Orange, CA, is located in Orange County, CA, between Los Angles and San Diego and is considered part of the Riverside metro area. Residents have access to some of the best health care in the country, with many medical centers affiliated with the prestigious University of California medical system. Living in Orange is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of L.A. and San Diego, with many homes still preserved to reflect their 1920s construction. A small downtown area, with small shops and cafes, makes this part of the Old Town District feel like a small-town enclave.
The weather is warm year-round, which makes it comfortable for many seniors who have health conditions improved by warmer weather. Orange has a thriving senior population that makes up 12% of its 139,000 residents, and many of these seniors will need to transition into one of the area’s dozens of assisted living facilities.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Orange is $3,525, although actual prices vary depending on the location, amenities and services offered.
Note: Data for Orange was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Riverside, was used instead.
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 >
Assisted living fees are $1,000 lower in Orange than California’s statewide average and $500 less than the national monthly average of $4,051. California assisted living fees are higher than neighboring states, with the exception of Oregon, which averages $4,499 per month, compared to California’s average of $4,500. Arizona and Nevada, other popular retirement destinations, average significantly lower than California, at $3,750 and $3,400, respectively.
Within California, there is a large variance in assisted living costs between the larger metro areas. Orange is considerably lower than neighboring Los Angeles, at $4,500 and San Diego, at $4,750. Bakersfield, another southern California city, is closer on average to Orange, at $3,650. The state’s capital of Sacramento is also much higher than Orange, at $4,500.
Seniors in Orange may be eligible for an assisted living waiver through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program. This waiver is open to low-income seniors and reduces nursing home placement for these individuals. This Home and Community-Based Services waiver helps adults 65 and older pay for services in an assisted living community, such as help with personal grooming and tasks of daily living, mobility and transportation to medical appointments.
Learn more about the ALW, the eligibility requirements and the application process on our Assisted Living in California page.
Contact | Description | |
Riverside County Office on Aging | (800) 510-2020 | The Office on Aging operates 27 different programs to help the elderly, including meal delivery, financial planning and benefits counseling, socialization opportunities and health screenings and education. Some programs are open to all, while others are needs-based. |
Orange Senior Center | (714) 538-9633 | The senior center offers different programs for seniors to engage in favorite hobbies and meet new friends, including bingo tournaments and holiday celebrations. Meals are served during the week for a small fee. Case managers are on-site to assist seniors in finding benefits they’re eligible for. |
Orange County Veterans Service Office | (855) 886-5400 | Veterans and surviving spouses have access to financial planning assistance and help seeking medical benefits. It also offers other programs, such as assistance with home repairs and modifications for handicapped access. |
Meals on Wheels Orange County | (714) 220-0224 | Seniors who have difficulty leaving their homes and preparing healthy meals are eligible for this volunteer-based program. A hot, healthy meal is delivered during the week, and companionship and wellness checks are also provided. |
Senior Citizen Legal Advocacy Program | (714) 480-6450 | This program offers legal advocacy services for Orange County seniors who qualify for pro bono services. Attorneys help those in the program with government benefits and secure SSI and Social Security benefits. Other services include free counseling and representation in civil and administrative cases. |
Riverside Transit Authority | (951) 565-5002 | Seniors aged 60 and older and those with a qualifying disability may qualify for reduced fees for RTA fixed-route bus and light rail transportation. Paratransit services and handicapped transportation are also available by appointment. |
Habitat For Humanity of Orange County | (714) 434-6200 ext.233 | This volunteer-based program provides home modifications and home repair services for low-income seniors. Military veterans and those with a qualifying disability are also eligible. |
Assisted living communities in Orange are required to follow the state laws and regulations regarding resident safety and health standards, accommodations and meals, staffing levels and medication management administration. Visit our Assisted Living in California page to learn more about these laws and regulations.