bayview Senior Services supports older adults through social, recreational, wellness and nutrition services. It operates three senior centers, where older adults participate in daily programming, as well as an adult day health center for those who need daily support.
OMI Senior Center415-334-5550This senior center provides free social and recreational activities for those aged 60 and over, along with a low-cost daily lunch program. It hosts special events and activities throughout the year, including a monthly Library on Wheels service, health and wellness classes and technology support.
SteppingStone Senior Centers - San Francisco415-974-6784As the largest ADHC in San Francisco, SteppingStone provides individualized health and social support services for program participants. It has a multilingual staff and accepts many public and private health insurance plans.
Mission Neighborhood Centers415-206-7752This organization’s Healthy Aging and Disability Services Program features social and recreational activities, congregate meals and educational workshops. It hosts various classes, including computer literacy, chair exercises and nutrition.
San Francisco Senior Center415-202-7805This organization operates two senior centers in San Francisco, the Aquatic Park Center and the Downtown Center. These locations host recreational activities and have specialists who provide social services and information and referral assistance.
Self Help for the Elderly415-677-7600Through this nonprofit organization, older adults find affordable senior housing, chore services, home-delivered and congregate meals and information on local recreational opportunities. The organization has HICAP counselors who provide free, unbiased Medicare and Medicaid counseling.
Toolworks' ADRC415-733-0990The Aging and Adult Disability Resource Center serves those aged 55 and over through information and referral services. It helps seniors obtain the public benefits they qualify for and provides referrals for case management.
Ruth's Table415-642-1000This memory cafe operates the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, providing social and recreational opportunities for those living with memory loss and their loved ones. It features in-gallery art exhibition tours and engaging art-based activities.
UCSF Memory and Aging Center415-353-2057The Memory and Aging Center provides diagnostic services and care for seniors living with memory loss. Individuals can get personalized support and medical care or participate in clinical studies.
Openhouse415-296-8995This organization connect seniors in the LGBTQ+ community with affordable housing, support services and community engagement opportunities. It operates as an ADRC, serving as a single point of entry into community-based services such as care coordination, case management and subsidized in-home care.
San Francisco Social Security Offices800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY)San Francisco contains three Social Security Administration field offices, providing local seniors with in-person support and benefits assistance. At these locations, older adults apply for Medicare and Social Security benefits and obtain screening for Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program 415-416-6660LIHEAP helps income-qualified seniors avoid disruptions in their utility services through credits on their energy bills. Availability depends on funding, and seniors can apply to receive this credit once per calendar year.
San Francisco Vet Center415-441-5051The San Francisco Vet Center provides counseling and referral services to veterans and their families. It has trained counselors who provide one-on-one and group counseling sessions, offering support for those living with conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Key Highlights

  • Assisted Living Costs: San Francisco has 10 assisted living facilities, with a median cost of $8,500/month.
  • Nationally Ranked Medical Facilities: San Francisco has numerous medical facilities, including the nationally ranked UCSF Health Medical Center and the high-performing John Muir Health Concord Medical Center.
  • Facility Amenities: San Francisco’s assisted living facilities typically offer a diverse activity schedule to nourish social, physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being. Other common features include indoor and outdoor leisure areas, pet-friendly accommodations, and nutritious meals.
  • Nearby Excursions: In addition to strolls around Fisherman’s Wharf, boat trips, and excursions to Alcatraz, San Francisco offers beaches, wineries, and museums such as the Asian Art Museum and de Young Museum. The Japanese Tea Garden and San Francisco Botanical Garden offer more opportunities for relaxation.

Here's how Caring can support your research and decision-making process:

  • Our expert Family Advisor services are free and personalized.
  • We'll connect you with assisted living communities and in-home care providers in San Francisco that match your unique care needs and budget.

You can explore {{global.reviewCount}} reviews from seniors and their families about their experiences with local providers to help inform your decision.

Older adults benefit from wide-ranging amenities and diverse activity schedules, geared toward enhancing life enjoyment. Keeping preferred features in mind can help narrow down the search for the ideal assisted living residence.

  • Special interest clubs, such as reading and walking, connect residents who share similar interests.
  • On-site fitness centers and instructor-led exercise classes support physical wellness.
  • Multi-faith prayer rooms and chapels support diverse spiritual beliefs.
  • Communal dining lets residents bond over meals, and diverse menus cater to wide-ranging tastes and dietary needs.
  • Salon services allow seniors to enjoy a little pampering.
  • Wi-Fi and public-use computers allow residents to keep in touch with loved ones, manage their affairs, and access online resources.
  • Nurse oversight monitors residents’ overall health and well-being.
  • Gardens provide outdoor recreation, with shaded seating areas, walking pathways, and areas for yard games.

Additionally, some facilities in San Francisco feature:

Seniors can connect with an expert Family Advisor for free information and assistance in finding the best assisted living facility for their preferences and requirements. They can conveniently compare local residences and focus on the services and features that matter most to them.

What Are the Laws & Regulations for Assisted Living in San Francisco?

Strict statewide laws apply to California’s licensed assisted living facilities, promoting resident safety and care while ensuring appropriate staff training and facility standards. Visit our Assisted Living in California page for more information.

What Are Senior-Friendly Amenities and Attractions in San Francisco?

With expansive outdoor areas and a rich cultural scene combined with top-class medical facilities and senior-friendly services, San Francisco offers enjoyment and convenience for its older residents. Favorable features for retirees include:

FAQ and Answers on Assisted Living in San Francisco

Sources

Helpful Articles

Assisted Living near San Francisco, CA

San FranciscoDaly CitySouth San FranciscoSan BrunoMill ValleyCorte Madera

Other Options in San Francisco, CA

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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

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