California Senior Living Options & Resources

Senior Living in California: What You Need to Know

California is home to nearly 6 million seniors aged 65 and older, representing 15.3% of the state's total population of 39.2 million residents. As the nation's most populous state, California offers an extensive network of 384 senior living communities spread across 109 cities, providing diverse care options from independent living to skilled nursing care. The state's senior population continues to grow as retirees are drawn to its mild climate, world-class healthcare facilities, and vibrant cultural opportunities.

The concentration of senior living communities reflects California's population centers, with Los Angeles leading at 17 communities, followed by San Jose with 14, and San Diego with 13. Other major hubs include Fresno and Sacramento with 9 communities each, and Roseville, Santa Rosa, Escondido, and Thousand Oaks offering substantial options. This geographic distribution ensures that seniors throughout California—from the Bay Area to Southern California, the Central Valley to wine country—have access to quality care close to family and familiar surroundings.

California's cost of senior care significantly exceeds national averages, with assisted living averaging $7,965 monthly compared to the national average of $5,900, and nursing home semi-private rooms costing $12,524 versus $9,277 nationally. These higher costs reflect California's elevated cost of living, with a median household income of $96,334 that also surpasses national figures. The state's healthcare infrastructure is among the finest in the nation, featuring renowned medical centers like Stanford Health Care, UCLA Medical Center, Cedars-Sinai, and UC San Diego Health.

California's Medi-Cal program offers several waiver programs that help eligible seniors access home and community-based services as alternatives to institutional care. The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) and the Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) program provide support for seniors who meet financial and functional eligibility requirements. These programs reflect California's commitment to offering seniors choices in how and where they receive care, though navigating the state's complex healthcare system often requires professional guidance.