Memory Care Communities in Bakersfield, CA

Bakersfield’s memory care prices are almost $1,000 lower than the national average of $5,625 per month. Local prices are $1,875 lower than the state median of $6,563 per month. Bakersfield is also more affordable than other major cities in the region. For instance, Hanford is $750 higher at $5,438 per month. Prices in Los Angeles are on par with the state median, and seniors in Oxnard pay $7,188 per month, $2,500 more.

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Compared to parts of Southern and Northern California where memory care costs can be costly, the central state city of Bakersfield represents value. At $4,688 per month, the cost of memory care in Bakersfield is much lower than the state and national average. Rates may vary depending on the facility that you choose.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in California page.

Memory care is just one option to consider. There are also daytime recreation programs that cost approximately $1,842 per month statewide. Regular assisted living facilities cost about $940 less at $3,750. Families can hire an in-home caregiver for approximately $5,506 per month. All of these options are significantly more affordable than skilled nursing facilities that cost approximately $9,155 per month.

Assisted living communities, including those that provide memory care, must be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, Adult and Senior Care Program. There are minimum standards that each facility must meet regarding resident accommodations, staffing, record-keeping and personal care.

• Bakersfield residents enjoy a very warm and dry climate. This area in California receives just 7 inches of rain a year and more than 270 days of sunshine, which is well above the national average. Winters are very senior-friendly with lows around 40 degrees.
• Given its geographical region, air quality is a persistent issue in Bakersfield and Kern County. The area receives failing grades for ozone and particulates. These conditions may exacerbate respiratory symptoms and other chronic diseases, such as heart failure. Memory care communities provide a variety of spaces where seniors can spend time indoors and away from poor air quality on bad days.
• The cost of living in Bakersfield is just a few points higher than the national average. Because it’s more affordable than other parts of the state, Bakersfield is a popular choice among seniors and other residents looking to avoid the high cost of living in Southern California’s other metropolitan areas.
• Bakersfield has moderate crime rates. The number of violent crimes is slightly higher than the U.S. average. However, the property crime index is 60 compared to 35.4 for the rest of the country. Fortunately, crime rates have declined in recent years, and memory care facilities provide enhanced security.
• Seniors who are unable to drive due to dementia or other functional limitations can access low-cost transportation through Kern Transit, the North of the River CTSA and Get-A-Lift. These agencies provide curb-to-curb transportation for medical appointments and errands.
• Bakersfield is a large metropolitan area that’s served by approximately a dozen medical centers. Top-ranked facilities include the Bakersfield Memorial Hospital and Adventist Health Bakersfield. Dementia specialists are located about two hours away at the UCSF Fresno Alzheimer & Memory Center.