Assisted Living Communities in Riverside, California

Based on figures in Genworth's 2024 Cost of Care Survey, the $5,324 median cost of assisted living makes Riverside $1,926 less expensive than San Diego. However, rates only climb by $424 in Los Angeles. For those looking to reduce living expenses, moving to Bakersfield brings savings of $729 per month compared to riverside.

Paying for assisted living in Riverside often requires a mix of private and public payment strategies. By using state-funded financial assistance programs, veterans’ benefits and personal savings, seniors can cover residential care services without compromising long-term financial security.

• Medicaid: The statewide Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver pays for assisted living services in the Riverside region. Although it doesn’t cover housing costs, it funds personal care services, meals and recreational activities.
• Medicare: The federal health insurance program pays for medically necessary home health care services seniors receive in assisted living, including rehabilitative therapies, medication administration and wound care. However, it doesn’t apply to nonmedical custodial services included in standard assisted living care plans.
• VA Benefits: Aid and Attendance and Housebound benefits raise qualified veterans’ monthly pensions, helping them cover assisted living expenses. Additionally, the VA provides direct coverage for assisted living services, such as personal care and meals, through the Geriatrics and Extended Care program.
• Private Payments: Assisted living communities accept private payments for all care-related expenses, including room and board, personal care, meal services and recreation. This includes money from monthly Social Security income, 401(k) withdrawals, investments, annuities and home sale proceeds.

Riverside's $5,324 median assisted living rate makes this type of care relatively budget-friendly for seniors compared to in-home care, which costs $6,483. That said, adult day care providers charge $1,668, making it the most affordable option overall. Seniors who need regular medical support pay $9,125 per month for a semi-private room in a nursing home, reflecting the high cost of specialized care.

Assisted living facilities in Riverside are officially called residential care facilities for the elderly. These facilities are licensed and monitored by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. 

• Riverside’s cost of living, which exceeds the national norm by around 17%, may result in increased assisted living costs. Fortunately, many local assisted living communities accept funds from the statewide Assisted Living Waiver, and the proprietary Caring.com database indicates that over 40 local facilities accept veterans’ benefits.
• Although California taxes all income from retirement accounts and pensions, it exempts Social Security benefits and offers the senior income tax exemption. This promotes affordability for assisted living residents, especially those who rely primarily on Social Security income.
• Summers in Riverside typically bring hot weather, with August seeing average daily highs around 94 degrees Fahrenheit. However, mild winter weather brings temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, appealing to prospective assisted living residents who enjoy warm weather.
• Riverside County receives failing scores from the American Lung Association across all metrics, with the organization indicating nearly 400 high ozone or particle days each year. Fortunately, many assisted living communities have indoor activities and air purification systems, supporting those sensitive to environmental irritants.
• With about 39 crimes per 1,000 people annually, Riverside ranks in the bottom 5% of U.S. communities for safety. While property and violent crimes occur more often here than in a typical California or U.S. community, the neighborhoods on the city’s south side tend to see less criminal activity, making them practical options for assisted living.