28 Assisted Living Communities in Murrieta, 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 28 Assisted Living Communities in Murrieta and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,500
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $7,559
• In-home care: $4,481
• Adult day health services: $1,668

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, Murrieta’s average monthly cost of assisted living is low when compared to other cities throughout California, such as Los Angeles ($4,500), San Diego ($4,500), San Jose ($5,500) and San Francisco ($5,500). Murrieta’s fees are also considerably lower than both the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($4,500). In some smaller California cities, including Madera ($3,323) and Bakersfield ($3,150), less expensive assisted living can be found. 

Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Murrieta. Data for the nearest major city, Riverside, has been listed instead.  

The type of care needed is the biggest factor affecting the cost of senior care, and this is particularly true in Murrieta. While the monthly cost of nursing care ($7,559) is more than double that of assisted living, home care costs are only $1,000 more. For seniors who choose to rely on homemaker services or a home health aide, it’s important to consider the additional costs that are associated with living at home, such as rent and general upkeep, which are typically included in the cost of residential programs.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,500

• Homemaker services: $4,481

• Home health aide: $4,576

• Adult day health: $1,668

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,559

 

California’s Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. It’s available to low-income residents of California, including pregnant women, families with children and seniors. It provides access to free or low-cost healthcare, including medical treatment, dental care, long-term care, counseling services, medical supplies and devices, prescription medications and transportation services. Medi-Cal and its waiver programs are jointly funded by the state and federal governments. 

While the basic state Medi-Cal plan doesn’t cover the cost of assisted living, there are two waiver programs that are in place to assist low-income seniors: the Assisted Living Waiver and the Multipurpose Senior Services Program. Seniors applying for either of these waiver programs must meet eligibility requirements, which include a full care assessment to determine their level of need. Applicants must have an income less than $1,242 (individual) or $1,682 (couple) per month and may not have more than $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple) in countable assets. 

Seniors can apply for Medi-Cal benefits online or call (800) 300-1506. 

Assisted Living Waiver

The Assisted Living Waiver provides low-income seniors residing in assisted living facilities with financial aid. In addition to paying for the cost of care, the program may cover additional services, such as medical care, dental care and transportation. The Assisted Living Waiver doesn’t cover room and board.

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

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program was created to reduce stress on the Medi-Cal system caused by an excessive number of seniors accessing care in nursing homes, which is considerably more expensive than other types of senior care in California. The program provides financial support and health care services to seniors who require a nursing level of care but are able to safely continue living at home or in an assisted living community. For seniors who reside in an assisted living facility, it pays for the cost of care services and may also provide additional services, such as nurse visits, physical therapy and transportation. 

This program often has a long waiting list, as it only accepts 12,000 participants at a single time. Due to this waiting list, seniors typically have to be reassessed annually to determine if they’re eligible to continue receiving services. 

To inquire about the application process or to be added to the waiting list, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Services at (800) 541-5555.

State Supplemental Payment

California’s State Supplemental Payment exists to provide financial assistance to seniors and disabled individuals. It’s available to those who receive supplemental security income and reside in long-term care facilities or receive home care.

The monthly payments are calculated based on income and the senior’s living situation, and the maximum benefit is $160.72 (individual) or $407.14 (couple) per month. Although financial eligibility requirements for the supplement change frequently, those who are eligible for Medicaid are automatically qualified to receive this benefit.

To learn more about the State Supplemental Payment’s current eligibility requirements or to apply for the benefit, seniors can contact their local Social Security Office at (800) 772-1213. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance can be purchased by older adults who are in reasonably good health and want to be prepared for the possibility of long-term care in their future. Those who have purchased this coverage can have their insurance provider assist them in paying for the cost of long-term care in assisted living or nursing care facilities. Eligibility and policy terms, including deductibles and premiums, vary depending on the plan and provider. For more information, contact the consumer hotline at (800) 927-4357.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provides an alternative payment method to seniors who need a temporary funding source for assisted living. The company provides seniors with bridge loans that are paid directly to the senior’s assisted living residence and repaid over time. Loans typically cover up to 12 months of fees while a senior awaits a more permanent source of long-term care funding. 

To qualify, seniors must meet credit and income requirements or apply with a cosigner who does. Elderlife Financial Services allows seniors to include up to six cosigners on a single application to increase their likelihood of approval. Seniors can apply for a loan online or by calling (888) 228-4500.

The Area Agencies on Aging provide seniors with a range of services that include access to community programs and resources, benefits assistance and case management services. These nonprofit organizations act as advocates for senior citizens in their area.  Riverside County Office on Aging
6296 River Crest Drive Riverside, California 92507
(951) 867-3800

Seniors who have served in the U.S. military can access free or low-cost health care from Veterans Affairs (VA) clinics. For help determining available benefits and services, seniors should contact their nearest Veterans Affairs office in person or by telephone.

Murrieta VA Clinic
28078 Baxter Road Murrieta, California 92563
(951) 290-6500

Riverside County Department of Veterans Services
4360 Orange Street Riverside, California 92501
(951) 955-3060

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