6 Assisted Living Communities in Lodi, California

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,500 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 6 Assisted Living Communities in Lodi and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Lodi, CA

• Assisted Living: $3,500
• Nursing Home Care: $8,173
• In-home Care: $4,957
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,679

The cost of assisted living in Lodi averages $3,500 per month, which is $1,000 less than the median rate in California ($4,500) and $500 lower than the national average of $4,000. Prices vary drastically across the region with much higher costs in some cities, such as Vallejo ($4,350), Sacramento ($4,473) and Napa ($5,425). In other communities, the monthly rate for assisted living is within $200 to $300 of the local average, in particular Yuba City ($3,679), Merced ($3,500) and Modesto ($3,200).

Note: Cost data for senior care in Lodi wasn’t available, so data for the nearby city of Stockton was used instead.

The price paid for long-term care in Lodi varies greatly, and it’s based on the skill level and extent of care required and where it’s received. Providing limited group care on weekdays, adult day health services ($1,679) are the least expensive option, and it’s less than half the cost of assisted living ($3,500). Round-the-clock care in nursing home facilities ($8,173) costs almost $4,700 more than assisted living even though meals and housing are provided with both options. Seniors who stay at home and opt for homemaker or home health aide services ($4,957) pay almost $1,500 more than the average cost charged for assisted living. Rates for in-home options include direct service hours only, whereas assisted living covers room and board. With in-home care, seniors have to pay for utilities, property taxes, insurance, maintenance and groceries as well as their monthly care costs.

 

The national health insurance program Medicaid provides over 65 million Americans with free or low-cost health care services. Each state administers its own Medicaid program according to federal guidelines. The California program called Medi-Cal ensures low-income elderly residents receive a wide range of benefits, including:

• Doctor and specialist visits
• Hospital and emergency room treatment
• Diagnostics and preventive care
• Prescription medications
• Long-term care in a nursing home

Qualifying for Medi-Cal for Long-Term Care

To qualify for Medi-Cal coverage for long-term care, Lodi residents must have legal immigration status or be U.S. citizens and aged 65 or older. Adults under age 64 who are blind or disabled may also qualify. Applicants must meet the program’s income and assets limits of:

• $1,242 in monthly income and $2,000 worth of assets if single
• $1,682 of income per month and $3,000 worth of assets if married and applying jointly

All sources of income count toward the above limits, but some assets are automatically disregarded including an applicant’s personal belongings, irrevocable burial trusts, an owner-occupied principal home, household goods and one automobile.

Exceptions to Medi-Cal Financial Limits

Those receiving Supplemental Security Income are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal with full-scope benefits. The income limit doesn’t apply to seniors assessed as needing nursing home care as long as they meet the asset limit and Medi-Cal’s other eligibility criteria.

Lodi residents who exceed the income limit but have high medical bills may become eligible through a share of cost. With this qualification method, Medi-Cal determines the applicant’s share based on their excess income, and this amount must be put toward outstanding medical bills to reach the eligibility threshold.

Lodi seniors can apply for Medi-Cal coverage online or by calling Covered CA at (800) 300-1506.

Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver

California Medicaid offers an Assisted Living waiver in certain counties, including San Joaquin. The purpose of the waiver is to reduce premature nursing home placements by giving eligible seniors the alternative of receiving long-term care in approved assisted living communities.

Lodi residents can qualify for the ALW if they’re aged 65 or older or aged 64 and younger and disabled and are:

• Eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal with no share of cost
• Assessed as needing a nursing home level of care but physically and cognitively capable of living in a community setting

Those approved for the ALW are responsible for paying the room-and-board portion of their assisted living fees, but the waiver reimburses the facility for various provided services, such as:

• Costs associated with transitioning from a nursing home
• Care coordination
• Meals and snacks
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Help with activities of daily living
• Assistance with self-administration of medications
• Social and recreational programming
• Periodic skilled nursing care
• Nonmedical transportation

Not all assisted living facilities in San Joaquin County participate in the ALW program, and enrollment is capped by Medi-Cal, so eligible seniors may be placed on a waiting list based on availability.

To learn more about the ALW program or begin the application process, Lodi residents can contact Infinity Care Services of Stockton at (209) 264-0300 or their choice of four other Care Coordination Agencies serving San Joaquin County.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Lodi residents eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage or enrolled in both Medicaid and Medicare may qualify for no-cost comprehensive care through the PACE program.

The aim of PACE is to help seniors retain their independence and avoid premature nursing home admission. The program doesn’t pay for room and board or services provided by assisted living facilities, but PACE-provided services may help seniors reduce their cost of care.

In addition to Medi-Cal medical services, PACE enrollees receive personalized case management and various support services based on their individual needs, which may include:

• Assistance performing activities of daily living

• Recreational and social programming

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy

• Prescription and nonprescription medications

• Dental, vision and foot care

• Medical equipment and supplies

• Meals and snacks

• Nonemergency transportation

To qualify for the PACE program, applicants must be aged 55 or older and evaluated to verify their need for nursing home care and ability to live safely in the community. They must also live within the program’s designated service area based on zip code.

To learn more or apply, interested Lodi seniors can contact Stockton PACE at (209) 442-6077. 

State Supplemental Payment

The California State Supplemental Payment is a cash benefit that tops up the monthly amount seniors receive through the federal SSI program. Those living in public institutions can’t qualify, but single seniors and disabled adults living in assisted living facilities can receive up to $1,194.37 per month in combined SSI and SSP benefits. The maximum amount for married couples is $2,388.74. 

To learn more or apply for SSI and SSP benefits, Lodi residents can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

The city of Lodi offers ADA-compliant transportation services to help local seniors and disabled adults maintain their independence. Seniors can choose between fixed-route and door-to-door paratransit services to best meet their needs. Services are available seven days a week, and disabled riders and those aged 60 or older pay no more than half the regular fare. City of Lodi Transit Division
221 W. Pine St., Lodi, CA 95240
(209) 333-6706

As the designated local Area Agency on Aging, the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency acts as a resource hub for aging-related programs and services that enhance quality of life and promote independence for area seniors. The many resources AAA provides include health insurance and long-term care options counseling, application assistance for public benefits such as Medi-Cal and its waivers, adult protective services and in-home support. The agency also oversees senior nutrition programs and a long-term care ombudsman program. San Joaquin County Human Services Agency 
333 E. Washington St., Stockton, CA 95202
(209) 468-1000

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