Set along the eastern shore of San Francisco Bay, Berkeley is a city of more than 117,000 residents. While predominantly thought of as a university town, the city appeals to a range of age groups and cultures, including seniors, who make up 15.5% of the population. Beautiful weather, unique attractions and a vibrant culinary scene are just some of the perks of retiring to one of the best cities to live in America.
A number of care options are available to serve the needs of aging adults, including nursing homes. In these communities, highly trained nurses and caregivers are on-site to provide 24/7 care and supervision. Residents may also have access to in-house therapies and medical services. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in the Berkeley area pay an average of $11,566 per month for a semiprivate room in a nursing home and $14,068 for private accommodations. Families may wish to explore other long-term care options, including assisted living and home health care, for loved ones who do not need 24/7 care.
This guide focuses on nursing home care in the Berkeley area, including what these services typically cost and how it compares to other types of care. It also features information about financial assistance and a list of local resources that provide senior-focused services.
53 Results
2829 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94705
1.6
(7 reviews)
"Elmwood Care Center ignored my mom and tried to tell her she was drinking too much water and she couldn’t have more food. She felt really neglected over there. They never even offered to give her a bath. The cleanliness was good. The food, she said, ..."
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2001 Dwight Way, Berkeley, CA, 94704
1309 ALLSTON WAY, Berkeley, CA, 94702
5.0
(2 reviews)
"Chaparral House had more activities, nice grounds, and nice staff members. You walk in, and it's sunny. There are big and tall ceilings. There are a couple of different activity rooms, lots of outside ground areas, and even a garden. The staff member..."
READ MORECaring's Family Advisors are here to help you with questions about senior living and care options.
100 BAY PLACE, Oakland, CA, 94610
4.2
(15 reviews)
"My mother did rehab at St. Paul's Towers. They had residents in that place as well. She was OK with it there. She was doing whatever they needed for her to do actively until it's time for her to leave the facility. The floor that she was on was more ..."
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3431 Foothill Boulevard, Oakland, CA, 94601
4.1
(16 reviews)
"The quality of LOVING care there was absolutely amazing. Helpful, friendly staff..."
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110 41st Street, Oakland, CA, 94611
3.5
(19 reviews)
"If I absolutely could not care for my parents on my own when they get older, or if they needed some type of medical assistance, I would definitely look for a place like Piedmont Gardens Nursing Home. Piedmont Gardens has three different levels of car..."
READ MORE331 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, San Francisco, CA, 94107
5.0
(1 reviews)
"Mission Bay Convalescent Hospital is surrounded by wonderful hospitals like UCSF, Kaiser Permanente and Sutter Health. You do not need to worry if the patient needs immediate medical attention. I rated this 5 stars not only because of it's location b..."
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326 Mission Street, San Rafael, CA, 94901
4.5
(4 reviews)
"I would highly recommend living at Aldersly. The staff are all wonderfully dedicated & caring, they provide transportation & fun activities, the food is delicious, and the grounds are just gorgeous. If you are looking for a kind-hearted and professio..."
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2780 26th Avenue, Oakland, CA, 94601
"I'm in Bellaken Garden & Skilled Nursing Center for rehab, and it's been very good. I also like the fact that they're in a military insurance provider network. The upkeep is very good, too. It was hard for me to learn about the staff here. Once I di..."
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516 WILLOW STREET, Alameda, CA, 94501
4.5
(2 reviews)
"This facility was for my Aunty who needed rehab after she was admitted into the hospital. She was there for several weeks before she was safe enough to go home. The staff were able to get her home care, home health therapy, and a meal service. The c..."
READ MORE1975 Tice Valley Boulevard, Walnut Creek, CA, 94595
3.7
(7 reviews)
"My wife is now at Manorcare at Tice Valley. Sometimes the staff members get stretched a little thin but for the most part, it is a 5-star place. The place is very clean. The staff members are very nice. They have been trained to smile at everybody. I..."
READ MORE210 40th Street Way, Oakland, CA, 94611
4.0
(1 reviews)
"My husband had his rehabilitation at Rehabilitation Center Oakland. The physical therapy part was very good. They had some lovely staff and nursing people. I thought they were very caring and they did their best. Just like any other nursing home, the..."
READ MORE625 WILLOW ST., Alameda, CA, 94501
4.0
(1 reviews)
"I was in South Shore Convalescent Hospital twice, the first time probably about 4 weeks a few years ago and 7 weeks the last time exactly a year ago. It's affiliated with the hospital. It has both rehabilitation and also residence. The care was fine,..."
READ MORE2121 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA, 94115
4.0
(1 reviews)
"Victorian Post Acute (Kindred Nursing) is small, but nice, clean, and well run, and my father is liking it. The rooms are clean, nice, and small. He's in a two-bedroom, and he is being taken care of because he has MRSA right now. He has all of his me..."
READ MOREThe typical cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home in Berkeley is $11,566 per month. Private rooms cost an average of $14,068
Based on the cost of semiprivate accommodations, nursing home care in the Berkeley area is quite expensive. Rates are not only higher than the California state median of $9,794, but they’re also more than $3,600 higher per month than seniors pay in the average U.S. city.
Berkeley’s rates are also quite high compared to surrounding communities. Care in Santa Rosa, for example, costs $11,300 per month, and monthly rates in Sacramento are just $10,646. Stockton is the most affordable nearby city, with average rates of $10,015. Berkeley is, however, less expensive than San Jose, where seniors typically pay $11,863 per month.
Berkeley
$11,566
California
$9,794
The United States
$7,908
Sacramento
$10,646
Santa Rosa
$11,300
San Jose
$11,863
Stockton
$10,015
Other types of senior care may better suit a senior’s needs and budget. The most affordable is adult day health care at $1,950 per month. Assisted living costs $6,319, which is slightly more affordable than in-home care and home health care. These options allow seniors to age in place and cost $6,864 and $7,150 per month, respectively. Nursing homes offer the most comprehensive care and are, therefore, the most expensive option at $11,566 for a semiprivate room and $14,068 for a private room.
Home Care
$6,864
Home Health Care
$7,150
Adult Day Health Care
$1,950
Assisted Living
$6,319
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
$11,566
Nursing Home (private room)
$14,068
Note: Data for Berkeley was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, was used instead.
Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.
If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.
The following list features resources available to seniors and families in Berkeley that may help them navigate their long-term care options. It includes programs and services for those residing in long-term care facilities as well as individuals who have chosen to age in place at home.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
|---|---|---|
| Alameda County Area Agency on Aging | (510) 577-3530 or (800) 510-2020 | Alameda County's Area Agency on Aging supports seniors' social needs, health and overall well-being by connecting them with resources, information and assistance. Trained staff can help individuals navigate systems of care and programs and provide referrals. The organization works with local organizations to provide nutrition programs, case management, legal assistance, in-home support and benefits counseling. Those living in long-term care facilities can benefit from the agency's ombudsman program. |
| Berkeley Age Friendly Continuum | (510) 655-2581 or (510) 906-0770 | Berkeley Age Friendly Continuum is a community-driven effort to ensure that seniors have access to the supports and services they need to live active, healthy and engaged lives. The organization's Gateway Program is an early intervention/prevention effort designed to help seniors have a greater sense of autonomy over their aging experience. Staff members conduct in-home visits to provide information and advice on topics such as illness, injury, loss of independence and medical costs. |
| Berkeley Senior Centers | (510) 981-5190 or (510) 981-5170 | Berkeley Senior Centers offer a range of programs and resources to help adults aged 60 and older stay healthy and active in the community. Seniors can visit one of the city's two locations for low-cost meals, fun activities, field trips and transportation services. At each center, seniors can also connect with senior services assistants and case managers who can help provide information and referrals to local services. |
| Age Friendly Alameda County | Online | Age Friendly Alameda County serves as a comprehensive resource to help seniors access information and support. The site serves as a central portal for seniors, families and caregivers to locate local aging resources and learn about the county's efforts to promote healthy aging. |
| Alameda County Veterans Service Office | (510) 577-1926 | The Alameda County Veterans Service Office can help veterans, their dependents and survivors identify the benefits they're eligible for and assist with the application process. Benefits may include disability compensation, veterans pensions, aid and attendance payments and housing assistance. |
Nursing Homes
Pinkie57
1
Review of Elmwood Care Center
I was a resident for 5 weeks, from Nov 19- Dec 16 2023. I came after spending one week at Alta Bates Hospital. The facilities are in very poor shape. The ceiling is falling in multiple areas. Large...
Nursing Homes
Alana
5
Review of Chaparral House
Chaparral House had more activities, nice grounds, and nice staff members. You walk in, and it's sunny. There are big and tall ceilings. There are a couple of different activity rooms, lots of...
Nursing Homes
Steve
5
Review of Chaparral House
My brother will be moving into Chaparral House. I would say overall, the look and feel are very good. It's a small community of under 50 patients there. So, attention to detail is very clean, and a...
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