Assisted Living
The costs of assisted living facilities vary widely, depending on locale and services offered, but average from $2,500 to $3,000 monthly, with extra charges for hospice and dementia care. Additional pre-admission fees, sometimes called an administrative or application fee, commonly can range from $250 to $5,000.
Most people pay out of pocket for assisted living. Long term care insurance provides financial help for only a small number of residents. And common sources of help for paying with long-term care — such as Medicare, Medigap, and Medi-Cal (with the exception of an experimental Assisted Living Waiver Project for about 1,000 residents statewide) — generally do not cover the cost of assisted living.
Some Californians who have limited income and resources are able to get help in paying for assisted living from Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP), a program funded by the federal and state governments to guarantee a minimum monthly income to people who are 65 and over, blind, or disabled. This option is usually only available in larger facilities, and where a person needs only minimal personal care services. For more on SSI/SSP requirements, contact the nearest Social Security Administration Office.
Learn about the ins and outs of a reverse mortgage, and special considerations when asking for help from relatives.
Life insurance, annuities, and long term care insurance might help you pay for assisted living.
Learn about potential help from veterans benefits, county indigent care programs, Indian Health Services, and the Assisted Living Waiver.