Of the more than 273,000 people living in Santa Cruz, 17.3% are senior citizens aged 65 and up. The area’s mild Mediterranean climate results in mostly comfortable weather throughout the year, a big draw for seniors who enjoy average daily temperatures in the mid-60s and 70s. Health care centers are abundant in the Santa Cruz area, such as the Dominican Hospital which is known for its excellent cancer and cardiac care, rehabilitation unit and emergency services. Seniors in Santa Cruz also have access to government health clinics, a county-sponsored virtual recreation center and numerous beaches, parks and cultural attractions.
Seniors wishing to reside in one of the area’s 16 assisted living communities can expect to pay an average of $6,800 per month although those costs can vary depending on the facility’s location, services and amenities offered.
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 costs in Santa Cruz ($6,800) are expensive when compared with the state average of $5,000 and national costs of $4,300. Nevada, Arizona and Oregon are also more affordable with Nevada ($3,595) being the least expensive option.
Assisted living prices in cities closest to Santa Cruz differ widely although only one nearby town that lies to the south, Salinas, is pricier at $7,100 per month. Heading north, San Francisco’s average costs of $6,100 per month are a bit less expensive. Nearby, San Jose’s assisted living costs are nearly $1,000 cheaper, while going further inland to Modesto or Merced provides seniors with more affordable assisted living with monthly costs of $4,000 and $3,750 per month respectively.
California’s Medicaid system, called Medi-Cal, manages the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) that’s available to help low-income seniors afford assisted living. This California Department of Health Care Services program helps seniors avoid placement in nursing homes for as long as possible by providing services, such as personal care, transportation and adult day health care. Learn more about the ALW, its eligibility requirements and the application process by visiting our Assisted Living in California page.
Contact | Description | |
Senior Network Services | (831) 462-1433 | This is an Area Agency on Aging program that provides services to seniors in Santa Cruz. Their free programs include legal assistance, transportation, senior peer counseling, money management, a senior advocacy program and ombudsman services for those who reside in assisted living facilities. |
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department | (888)-421-8080 | Certain programs provided by the Human Services Department (HSD) are available 24 hours a day to help older adults, veterans and persons with disabilities find resources and information about community services available to them, including options for personal care. The adult and long-term care division has a Veterans Service Office to help veterans and their dependents access benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, pensions and spousal support. There are free veterans transportation services for medical appointments. The Santa Cruz HSD also has benefit representatives who will help seniors apply for Medi-Cal to see if they’re eligible for the state’s Assisted Living Waiver that helps low-income adults afford assisted living. |
California Department of Aging – Seniors Council of Santa Cruz | (831) 688-0400 | Operating under the auspices of the state Department on Aging, the Seniors Council of Santa Cruz offers long-term care ombudsman services, Medicare counseling, legal assistance and ways to help promote healthier lifestyles through fall prevention and stress management techniques. Community-based adult services (CBAS) are available to older adults living with chronic health conditions who need social services and have other unmet needs. The Seniors Council of Santa Cruz also assists residents with senior housing. |
Senior Computer Center | (831) 420-6180 | Run by the Senior Center of Santa Cruz, this program offers older adults one-on-one computer tech support and classes on using Zoom to help seniors access the many virtual programs available through the senior center. The organization also has free Amazon Fire Tablets for seniors who don’t have the necessary devices. |
The California Department of Social Services licenses, monitors and regulates assisted living facilities in Santa Cruz. The California Department of Public Health inspects these communities at least once every five years. Visit our Assisted Living in California page to learn more about these rules and regulations.