86 Assisted Living Communities in San Jose, 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 86 Assisted Living Communities in San Jose 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

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, San Jose’s average monthly cost of assisted living is among the highest in the state, along with San Francisco ($5,500) and Napa ($5,425). Assisted living costs in the city are substantially higher than both the national average ($4,000) and the state average ($4,500). Assisted living is much more affordable in smaller cities throughout California, such as Fresno ($3,500) and Riverside ($3,500).

Average monthly costs for long-term care vary significantly depending on the type of care required, and in San Jose, this is especially true. Nursing care in the city is nearly $4,000 higher than assisted living. While the cost of home care is similar to that of assisted living, seniors who choose to remain in the home should take into consideration the extra costs that will be incurred, such as rent, groceries and general upkeep, which are typically 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

 

Assisted Living Waiver

California’s state Medicaid Managed Care program is called Medi-Cal. There are several waivers that operate under this program that are designed to provide seniors and disabled individuals with access to long-term care. The Assisted Living waiver exists to help seniors who require a nursing level of care but wish to remain in an assisted living facility and avoid further institutionalization. The waiver helps seniors by providing them with services such as nurse visits, medical care, nonmedical transportation and case management. The program also provides financial aid with the cost of assisted living services. However, seniors participating in the Medi-Cal Assisted Living waiver are required to pay for room and board expenses. 

To be eligible for this waiver, seniors must require daily nurse support and be able to continue to live in their assisted living community without endangering themselves. Seniors participating in this program may not have an income that exceeds $1,242 for individuals or $1,682 for couples, and assets owned may not be worth more than $2,000 for individuals or $3,000 for couples. 

To apply for the Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver program, seniors can contact their nearest care coordination agency in person or by telephone. 

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

The Multipurpose Senior Services program (MSSP) is another Medi-Cal waiver program. It’s intended to provide seniors with financial assistance when accessing services that allow them to continue living in their own home or in an assisted living facility instead of moving to a nursing facility. The program exists to help reduce the load on the state’s Medicaid system, which can be heavily affected by the high volume of seniors who require access to costly nursing care in California. 

Seniors participating in the MSSP are assessed to determine their specific needs. They may be provided with access to services such as nurse visits, adult companions, respite care, nonmedical transportation, occupational therapy, speech therapy and physical therapy. Those participating in this program also receive assistance with the cost of assisted living or home care services but, as with the Assisted Living waiver, they’re required to pay the cost of room and board. 

The MSSP only accepts 12,000 applicants at a time, which means the waiting list can be quite long. Eligibility requirements are the same as the assisted living waiver, and seniors may be required to reapply annually. 

To apply for the waiting list or to learn more about the enrollment process, seniors can contact the California Department of Health Care Services. 

State Supplemental Payment

Seniors who are receiving federal Supplemental Security Income can apply to receive an additional top-up via California’s State Supplemental Payment benefit program. The benefit was created with the intention of providing additional financial support to seniors in long-term care facilities who may not be able to pay their room and board costs with their own income. The amount of the benefit is determined by the applicant’s income and is paid out to a maximum of $160.72 monthly. 

Financial requirements change frequently, so it’s best for those wishing to apply to contact their local Social Security office in person or call 1-800-772-1213. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is generally purchased by older adults as they prepare for their future. Seniors who hold these insurance policies are eligible to have their assisted living costs covered by their insurance provider after paying any required deductibles, which are typically paid annually. 

The exact terms of long-term care insurance policies vary between insurance providers, but generally, they cover the cost of care in an approved assisted living facility provided they’re purchased prior to the need for long-term care. Deductibles, rates and eligibility are typically dependent on the provider, the plan and the health history and age of the policyholder.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Companies such as Elderlife Financial Services offer bridge loans to eligible seniors to help them pay for the cost of long-term care in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. These loans are a good option for seniors who aren’t eligible for social assistance via Medi-Cal or other government financial aid programs and subsidies. Bridge loans are applied for by seniors and paid directly to their care facilities. Seniors can repay the loan in monthly installments, and the loans have low interest rates and flexible terms. 

Seniors who may be unable to obtain approval on their own may apply with up to six cosigners, which may increase the likelihood of approval and reduce monthly payments.

Senior advocacy programs provide support to seniors when they need it most. Services may include benefits assistance, long-term care ombudsmen, grief or abuse support groups and community resource facilitation. Sourcewise/Area Agency on Aging
2115 The Alameda San Jose, California 95126
(408) 350-3200 Senior Citizens Commission
200 East Santa Clara Street San Jose, California 95113
(408) 535-5659

Seniors who have served their country in the military are typically eligible for financial, social and medical benefits that are provided by Veterans Affairs (VA). To learn about available programs and eligibility, seniors can visit their local VA Administration office, and for those who are eligible for medical benefits, health care services are available at VA Medical Centers.

Veterans Services Office
68 North Winchester Boulevard Santa Clara, California 95050
(408) 918-4980

VA San Jose Clinic
5855 Silver Creek Valley Place San Jose, California 95138
1-800-455-0057

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