frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The cost depends on a variety of factors such as the type of accommodations (e.g., apartment, private room, shared room), the range of services needed, and the geographic area.

The median monthly cost in California is $3,750, with costs ranging from a low of around $1,000 a month for a resident on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to a high of $9,000 a month.

Specialized services like dementia or hospice care are more costly.

Typical amenities available in assisted living homes may include:

  • Personal care assistance (bathing, toileting, dressing, eating)
  • Access to health care and medical services
  • On-site social and spiritual activities
  • Recreation and exercise facilities
  • Wellness programs
  • Transportation arrangements
  • 24-hour security
  • Laundry service
  • Housekeeping

Most contracts are month-to-month and some may require a 30/60 day notice that you will be leaving.

Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) — sometimes called “Assisted Living” (e.g., 16+ beds) or “Board and Care” (e.g., 4 to 6 beds) — are non–medical facilities that provide room, meals, housekeeping, supervision, storage and distribution of medication, and personal care assistance with basic activities like hygiene, dressing, eating, bathing and transferring.

Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) serve persons 60 years of age and older.

This level of care and supervision is for people who are unable to live by themselves but who do not need 24 hour nursing care. They are considered non-medical facilities and are not required to have nurses, certified nursing assistants or doctors on staff.

Beginning on July 1, 2015, all RCFEs are required to maintain liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 annually to cover injuries to residents or guests caused by the negligence of the facility owner or employees. (California Health and Safety Code, Section 1569.605.)

Can a RCFE care for persons with Dementia?Maybe. Some facilities offer special services to persons with dementia if they meet certain licensing requirements.

Make sure that the facility has experience in providing dementia care and meets all of the state licensing standards to provide dementia care.

There is not any specific staff to resident ratio for assisted living/residential care facilities.

California law requires that facility personnel shall at all times be sufficient in numbers, qualifications, and competency to provide the services necessary to meet resident needs, and to ensure their health, safety, comfort, and supervision.