Assisted Living Facilities for Seniors in California
Assisted Living communities offer a compassionate, structured solution for older adults who need support with daily living but wish to maintain their independence in a safe, homelike environment. Unlike traditional retirement residences with optional care add-ons, these facilities are specifically designed—or thoughtfully converted—to meet the physical, medical, and social needs of seniors.
Most communities feature apartment-style living with essential safety and accessibility features such as:
- Walk-in showers
- Emergency call systems
- Wider doorways for wheelchair access
- Handrails and non-slip flooring
- On-site dining and wellness programs
Facility sizes vary greatly—from cozy 10- to 20-resident homes to expansive campuses serving 200+ residents. Larger doesn’t always mean better; many families find that a smaller, more intimate environment better suits their loved one’s personality and care needs. We recommend visiting several communities to find the best fit.
What Assisted Living Provides
Assisted Living bridges the gap between independent living and full-time skilled nursing care. Residents typically receive help with:
- Bathing and dressing
- Medication management and reminders
- Incontinence care and toileting assistance
- Dietary monitoring and special meal preparation
While these communities are not licensed to provide skilled nursing services, many partner with outside home health agencies that visit residents as needed for specific medical needs such as:
- Diabetes management (e.g., insulin injections)
- Colostomy or catheter care
- Wound care and physical therapy
This flexible, multi-tiered model of care supports dignity, independence, and aging in place without the restrictions of a nursing home.
Assisted Living Costs in California (2025)
Assisted Living continues to be a cost-effective alternative to nursing homes. While nursing homes in California now average over $9,500/month for a shared room, Assisted Living facilities typically offer a much more affordable option:
- Studio with private bath and basic care: $4,200–$5,000/month on average
(Costs vary based on location, level of care, and amenities)
Families across California—from Los Angeles to the Bay Area—are increasingly choosing Assisted Living for the quality of life, personalized care, and warm social environment it offers.
A Brief History of Assisted Living
The term Assisted Living gained popularity in the late 1980s as retirement communities sought to meet the growing needs of aging residents. Before this, older adults who needed care were primarily served by either small board-and-care homes or nursing homes. Retirement communities began incorporating personal care services—like help with bathing or medication reminders—as residents began “aging in place.”
Although the name is relatively new, the concept has been part of California’s senior care landscape since the 1970s. Today, Assisted Living programs are licensed by the state’s Community Care Licensing Division, and the model has expanded to include a variety of settings—from residential homes to large senior campuses.
How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community
Choosing the right care environment is a deeply personal decision—but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced advisors have personally reviewed and vetted hundreds of Assisted Living communities across California.
Call our support line at (800) 777-7575, to receive:
- A personalized list of recommended facilities in your area
- Cost estimates tailored to your budget and care requirements
- Details about available programs, services, and staff qualifications
We’re here to help you find the right care—quickly, confidently, and compassionately.
How our FREE service works
Our family-first process will help you find the right senior living community for your loved one.
Connect with an expert senior living advisor
Review a personalized list of communities
Tour sites and finalize the placement
Do You Need to Find Care Right Away?
Our Senior Living Advisors can help with:
- Hospital discharge
- Rehab Facility discharge
- Alzheimer’s & Dementia care
California Registry (established in 1939) a.k.a. Cal Registry is a DBA & SM of Elderlink, Inc.®
California Department of Public Health License #960000942
California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing #6002629740
California Registry is a state licensed referral service.
We are paid by our participating communities, therefore our service is offered at no charge to families
California Registry
638 Lindero Canyon Rd #172
Oak Park, CA 91377
Live Agent Available 24/7
Tel: 1-800-777-7575
Fax: 1-800-508-2080