San Marcos is a sunny retirement destination in Southern California said to have one of the best climates in the state. The nearby Pacific Ocean moderates temperatures to create mild winters and warm summers with few sweltering days. The city has plenty of outdoor attractions, including golf courses and Discovery Lake, which offers parks, nature trails, fishing and bird-watching. San Diego attractions, including the San Diego Botanical Garden and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, are only a short drive away.
Assisted living can be a great option for seniors who can still function independently but could benefit from a bit of daily assistance. In these communities, residents have access to support from trained caregivers, as well as services such as medication management, daily meals and housekeeping. The average cost of assisted living in San Marcos is $5,475 per month, which is higher than both the state median and national average.
This guide offers information about assisted living in San Marcos, including some of the laws and regulations and these facilities, average care costs and where seniors can go for support.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in California. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in San Marcos is $5,475, as noted by Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Not only are costs in San Marcos higher than the California state median of $5,250, but they’re also nearly $1,000 higher than the national average.
While costs in San Marcos are quite high, they’re $675 less expensive than nearby El Centro, where rates are $6,150 per month. Oxnard is around $275 more expensive than San Marcos. San Jose and San Francisco also have monthly costs of over $6,000. Seniors on a budget do have several options available to them, including Los Angeles, where costs are $225 less per month. Riverside and Fresno are even more affordable, with monthly rates $1,475 and $1,575 lower per month, respectively.
Note: Data for San Marcos was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Diego, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in California.
Contact | Description | |
California Department of Aging | (916) 419-7500 | This state-run organization operates a variety of programs for seniors, including Medicare counseling, legal assistance and caregiver services. A variety of nutrition programs include home meal delivery, fresh community lunches and a food pantry. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is responsible for overseeing care homes and investigating allegations of elder abuse. |
San Marcos Veterans Center | (855) 898-6050 | Operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this agency helps veterans and their families access housing assistance, health care and employment placement. Assistance with benefits applications and appeals is also available. |
Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego | (619) 323-2841 | At the Diocese, seniors can access transportation, as well as home-delivered and community meals. A foster grandparent program pays seniors a stipend for community outreach work, and a food pantry serves anyone in need. |
Multipurpose Senior Services Program | 1 (800) 339-4661 | Operated by the California Department of Aging, the Multipurpose Senior Services Program offers a variety of resources for Medi-Cal eligible seniors. These include home repair, health care, meal services, transportation and personal assistance. |
The Foundation for Senior Wellbeing | (844) 654-4636 | Seniors and their families can access free referrals for health care, housing, legal assistance, financial aid and home repair. The Senior Disaster Resource Alliance provides assistance to elders in need of transportation, housing and assistance during times of crisis. |
Meals on Wheels San Diego County | (619) 260-6110 | Volunteers deliver nutritious meals to seniors who are homebound or disabled. These visits also provide socialization and ensure the wellness of isolated seniors. Through community partnerships, this organization is also able to provide pet meals, home clean up, smoke detector repair and fresh fruit and vegetable delivery services. |
Rancho Bernardo Senior Services | (858) 487-2640 | This nonprofit offers free professional services, including legal aid, tax preparation and financial planning. Seniors can also access health services, such as wellness calls and flu shots, as well as continued education, such as driving refresher courses. Referrals are available for transportation and handyman services. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the San Marcos area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.