23 Assisted Living Communities in El Dorado County, California

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,473 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 23 Assisted Living Communities in El Dorado County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in El Dorado County, CA

• Assisted Living: $4,473
• Nursing Home Care: $8,517
• In-home Care: $4,767
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,733

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly rate for assisted living in El Dorado County ($4,473) is on par with the state average of $4,500, and both are about $500 higher than the national average of $4,000. Assisted living costs here are also significantly more expensive than those in nearby cities such as Stockton ($3,500), Yuba City ($3,679) and Merced ($3,500), but just $150 above the Vallejo area average of $4,350. The wine region city of Napa tops all these areas with its monthly average cost of $5,425.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available for El Dorado County, so data for the closest city, Sacramento, was used.

Seniors comparing the cost of care in El Dorado County need to recognize the factors that influence rate differences within the local area, such as the type of setting, the level of care and whether specific services are offered. Both assisted living communities and nursing homes provide residential care, but nursing home rates are almost double those of assisted living because of the level of specialized care these facilities offer. Those debating assisted living versus in-home care need to consider that residential care rates typically include room and board. In contrast, home health aide and homemaker rates are more expensive and only cover provided services, so a senior still faces expenses such as property taxes, food, utility bills and home maintenance.

More than 72 million Americans receive health care services through Medicaid, the federal and state government-funded program that serves low-income families with children, pregnant women and blind, disabled and elderly adults. Medi-Cal, the California Medicaid program, provides eligible state residents with free or low-cost medical services that include preventive care, doctors appointments, hospital and emergency care, physical therapy, prescriptions and dental services.

Seniors may qualify for Medi-Cal benefits if they meet these income and resource requirements:

• Maximum yearly income of $16,146 for individuals and $21,892 for couples
• Total countable resources of $2,000 or less for individuals and $3,000 or less for couples

Income from all sources counts, but some resources are excluded, such as a principal home, household furnishings, personal effects, an irrevocable burial trust and one vehicle.

Medi-Cal covers nursing home care for seniors who meet the above resource requirements. There is no income limit to qualify. Those who receive federal Supplemental Security Income are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal. 

Seniors with high medical bills who exceed the income limit may be eligible for Medi-Cal coverage through a share of cost. An applicant’s excess income determines the required share amount, which must be used to pay medical bills before coverage begins.

El Dorado County seniors can apply for Medi-Cal coverage online, by visiting the nearest Health and Human Services office or by calling (800) 300-1506.

Assisted Living Waiver

Medi-Cal offers an assisted living waiver program to limit nursing home admissions by giving seniors the option of residing in an assisted living setting. This pilot program is only available in 15 counties throughout the state, including neighboring Sacramento County. To take advantage of the waiver, El Dorado County residents must be over age 21 and:

• Qualify for full Medi-Cal benefits without a share of cost
• Need the level of care provided in a nursing facility
• Be able to live safely in an assisted living setting
• Be willing to relocate to a county that participates in the program

The ALW doesn’t cover assisted living facility room-and-board charges, but it does pay for related services such as:

• Nursing facility transition costs
• Social services and care coordination
• Meals and snacks
• Laundry and housekeeping
• Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living
• Medication administration assistance
• Recreational activities
• Intermittent skilled nursing care
• Transportation

To learn more or request an assessment to start the ALW application process, El Dorado County residents can contact Elder Options at (530) 626-6939 or the Care Coordination Agency of their choice.

State Supplemental Payment

Low-income people with few resources who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits from the federal government may also qualify for the California State Supplemental Payment. To be eligible for SSI benefits, seniors are allowed a maximum monthly income of $771 per person or $1,157 if married and must meet the asset limits for Medi-Cal coverage. They must also be 65 or older, blind or disabled and apply for any other available benefit programs. If approved, an individual may receive up to $160.62 and couples up to $407.14 per month in addition to their SSI benefit.

El Dorado County residents can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 to apply for the SSI and SSP programs.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who plan to move to an assisted living community in the future may consider long-term care insurance as an option to cover the cost. Some long-term care policies have deductibles and co-payments similar to standard health insurance plans while others pay for covered benefits on a reimbursement basis. An applicant must provide their health history details, and those with health problems may pay higher premiums for coverage.

Seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 for help clarifying the details of a long-term care policy or with filing a claim.

El Dorado County’s Older Adult Services department acts as the Area Agency on Aging. The department coordinates a variety of programs aimed at maintaining optimal health and quality of life for county residents aged 60 and older. Through its two offices, the OAS provides information, assistance and referrals about health insurance, long-term care and nutrition as well as legal counseling and transportation services. Placerville OAS Office
937 Spring St., Placerville, CA 95667
(530) 621-6150 South Lake Tahoe OAS Office
1360 Johnson Blvd., Ste. 103, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
(530) 621-6150

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.