27 Assisted Living Communities in Oakland, 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 27 Assisted Living Communities in Oakland and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $5,500
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $9,148
• In-home care: $5,625
• Adult day health services: $1,733

The Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study indicates that the average monthly cost of assisted living in Oakland, as well as in San Jose, is the highest in the state. Oakland’s costs are $1,000 above the state average and $1,500 above the national average. When compared with other major cities, such as Los Angeles ($4,500), Sacramento ($4,473) and San Diego ($4,500), the cost in Oakland is significantly higher.

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

The type of care needed is the biggest factor influencing the cost of care. The average monthly cost of nursing home care is more than $3,500 higher than that of assisted living in Oakland. When compared with home care services, assisted living is slightly less expensive. However, when factoring in the additional costs seniors are required to pay when they continue to live at home, such as rent, groceries and utilities, the difference becomes far more sizable.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $5,500

• Homemaker services: $5,625

• Home health aide: $5,625

• Adult day health: $1,733

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $9,148

 

Medicaid programs across the U.S. provide low-income Americans, including families, pregnant women and seniors, with access to healthcare, prescription medication and medical supplies. In California, the state Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal. It’s funded by the state with the support of the federal government. 

Medi-Cal supports seniors who need help with the cost of assisted living in Oakland and throughout California through two waiver programs: The Assisted Living Waiver and the Multipurpose Senior Services Program. Seniors can only participate in one of these waivers. To qualify, seniors must submit to a comprehensive assessment that determines their level of need.

For all Medi-Cal programs, including the state plan and individual waivers, applicants cannot have an income higher than $1,242 (individual) or $1,682 (couple) per month or countable assets higher than $2,000 (individual) or $3,000 (couple). Exempt assets include the applicant’s home, household furnishings and personal belongings. 

To apply for the state Medi-Cal plan, seniors can call (800) 300-1506. 

Assisted Living Waiver

Seniors who reside in assisted living facilities can apply to have Medi-Cal pay for the cost of care under the Assisted Living Waiver. Covered services may include medical care, dental care and transportation services. The cost of room and board is not covered by Medi-Cal. 

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 San Francisco area. 

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program exists to provide low-income seniors with services that help them to avoid a nursing care facility. The program is available only to those who have reached a nursing level of care but can continue to safely live within an assisted living community or in their own home. The program covers services, including  nurse visits, physical therapy and transportation. 

The Multipurpose Senior Services Program is capped at 12,000 participants, so there is often a waiting list for those who wish to participate. Seniors are often required to be reassessed on an annual basis. 

To learn more about how to apply or be added to the waiting list, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Services at (866) 262-9881.

State Supplemental Payment

California’s State Supplemental Payment is available to low-income seniors who receive the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. It was created to assist with paying for room-and-board costs or other necessary expenses for long-term care. The maximum monthly payment is $160.72 per month (individual) or $407.14 (couple), and each senior’s payment is calculated based on their income and living situation. 

To be eligible for this supplement, seniors must meet financial eligibility requirements, which change often. To learn more about current requirements or to apply for the State Supplemental Payment, seniors can call their local Social Security office at (800) 772-1213.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services offers seniors an alternative way to pay for long-term care. The company provides bridge loans, which are issued directly to the senior’s residence and repaid in affordable monthly installments. These loans are useful for seniors who are awaiting approval of benefits, the sale of a home or other long-term funding solutions. 

While eligibility depends on credit and income, seniors who don’t qualify for a loan can include up to six cosigners on their application to increase their chances of approval. Seniors can apply online or by calling (888) 228-4500. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies can cover most of the cost of long-term care for seniors who own them. Policies typically need to be purchased by adults before health deteriorates or the need for long-term care exists. Premiums, deductibles and terms vary depending on the insurance provider and the policy. 

Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit organizations that work as senior advocates. They provide a range of services including community resource facilitation and benefits mediation.  Alamada County Adult & Aging
6955 Foothill Boulevard Suite 100, Oakland, California 94605
(510) 577-1900

Veterans Affairs provides vets with a range of benefits and services that may include free medical care, which can be accessed in VA clinics across the country. Seniors can call or visit their local Veterans Affairs clinics to learn more.

VA Oakland Regional Office 
1301 Clay Street North Tower Oakland, California 94612
(800) 827-1000

Oakland Outpatient Clinic – VA Northern California Health Care System
2221 Martin Luther King Junior Way, Oakland, California 94612
(510) 267-7800

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