12 Assisted Living Communities in Redwood City, 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 12 Assisted Living Communities in Redwood City and several in surrounding areas: The Cost of Senior Care in Redwood City, CA

• Assisted Living: $5,500
• Nursing Home Care: $9,125
• In-home Care: $5,720
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,993

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study compiled data on senior care costs across California and the nation. It reveals that rates for assisted living in Redwood City are markedly more expensive than both the national ($4,000) and state ($4,500) averages. Costs are identical in Salinas and nearby San Francisco and similar in Santa Cruz ($5,595) and Napa ($5,425). Seniors enjoy significant savings on assisted living in cities farther inland, such as Stockton ($3,500) and Modesto ($3,200).

Note: Cost data for senior care in Redwood City wasn’t available, so data for the nearest surveyed city, San Jose, was used.

The wide variance in the cost of senior care in a given location is due to differences in the level of care, where care is provided and the number of hours of service provided. Nursing home care costs the most because it offers round-the-clock care and skilled services. Adult day health services limited to weekday care in a group setting is the least expensive option in Redwood City. Assisted living that typically provides room and board costs $200-$500 less than in-home care. It’s important to remember that average in-home rates only cover provided services and don’t factor in regular household operating expenses.

 

Medicaid provides vital health care services to one in five Americans, and primarily serves low-income pregnant women, families with children, blind and disabled adults and seniors aged 65 and older. The program is funded federally and by individual states and administered at the state level with federal oversight.

The California Medicaid program known as Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost medical services and long-term care to eligible seniors who are U.S. citizens or legal California residents. Medi-Cal has different qualification guidelines depending on the services needed.

To receive basic medical coverage, single seniors must have a monthly income below $1,242 and less than $2,000 in countable assets. Married couples applying together are limited to $1,682 in monthly income and $3,000 in total assets.

To qualify for long-term care in a nursing home, seniors must meet the above-mentioned asset limits, but there are no restrictions on income.

Seniors currently receiving or eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits automatically qualify for full Medi-Cal coverage for medical services and long-term care.

Medicaid counts income from every source, including:

• Wages
• Pension payments
• Social Security and VA benefits
• Stock dividends
• IRA withdrawals

Some assets are excluded, such as a principal residence, one automobile, household furnishings and personal effects.

Medi-Cal offers additional qualification options for seniors with income and assets above the limits.

Those with high medical expenses and over-the-limit income may qualify through a share of cost or spend-down program. An applicant’s share or spend down is calculated based on their excess income, and this amount must be put toward medical bills before coverage can begin.

Married seniors may be able to reduce their income or assets to the required limits if only one spouse is applying for coverage:

• An applicant can transfer up to $3,160.50 of monthly income to their spouse as a living allowance
• A non-applicant spouse can retain up to $126,420 in joint assets as a resource allowance

Seniors can apply for Medi-Cal coverage online, by calling (800) 300-1506 or by visiting the San Mateo County Human Services Resource Center located at 2500 Middlefield Rd.

Assisted Living Waiver 

Redwood City seniors seeking an alternative to institutional nursing home care may qualify for the Medi-Cal Assisted Living waiver program. This waiver was introduced to reduce care costs by limiting nursing home admissions and provide eligible seniors with greater independence. To participate in the program, seniors and disabled adults aged 21 and older must:

• Qualify for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage without a share of cost
• Be assessed as needing a nursing home level of care
• Be able to live in the community safely
• Be willing to live in an approved, state-licensed assisted living facility

Those who qualify for the ALW must pay their own room-and-board costs, but the program covers a number of essential services including:

• Transition assistance and care coordination
• Housekeeping and laundry services
• Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living
• Supervision of medication administration
• Social and recreational activities
• Skilled nursing care
• Prepared meals, beverages and snacks
• Transportation

The ALW isn’t a Medi-Cal entitlement program, so enrollment may be limited and approved seniors may be placed on a waiting list before receiving services.

To learn more or begin the ALW application process, seniors in Redwood City can contact the Institute on Aging, the local Care Coordination Agency serving San Mateo County at (650) 285-6432.

Optional State Supplementation

Redwood City residents who receive Supplemental Security Income benefits and aren’t able to live independently due to age or a disability may qualify for an extra monthly top-up payment through California’s Optional State Supplementation program.

A single person living in a nonmedical care setting, such as an assisted living facility, may qualify for a combined monthly SSI and OSS payment of up to $1,194.37, while couples may receive up to $2,388.74.

To apply for SSI and OSS benefits, seniors can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit the Redwood City SSA office located at 601 Allerton St.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors planning ahead for a future move to assisted living have the option of taking out a long-term care insurance policy to help cover the cost of care. There are different types of LTC policies available; some are similar to many other health care plans with deductibles and co-payments. Others reimburse the policyholder after they’ve paid for covered LTC services. As with any type of health insurance, approval and premiums are based on an applicant’s health history.

To receive assistance with filing an LTC insurance claim or for clarification on a policy’s details, seniors can contact Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500.

Senior Redwood City veterans can access primary care, lab services, nursing care advice and referrals for specialist care at the nearby San Bruno VA clinic. The San Mateo County Veterans Services office offers knowledgeable help completing applications for pensions and benefits or filing appeals. The local VFW post meets at the Veterans Memorial Center the fourth Saturday of each month and offers opportunities for camaraderie and community involvement.

San Bruno VA Clinic
1001 Sneath Ln., Ste. 300, San Bruno, CA 94066
(650) 615-6000

San Mateo County Veterans Services Office
550 Quarry Rd., San Carlos, CA 94070
(650) 802-6598

Cpl. James Lindsay Williams VFW Post 69
1455 Madison Ave., Redwood City, California
(650) 369-4374

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