5 Assisted Living Communities in Los Gatos, California

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $5,500 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 5 Assisted Living Communities in Los Gatos and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $5,500
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $9,125
• In-home care: $5,720
• Adult day health services: $1,993

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study indicates that the average cost of living in the Los Gatos area, along with the cost of assisted living in San Francisco, is the highest in the state at $5,500 per month. This is well above both the state average, which is $4,500, and the national average, which is $4,000. In cities such as Madera ($3,323) and Bakersfield ($3,150), the average monthly cost of care is cheaper by more than $2,000. Even in Sacramento, California’s capital city, the average cost of assisted living is about $1,000 less expensive than in Los Gatos. 

Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Los Gatos. Data for the nearest major city, San Jose, has been listed instead.  

The type of care required is generally the biggest factor affecting the cost of care, and in cities like Los Gatos where the average monthly cost of assisted living is nearly $4,000 less than that of nursing home care, this is particularly true. Home care services are also more expensive than assisted living in Los Gatos. In addition to being several hundred dollars more, home care costs don’t include typical homeowner expenses such as rent, groceries and general upkeep, all of which are usually included in the cost of assisted living.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,500

• Homemaker services: $5,720

• Home health aide: $6,006

• Adult day health: $1,993

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,125

 

Medicaid provides low-income individuals with access to medical care and healthcare services, dental care, counseling services, long-term care, prescription medications and nonmedical transportation. In California, the state Medicaid program is officially known as Medi-Cal and is available to eligible seniors, families, disabled individuals and pregnant women. Medi-Cal is funded jointly by the state and the federal government. 

Seniors living in Los Gatos and throughout the state of California can apply for help with the cost of assisted living under one of two Medi-Cal waivers: the Assisted Living Waiver or the Multipurpose Senior Services Program. To qualify for either of these waivers, seniors must undergo a full care assessment to determine their level of need. Financially, individual applicants may not have an income higher than $1,242 per month or assets valued at more than $2,000. Couples may not have a monthly income higher than $1,682 or assets valued at more than $3,000. 

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living Waiver provides financial assistance to seniors living in assisted living facilities. It pays for the cost of assisted living care and, depending on need, additional services may be covered as well. Other services may include medical care, dental care and transportation services. Room and board are not covered under this program, so seniors are responsible for paying these costs out of pocket. 

To apply for the Assisted Living Waiver, seniors can contact the Institute on Aging at (408) 474-0679 or visit any Care Coordinator Agency in the Santa Clara County area. 

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program offers financial support and care services to seniors who require a nursing level of care but continue to reside in an assisted living facility or at home. The program exists to reduce the stress on the Medi-Cal system when a high volume of seniors move into nursing care facilities, which are considerably more expensive when compared with assisted living and home care. In addition to the cost of assisted living or home care, this program may also provide services such as nurse visits, physical therapy, transportation services and respite care. 

The program has a cap of 12,000 participants, which means there are frequently long waiting times for those who wish to participate. As such, most seniors are asked to reapply for the program annually. 

To learn more about the application process or inquire about waiting times, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Care Services at (707) 565-4700.

State Supplemental Payment

California’s State Supplemental Payment is available to low-income seniors and those with disabilities. It assists with the cost of room and board for those who live in long-term care facilities. Monthly payments are based on income and living situation. The maximum benefit is $160.72 per month. 

To get the supplement, seniors must be receiving supplemental security income. While financial eligibility requirements change frequently, they are usually similar to Medicaid requirements. To learn more about eligibility or apply for this benefit, seniors can contact their local Social Security office by calling (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services helps seniors who don’t qualify for financial assistance programs by offering bridge loans to pay for long-term care while they await a permanent funding solution. The funds are allocated to the senior’s place of residence and repaid by the seniors and any cosigners on their loan agreement. Loans are available with low interest rates and flexible terms. 

Seniors who do not meet credit or income requirements can include up to six cosigners on their application, which increases the likelihood of approval and reduces monthly payments. Seniors can apply online or by calling (888) 228-4500. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is typically available to adults who are in relatively good health and wish to prepare for the possibility of long-term care in their future. Those who have a long-term care insurance policy can have their care paid for by their insurance provider after paying their deductible and copay amount per the terms of their policy. Eligibility, monthly premiums and policy terms vary depending on the insurance provider and the plan.

Seniors may be eligible for financial or medical assistance through Veterans Affairs if they’ve served in any branch of the U.S. military. Any Veterans Affairs office can provide information regarding available benefits and eligibility.

County of Santa Clara Veterans Services
68 North Winchester Boulevard, Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 918-4980

Veterans Memorial & Support Foundation of Los Gatos
110 East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 354-6853

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