Assisted Living Communities in Los Altos, California

In Los Altos, assisted living facilities charge a monthly median rate of $6,319 for care and housing, which is a 20% increase over the state average and 40% higher than the national norm. Rates tend to be lower in nearby cities, including San Jose, where monthly fees come in at $6,000, and Santa Cruz, where seniors pay about 12% less than assisted living residents in Los Altos. Similarly, monthly care costs in Vallejo are competitive compared to the local norm at $4,950, and in Modesto, seniors pay $4,000 per month for residential services.

 

Assisted living rates in Los Altos come in at $6,319 per month.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

 

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

 

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in California page.

With monthly rates at $6,319, assisted living is a comparatively affordable senior care option in Los Altos. Nursing home care, which is for seniors with advanced medical needs, costs about 83% more per month, although those who obtain daytime services through adult day health care pay considerably lower rates of $1,950. In-home care and home health care, which offer a similar scope of services as assisted living, are costlier than residential care at $6,864 and $7,150, respectively.

All assisted living facilities in Los Altos follow rules set by the California Department of Social Services. These facilities, which are officially called residential care facilities for the elderly, are subject to a strict licensing process and regular site inspections.

 

• Seniors living in Los Altos may be eligible to receive reimbursement for transportation services they receive through the city-sponsored On the Move Ridecare Program. For those who qualify, the full cost of a ride, plus up to $3 in driver gratuity, is eligible for reimbursement. This can provide an affordable alternative to paid transportation services available through assisted living facilities.
• Nearly all forms of retirement income are fully taxable in California at rates of up to 12.3%. However, Social Security benefits aren’t taxable at the state level, and the state allows a senior income tax exemption. This may help some seniors afford assisted living in Los Altos.
• With an overall cost of living that’s significantly higher than state and national norms, Los Altos may not be a budget-friendly option for those with limited financial resources. On a 100-point index based on average living costs nationwide, the city scores 231 versus the California score of 149.9. Housing costs are very high in this city, with the median home cost over 10 times higher than the national average, but seniors may avoid high mortgage and rent costs by opting for residential care. 
• Crime, especially violent crime, is uncommon in Los Altos and may make the city a favorable option for seniors who prioritize safety. On a 100-point index that gives lower scores to cities with less criminal activities, Los Altos scores 8.2 for violent crime and 21 for property crime. These scores are well below the respective national averages of 22.7 and 35.4.
• Los Altos has pleasant weather year-round, earning it a score of 9.7 on a 10-point comfort index and making it an attractive retirement destination for active seniors. Daytime temperatures range from 59 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit throughout the year, and the city gets virtually no snow and only 19 inches of rain. Many assisted living facilities have outdoor amenities, such as resident gardens and walking paths, making it easy to enjoy the local weather.