Assisted living
Assisted living is a residential option for people who need help with daily care, such as bathing, dressing and medications, but not the level of medical care a nursing home provides.[1] In 2025 the U.S. median cost was $6,200 per month ($74,400 per year), and most residents pay privately because Medicare does not cover it.[3][1]
Definition and services
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), assisted living residents usually live in their own apartments or rooms and share common areas. Services typically include up to three meals a day; assistance with personal care; help with medications, housekeeping and laundry; 24-hour supervision, security and on-site staff; and social and recreational activities. Facilities typically offer a few levels of care, and residents pay more for extra services or special care.[1]
In California, assisted living is licensed as a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), defined by the California Department of Social Services as a housing arrangement for people 60 and over where 24-hour non-medical care and supervision is provided.[5]
Who lives in assisted living
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) reports approximately 41,465 assisted living communities with nearly 1.4 million licensed beds in the United States and more than 1,000,000 residents, the majority aged 85 or older. Residents often need help with only a few activities of daily living; the most common is bathing, followed by walking. NCAL reports that 4 in 10 residents are living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.[6]
Cost of assisted living
| Area | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $6,200 | $74,400 |
| California | $7,000 | $84,000 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area | $6,820 | $81,840 |
Source: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025.[3][4][7] CareScout notes that assisted living communities are referred to as residential care facilities in California.[3]
Paying for assisted living
- Private funds: most people pay the full cost themselves, and NCAL reports that the majority of residents use some form of private pay.[1][6]
- Medicare: does not pay for assisted living.[1]
- Medicaid: may cover some aspects of assisted living depending on the state; NCAL reports that 17% of residents rely on Medicaid for daily services and that Medicaid does not pay for room and board.[1][6]
- Medi-Cal Assisted Living Waiver (California): available in 15 counties including San Diego for eligible people who need a nursing-facility level of care.[8]
- Long-term care insurance: some policies partially cover assisted living.[1]
- VA pension with Aid and Attendance: an added monthly payment for qualifying veterans and survivors who need help with daily activities.[9]
See Paying for senior living for details.
Checking an assisted living community
California requires annual unannounced inspections of every RCFE, and inspection reports, deficiency lists and plans of correction are open to the public.[10] Reports can be viewed in the CDSS Care Facility Search.[11] The How to choose page lists questions to ask on a tour.
Frequently asked questions
How much does assisted living cost?
The national median was $6,200 per month ($74,400 per year) in the CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025; the California median was $7,000 per month and the San Diego-area median $6,820 per month.[3][4][7]
Does Medicare pay for assisted living?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living; Medicaid may cover some aspects depending on the state.[1]
Does Medi-Cal pay for assisted living?
Medi-Cal's Assisted Living Waiver can pay for assisted living services in participating facilities in 15 California counties, including San Diego, for people with full-scope, zero share-of-cost Medi-Cal who need a nursing-facility level of care. Participants pay their own room and board.[8]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Determine the Best Housing Option For Me". California Department of Aging.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: national median costs". CareScout (formerly the Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Survey fielded July–November 2025.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: Median Cost Data Tables (PDF, dated 03/02/26)". CareScout. 2025 data.
- ^ "Resources for Residents and Families (Senior Care Licensing)". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "Assisted Living Facts and Figures". National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL/AHCA).
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025 calculator: San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad area". CareScout. 2025 data for the San Diego metropolitan area.
- ^ "Assisted Living Waiver". California Department of Health Care Services.
- ^ "VA Aid and Attendance benefits and Housebound allowance". U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.33 (inspections of RCFEs)". California Legislative Information.
- ^ "Care Facility Search". California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division. Search tool.