98 Assisted Living Communities in Placer 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 98 Assisted Living Communities in Placer County and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $4,473
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $8,517
• In-home care: $4,767
• Adult day health services: $1,733

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, assisted living in Placer County has a slightly lower average monthly cost compared to the rest of the state, but it’s about $500 more expensive than the national average.

The most affordable assisted living costs in the surrounding areas can be found in Stockton and Modesto at $3,500 and $3,200 a month, respectively. The most expensive places in the vicinity of Placer County are Napa and Santa Rosa at $5,425 and $5,500 a month.

Note: Data for the cost of care for seniors was not available for Placer County, so data for the nearest major city, Sacramento, was used.

As with other areas of the state and country, the level of senior care is the biggest factor in determining the cost. Services for seniors living in their own homes, such as home health aides and homemakers, are slightly more expensive than assisted living in Placer County. Also, it is important to note that many regular household expenses are covered in the cost of assisted living, which may make it even more financially viable than in-home services. Nursing home care is easily the most costly long-term care option, averaging $4,000 more per month than assisted living.  Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,473

• Homemaker services: $4,767

• Home health aide: $4,957

• Adult day health: $1,733

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,517

Federal and state governments provide assistance to seniors with low income and disabled people to help pay for a range of health care services. This care includes emergency services, doctor and hospital visits, mental health services, prescription drugs, physical rehab and chronic disease management.

The qualification and eligibility process for Medi-Cal can be complicated. For example, there are currently over 90 eligibility categories, which are further split into full-scope or partial-scope coverage, depending on various factors such as age, disability, income and medical needs.

Most eligibility categories can be disregarded as they are not relevant to seniors, but it’s still recommended to seek help in determining which category provides the most benefits.

Low-income seniors and the blind or disabled can receive full-scope Medi-Cal with no share of cost when qualifying for the Aged and Disabled Federal Poverty Level Program. To be eligible for A&D FPL, applicants must have countable monthly income and assets below the maximum allowed for Medi-Cal, as explained below.

Seniors who cannot afford to pay for required medical services but whose income and assets are over the limit for other categories can apply for Aged, Blind, and Disabled – Medically Needy Medi-Cal. However, ABD-MN coverage has a cost-sharing structure.

Recipients of Supplemental Security Income benefits automatically qualify for the SSI-Linked Medi-Cal category, which provides full-scope coverage. Generally, no separate application for Medi-Cal is required.

While each category is different, the eligibility requirements for seniors applying for Medi-Cal include a minimum age of 65 or, if younger, blind or disabled by Social Security standards. The applicant must be a legal resident of California and also meet income and asset limits.

The monthly income limit for Medi-Cal as an individual is 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, which, in 2019, is $1,436 plus $500 for each additional person in the household. The maximum limit on assets is $2,000, which excludes the home, one vehicle and other non-countable assets.

There are no categories of Medi-Cal coverage that pays for all costs associated with assisted living, and this level of care is not considered an entitlement in California. For these reasons, it’s recommended to apply early and get on the waiting list to receive any available services.

It is also important to note that Placer County does not currently participate in the Assisted Living Waiver program, which can help pay for some aspects of care in assisted living facilities elsewhere in California. It may be worthwhile to check the list of participating counties to see whether relocating could be more economical.

Seniors and their caregivers can find more information and apply for Medi-Cal via the California Department of Health Care Services website or by mail. Alternatively, applicants can visit a Placer County Human Services office in-person or call (530) 889-7610 for the Auburn branch.

Optional State Supplement

The federal government provides payments to low-income seniors and other at-risk groups in the form of Supplemental Security Income benefits. In California, the state government also provides benefits on top of SSI through the Optional State Supplement.

Recipients can use OSS benefits to pay the cost of room and board in an assisted living facility, and the money is paid directly to the facility itself. The exact payment amount is based largely on the living arrangements of the applicant and whether they apply as an individual or couple.

In California, the state government has set a limit for the cost of room and board in Medicaid-funded assisted living facilities. This means that anyone eligible for Medi-Cal should receive enough federal and state Social Security benefits (SSI and OSS combined) to pay the full cost of room and board. However, this is generally only true for facilities that accept Medicaid funding.

As of 2019, the maximum combined benefit of SSI and OSS for an individual in California is $1,194 a month and $2,388 for a couple.

To apply for OSS benefits, find a Social Security Office near you or call (866) 931-6087 for the Auburn office.

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Program

Veterans who require help performing activities of daily living from another person can benefit from the A&A program. This benefit can also provide payments to a surviving spouse. The monthly A&A payment is paid on top of the regular monthly pension for veterans, and this money can be used to pay for some of the costs of assisted living.

In general, applicants must meet one of these requirements: need assistance with activities of daily living, be bedridden, be living in a nursing home or have poor eyesight.

Applicants must also meet all of these requirements: minimum 90 days active duty (including at least one day considered wartime), honorably discharged and within the allowed income and asset limits based on various factors. For example, individual income must not exceed $22,577 as of 2019.

It is strongly recommended that applicants seek help in determining eligibility due to the complex requirements for this program. Find a VA location in your area to get assistance in the process, or call the Citrus Heights Vet Center at (916) 535-0420.

An Area Agency on Aging serves each area of the state. Placer County is in Area 4, along with Sacramento County and others. AAAs provide guidance, education and health services for people 60 years of age or older. Area Agencies on Aging also act as advocacy groups for aging-related issues and have programs for caregivers. Area Agency on Aging Area 4 (AAA4)
1401 El Camino Avenue, 4th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 486-1876

Vet centers can help in applying for benefits such as the Aid and Attendance Program, which can provide extra money for assisted living. The closest vet center for Placer County residents is in Citrus Heights.

Citrus Heights Vet Center
River City Bank Building, 5650 Sunrise Boulevard, Suite 150, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
(916) 535-0420

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