Lantern Crest San Diego-area seniors typically pay around $5,475 monthly on average for assisted living care in San Diego.
However, certain seniors can qualify for government programs like Medicare and Medicaid to help cover their costs.
Cost
According to Genworth's Cost of Care Survey, seniors in San Diego typically pay an average monthly cost for assisted living of $4,750; slightly more than the national average but lower than California's state average of $5,250.
Seniors may qualify for financial assistance through Medicare or waiver programs that help cover some of the costs associated with assisted living. Each program has specific eligibility requirements.
Some seniors opt for continuing-care retirement communities, which offer independent living followed by assisted or memory care for an additional cost. Such facilities generally require an upfront purchase that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Care Levels
Seniors living in San Diego can experience an enjoyable lifestyle. The city boasts low property and violent crime rates, making it a safe environment, while its climate lends itself perfectly to outdoor pursuits.
Many seniors in need of assistance with daily tasks can find comfort in an assisted living community, which offers services such as cooking and cleaning as well as bathing and medication management.
California residents eligible for Medi-Cal can use the Assisted Living Waiver program to cover their care in an assisted living community. These communities adhere to stringent state regulations designed to protect resident safety and privacy, provide meals and transportation when needed and offer meals as well.
Meals
Most facilities provide meals on a regular schedule in centralized dining rooms. Be sure to ask what meal options are available, as well as whether your loved one has any particular favorites.
Adults aged 60 or over who cannot travel to dining centers can receive home-delivered meals through various programs run by various agencies, such as the County's Aging & Independence Services program and Serving Seniors. Serving Seniors has locations throughout San Diego County where seniors can dine Monday through Friday; additionally they offer home delivery programs in Chula Vista, El Cajon and Lakeside cities.
San Diego's beautiful weather, vibrant culture and attractions such as SeaWorld and Balboa Park draw seniors looking for retirement destinations. Additionally, its many assisted living communities help seniors make the most out of their retirement years.
Activities
Seniors living in San Diego can engage in an assortment of activities. Some are meaningful in that they help a senior feel whole and cared for, such as music or arts and crafts; others provide educational value while simultaneously socializing with others and building positive energy.
San Diego offers seniors a safe environment to live, with low crime rates and plenty of outdoor recreational opportunities like visiting the USS Midway for those interested in history and military topics.
Transportation
Assisted living residents may require assistance with transportation in order to access medical appointments, run errands and attend regular social activities. Thankfully, San Diego provides many transportation options that may meet this need.
Elderhelp San Diego provides free escorted transportation service, Seniors on the Go, home share arrangements and information regarding senior issues in San Diego. 2-1-1 San Diego also connects seniors with recreational programs, financial aid assistance and an Ombudsman service for local concerns.
San Diego, located along California's coastline, boasts both urban amenities and natural splendor. Boasting low crime rates and an ideal climate, it makes an excellent retirement location.
Insurance
Assisted living services are considered non-medical services and therefore are not covered by either private health insurance or Medi-Cal; however there are various solutions to help offset the costs of care such as long term care insurance or Medicaid waiver programs that may help offset some of their cost.
Many individuals who choose assisted living communities can afford their monthly fees through savings, income, and assets. Some may sell their home in order to afford care in assisted living communities while others might utilize reverse mortgages or private loans or lines of credit to cover this expense.