Talk to a local advisor for free
Nestled among the mountains outside Los Angeles, Altadena is a census-designated place with a population of around 42,846 residents, 20% of whom are seniors. The city’s crime rates are relatively low compared to national figures, and while Altadena’s cost of living is quite a bit above most of the country, the county’s property tax exemptions should provide some older homeowners with a bit of relief. Being part of the L.A. metro area, Altadena’s seniors are only a short drive away from world-class shopping, dining and entertainment as well as U.C.L.A. Medical Center and other top hospitals.
Seniors who don’t require hospitalization or skilled nursing but need a bit more help than they have at home may find assisted living is the right fit. They can receive assistance taking medications, and caregivers will be available around the clock to help with activities of daily living. On average, the city’s seniors pay $5,250 a month for assisted living, the same as the statewide median.
By the end of this guide, you’ll understand how the cost of assisted living in Altadena compares with other cities. We’ve also included a list of different government agencies and programs that could help make assisted living more affordable.
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.
Though prices vary depending on amenities and the required level of care, most seniors in Altadena’s assisted living communities pay about $5,250 a month for their housing and support.
Altadena’s $5,250 average monthly cost of assisted living is in line with the statewide average and $750 higher than the national figure.
While cities near the beach tend to be more expensive, California’s Bay Area has some of the state’s highest assisted living costs. In San Francisco and Santa Rosa, assisted living averages $6,319 and $7,048 a month, respectively. San Diego’s seniors spend about $225 more each month than seniors in Altadena, while Riverside’s seniors save about $1,250 a month. Fresno ($3,900) and Bakersfield ($3,750) are some of the more affordable cities for assisted living.
Note: Data for Altadena was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, 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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (310) 394-9871 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman works with the residents of senior care facilities and their staff to investigate and resolve complaints. As advocates for the well-being of seniors living in assisted living communities, ombudsmen frequently tour facilities to educate residents on their rights pertaining to their living quarters and roommates, financial protections, how to appeal a possible eviction from a facility and other matters. |
| Traditional Legal Assistance Program | (323) 939-0506 | Through the Traditional Legal Assistance Program, Altadena’s low-income seniors can receive free legal help with appealing denied public health insurance claims and enforcing older homeowners’ rights. The program’s attorneys regularly visit senior centers to meet clients. |
| Altadena Senior Center | (626) 798-0505 | At the Altadena Senior Center, you can meet up with other seniors to socialize, exercise and play games. Its Employment Support Services may help some older residents find a new job to help pay for assisted living, while congregate meals hosted at this center and the others managed by the county ensure residents over the age of 60 can enjoy a free meal and good conversation with like-minded Californians. |
| Veterans Affairs Los Angeles Regional Office | (800) 827-1000 | Retired military members in Altadena can visit or call the Veterans Affairs Los Angeles Regional Office to get assistance applying for military benefits. The office also manages employment programs for veterans and can answer any questions they have about VA health care. |
| Los Angeles County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program | (213) 383-4519 | If you’re a Los Angeles County resident over the age of 60 or a Medicare beneficiary, you can meet with or call a counselor at H.I.C.A.P. to have all your Medicare questions answered. The program’s friendly health insurance specialists are knowledgeable about prescription drug savings programs and how Medicare compares with other insurance options, and all assistance is provided for free. |
| Senior Community Service Employment Program | (213) 351-5388 | The S.C.S.E.P. may be able to help you earn money for long-term care expenses by giving you a part-time job where you can learn a new skill in preparation for competing against other job applicants in the open labor pool. Most positions are located at nonprofits and government agencies, and they typically pay minimum wage. To apply, contact your nearest America’s Job Center of California. |
| County of Los Angeles Seniors and Older Adult Services | (800) 510-2020 | Altadena’s seniors can reach out to the county’s Department of Seniors and Older Adult Services to learn about and apply for programs that could help them maintain a safe and healthy retirement. The agency can help seniors access discounted transportation, financial assistance, various housing support programs and career training. It can also help older adults apply for in-home services to support them until they’re able to move into an assisted living facility. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Altadena 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.
