Types of Senior Care in California: What Families Should Know
Published: 8/11/2025
Choosing the right type of senior care can feel overwhelming—especially in California, where options vary widely in services, costs, and regulations.
From independent living to skilled nursing and specialized state programs, knowing your choices can help you plan with confidence and avoid costly missteps.
This guide explains each major type of care available in California, including who it’s best for, what it costs, and how it works.
Independent Living
Best for: Active, self-sufficient seniors who want community living without daily care.
California cost range: ~$2,500–$5,000/month.
Independent living communities offer apartments, cottages, or condos, plus amenities like dining, transportation, housekeeping, fitness programs, and social activities. Medical care is not included, but residents enjoy a maintenance-free, socially engaging lifestyle.
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) / Assisted Living
Best for: Seniors needing help with daily activities but not full-time medical care.
California cost range: ~$4,500–$7,500/month.
Licensed by the state, RCFEs include both small “board-and-care” homes and larger assisted living communities. Services often include meals, personal care, medication assistance, transportation, and social programs. They do not provide 24-hour skilled nursing care but can coordinate with outside healthcare providers.
Memory Care
Best for: Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive decline.
California cost range: ~$5,500–$9,000/month.
Memory care communities have secure environments, trained staff, and structured routines to support safety and quality of life. They often cost 20–30% more than standard assisted living due to specialized staffing and safety measures.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) / Life-Care Communities
Best for: Seniors who want to “age in place” in one location with access to multiple care levels.
California cost range: Entrance fees from ~$100,000–$1M+, plus $3,000–$7,000/month.
CCRCs offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing on one campus. This allows residents to transition between care levels without moving to a new community.
Skilled Nursing Facilities (Nursing Homes)
Best for: Seniors requiring 24/7 medical oversight and rehabilitation services.
California cost range: ~$9,000–$12,000/month (private room).
These facilities provide the highest level of residential medical care, with licensed nurses and physicians overseeing treatment. Services include medication management, therapy, wound care, and post-hospital recovery.
Adult Day Services
Best for: Seniors who live at home but need daytime care and social interaction.
California cost range: $70–$120/day.
Programs provide meals, activities, supervision, and sometimes health services during the day. They are a flexible, cost-effective way to give family caregivers respite.
Home-Based Care Options
a. In-Home Care / Home Health Care
Non-medical caregivers assist with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meal prep, and errands. Medical home health services (like skilled nursing) require a doctor’s order.
California cost range: $30–$40/hour for non-medical care.
b. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
A California Medi-Cal program that pays caregivers to provide help at home for eligible seniors and disabled residents.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Best for: Medi-Cal and Medicare-eligible seniors who want to stay at home but need a full range of services.
PACE provides coordinated medical care, personal care, therapy, meals, transportation, and social services under one program—helping seniors avoid nursing home placement when possible.
Quick Comparison Table
| Care Type | Best For | Services Included | Medical Care? | Typical CA Cost | State Licensing? | Payment Sources |
| Independent Living | Active seniors without daily care needs | Housing, meals, activities | No | $2,500–$5,000/mo | No | Private Pay |
| RCFE / Assisted Living | Help with daily activities | Meals, personal care, medication help | Limited | $4,500–$7,500/mo | Yes | Private Pay, LTC Insurance |
| Memory Care | Dementia or cognitive decline | Secure housing, memory-specific programs | Limited | $5,500–$9,000/mo | Yes | Private Pay, LTC Insurance |
| CCRC | Aging in place with multiple care levels | IL, AL, MC, SNF | Varies by level | $100k–$1M+ entry + $3k–$7k/mo | Yes | Private Pay, LTC Insurance |
| Skilled Nursing | 24/7 medical care | Full medical, rehab, meals | Yes | $9,000–$12,000/mo | Yes | Medicare, Medi-Cal, Private Pay |
| Adult Day Services | Home-based seniors needing day care | Meals, activities, supervision | Sometimes | $70–$120/day | Sometimes | Private Pay, Medi-Cal |
| In-Home Care | Home-based help with daily needs | Personal care, chores | No | $30–$40/hr | No | Private Pay, LTC Insurance |
| IHSS | Eligible low-income seniors | Personal care, chores | Limited | Free for eligible | Yes | Medi-Cal |
| PACE | Medi-Cal & Medicare eligible seniors | Full coordinated care | Yes | Usually covered | Yes | Medi-Cal, Medicare |
Choosing the Right Care Path
Every senior’s situation is unique. The right type of care depends on your health, independence, finances, and personal preferences.
Next steps:
- Make a list of your current and anticipated care needs.
- Compare facilities or programs in your preferred location.
- Ask about licensing, staffing ratios, and resident satisfaction.
- Understand all costs and payment options before signing an agreement.
Need help deciding? Our team offers free consultations to walk you through your options in California and connect you with vetted providers.