18 Assisted Living Communities in Ventura, California

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,575 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 18 Assisted Living Communities in Ventura and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Ventura, CA

• Assisted Living: $4,575
• Nursing Home Care: $8,213
• In-Home Care: $5,030
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,712

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the cost of assisted living in Ventura averages $4,575 a month. This is roughly the same as the state and Los Angeles averages of $4,500 a month and around $500 more expensive than the national average.

The lowest costs for assisted living in the state are found in Bakersfield and Riverside at $3,150 and $3,500 a month, respectively. The most expensive area is San Luis Obispo at $5,450 a month, which is almost $1,000 higher than the state average.

Note: Data for the average cost of assisted living was not available for Ventura, so data for the nearest area, Oxnard, was used.

Both categories of in-home care have a higher average monthly cost than assisted living facilities in Ventura. The difference between these levels of care is around $500 a month, although it’s important to consider other costs associated with remaining at home, such as food and utilities, which are generally included in the monthly cost of an assisted living facility. A semiprivate room in a nursing home costs almost twice that of assisted living in Ventura. This is a large step up, both in terms of the cost and level of care provided, which makes the decision between a nursing home and assisted living very important.

 

Low-income and disabled people across the country benefit from Medicaid programs that provide essential health care services. Seniors in California who qualify through Medi-Cal can receive Medicaid services funded by the state and federal governments.

Medi-Cal pays for various medical services, such as doctors appointments, prescriptions, hospitalization, surgery, emergency and dental services, medical supplies and transportation. Some ongoing care is also covered, including in-home support services, temporary nursing facility stays and adult day health care. Assisted living is not covered by regular Medi-Cal, but a Medicaid waiver shown below offers a possible solution.

Medi-Cal has close to 100 care categories with varying eligibility requirements based on the status and needs of the applicant. To qualify, applicants must be at least 65 years of age, disabled or blind. Applicants must also be a legal resident of California and meet income and asset guidelines. As of 2019, the income limit is $1,436 a month. The asset limit is $2,000, excluding a personal home and vehicle along with other non-countable assets.

Depending on the care category, an individual may qualify for partial or full coverage and receive some or all of the services Medicaid offers. Seniors who qualify for Supplemental Security Income automatically receive full coverage with no share of cost.

To apply for Medi-Cal, visit Covered California and submit the required information or call (800) 300-1506. Alternatively, applicants can request free assistance from certified enrollers in their local area.

Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver Program

Federal regulations restrict Medicaid programs such as Medi-Cal from paying for assisted living room-and-board costs. However, California’s Assisted Living waiver program does pay for a number of related expenses, including:

• Help with activities of daily living
• Medication management and administration
• Social/recreational activities
• Laundry, housekeeping and meals
• Skilled nursing services

This waiver is available in most areas of the state, although Ventura County is not currently a participant. Individuals who would otherwise qualify may find relocating to a participating county worthwhile.

To be eligible for the waiver, applicants must be approved for full Medi-Cal coverage with no share of cost and be assessed by a registered nurse from a local Care Coordination Agency to determine if they qualify medically.

To apply for the Assisted Living Waiver program, contact a nearby Care Coordination Agency to request an assessment.

Optional State Supplement

Residents of California receiving federal Supplemental Security Income benefits may qualify for the Optional State Supplement program, which provides extra money that can go toward room-and-board costs of assisted living.

The eligibility requirements vary greatly based on the applicant’s age, disability status, living arrangements and other factors. If they qualify, applicants will be placed in one of eight payment levels currently available in California.

To apply for the Optional State Supplement program, call or visit a Social Security office. The local branch in Ventura can be reached at (800) 772-1213 during business hours.

Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance Program

Although it’s not available to the general public, the Aid and Attendance program administered by Veterans Affairs may be a viable option for some seniors in the area. The A&A program provides additional monthly payments to veterans or their surviving spouse on top of their monthly pension amount.

To qualify for this program, applicants must meet at least one of these requirements:

• Need help from another person to safely perform activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing and dressing

• Bedridden for an extended period due to disability

• Living in, or currently moving to, a nursing facility

• Severe vision problems

Applicants must then meet all of these requirements:

• Served a minimum 90 days active duty, with at least 1 day during wartime

• Received an honorable discharge

• Meets the income and asset eligibility requirements ($22,577 for an individual applicant)

• Not currently receiving a VA disability pension

More specifics about the eligibility requirements can be found on the Veterans Affairs website. Applications can be made by writing or visiting the St. Paul VA Regional Office. Alternatively, call the Ventura Vet Center at (805) 585-1860.

The Area Agency on Aging serving Ventura County is dedicated to providing education, resources and support to older adults and those with disabilities who are not yet living in residential facilities. However, they also assist seniors looking to make the transition to long-term care. Ventura County Area Agency on Aging
646 County Square Dr, Ste 100, Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 477-7300

Senior veterans can call or visit the Ventura County Veterans Services office or the city’s Vet Center for information and help submitting pension and benefit claims, counseling services or referrals for medical treatment at VA hospitals and clinics. For camaraderie and community involvement, there’s an active local VFW post.

Ventura County Veterans Services
5740 Ralston St #304, Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 477-5155

Ventura Vet Center
790 E Santa Clara St, Ste 100, Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 585-1860

VFW Post Post 1679
3801 Market St, Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 642-2674

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