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San Mateo is in the northern region of California, just 20 miles south of San Francisco. It’s home to over 100,000 people, about 15% of whom are seniors, and is known for its comfortable Mediterranean climate and its dynamic art scene. In the summer, highs are typically in the mid-70s, and in the winter, lows are in the low 40s and snow is virtually unheard of, making it an attractive option for seniors who enjoy spending time outdoors. Among San Mateo’s most popular attractions is CuriOdyssey, a science museum and zoo with nearly 100 rescued animals, where seniors aged 62 and over are eligible for discounted admission.
There are approximately 67 licensed assisted living facilities in San Mateo, providing area seniors with the opportunity to find the community that fits their budget and lifestyle. Assisted living fees in the city average $4,750 per month.
Note: Data for San Mateo was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, 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 >
In San Mateo, assisted living costs an average of $4,750 per month. This is $250 higher than the statewide average of $4,500 and about $700 higher than the national average of $4,051. California is among the most expensive states for assisted living on the West Coast and has higher costs than its bordering states. Seniors find more affordable care in Arizona, Utah and Nevada, where monthly costs average $3,750 and $3,400, respectively. Comparably priced care is found in Oregon, where seniors pay $4,499 per month, on average.
While assisted living costs in San Mateo are high compared to the state and national averages, they are affordable compared to surrounding major cities. Seniors seeking more affordable care may find it 50 miles away in Vallejo, where assisted living costs average $4,325 per month, or in Stockton, which is 80 miles away and has the least expensive assisted living in the state, at $3,532 per month. Care is typically more expensive in San Jose ($5,853), Santa Cruz ($5,250), Napa ($5,250), Salinas ($5,500) and Santa Rosa ($5,640).
Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, covers assisted living services through the Assisted Living Waiver. This Home and Community-Based Services waiver enables seniors aged 65 and older who need a nursing home level of care to reside in a residential care facility instead. Services covered by this waiver include assistance with daily living activities, medical transportation and adult day health services.
For more information about the ALW, visit our Assisted Living in California page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging | (650) 573-3527 | The local Area Agency on Aging operates through the San Mateo County Health System’s Aging and Adult Service department. The AAA supports the independence of older adults and addresses their needs by providing a broad array of services, including congregate nutrition, legal assistance, advocacy, transportation and information and referrals for local and state services. |
| San Mateo County Veterans Service Office | (650) 802-6598 | Staff at the San Mateo County Veterans Service Office, located about 5 miles away in San Carlos, helps eligible veterans and their spouses obtain state and federal benefits. These may include the VA pension, disability compensation, non-service connected pensions and the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can help fund assisted living. Information and referral services for clinical, medical and community nonprofit services and emergency assistance are also available. |
| Mills-Peninsula Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (650) 696-7660 | The RSVP program, sponsored by Mills-Peninsula Senior Focus, provides volunteer services to more than 80 local agencies. The program offers seniors volunteer opportunities that fit their interests and experience. These may include tutoring children after school at the library, providing GED tutoring, senior peer counseling and income tax preparation counseling for AARP and serving in various capacities at homeless shelters. In exchange for their service, volunteers receive supplemental insurance coverage and transportation cost reimbursement. |
| San Mateo Senior Center | (650) 522-7490 | San Mateo’s local senior center is operated by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and hosts a wide range of activities, including yoga classes, history seminars, book discussion groups and billiards. Members can also enjoy daily lunch at the center for a modest fee. The center is open to adults aged 50 and over and operates every day except Sunday. |
| Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program | (800) 434-0222 | The city offers free H.I.C.A.P. counseling on a weekly basis. Through this program, participants can receive options counseling and information on Medicare, long-term care and seniors’ rights. Volunteer counselors discuss a variety of health insurance-related topics and help participants understand the different types of plans available to them, along with their varying costs and coverage. |
| San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services | (800) 675-8437 | San Mateo County’s Aging and Adult Services department provides a wide range of services to help local seniors maintain their independence and quality of life. These include nutritious meals at group dining sites, the Multipurpose Senior Services Program, for adults aged 65 and older who qualify for Medi-Cal, and information and assistance regarding community resources for at-risk seniors. It also provides wellness services, such as Wise and Well, a health promotion program offering screening and one-on-one counseling, and a falls prevention program. |
Assisted living facilities, which are officially called residential care facilities for the elderly in San Mateo and all of California, are licensed by the Department of Social Services. This governing body enforces regulations regarding scope of care, dietary provisions, medication management, staffing and facility requirements. For an overview of these laws and regulations, visit our Assisted Living in California page.