logo

Orange County Assisted Living

California / Orange County

Orange County in Southern California offers its people bright skies and comfortable temperatures throughout the year, low crime rates, and a variety of senior care options, making it an excellent option for those exploring assisted living. More than 15% of the county's 3.2 million citizens are over 65 years old. The county offers a variety of social and recreational programs, legal and financial resources, and support services to fulfill the needs of its senior citizens.

Furthermore, Orange County contains various assisted living facilities. These institutions include residential services, meals, and personal care, as well as organized recreational activities to enhance the comfort and quality of life of the elderly. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Orange County is $5,250, which is comparable to the state median but significantly higher than the national average of $4,500.

This resource gives further information on senior care costs in Orange County, as well as a summary of the region's advantages and relocation factors. 

Cost Of Assisted Living In Orange County

The cost of assisted living in California varies significantly based on location and local cost of living. At $5,250, Orange County rates are comparable to the state median. The cost of care is somewhat higher in San Diego, at $5,475, and among the highest in the state is Santa Rosa, at $7,048. Vallejo is a cost-effective alternative with assisted living facilities at $4,950 per month, and Visalia is even more affordable at $3,450 per month.

$5250
Orange County
$5250
California
$4500
The United States
$5475
San Diego
$3450
Visalia
$4950
Vallejo
$7048
Santa Rosa

At $5,250 per month, assisted living is one of the more affordable senior care options in Orange County. Seniors who prefer to stay at home pay $5,911 for either basic housekeeping or specialized home health aide services. At $1,652, adult day health care is the least expensive choice. Nursing facilities offer somewhat expensive rates for shared and individual rooms: $9,125 and $11,269 respectively.

$5911
Homecare Services
$5911
Home Health Aide
$1652
Adult Day Health Care
$5250
Assisted Living Facility
$9125
Nursing Home Care (semiprivate room)
$11295
Nursing Home Care (private room)

Pros And Cons of Assisted Living In Orange County

In addition to the rest of the state, the California Department of Social Services governs assisted living facilities in Orange County. Community Care Licensing Division of the Department performs routine inspections of establishments to ensure compliance with rules.

  • Orange County has a higher overall cost of living than the state and national averages. The county's cost of living index is 167.7 on a scale of 100, compared to the state's index of 149.9 and the national score of 100. The primary factor is the county's high housing prices, which seniors may be able to avoid by moving into residential care.
  • Orange County has one of the lowest crime rates in Southern California, which may be enticing to elderly individuals seeking long-term care. On a 100-point crime index, where a lower number indicates fewer crimes, the county scores 15.9 for violent crime and 31.7 for property crime, compared to the national ratings of 22.7 and 35.4, respectively.
  • The year-round weather in Orange County is pleasant, with high temperatures ranging from 67 to 85 degrees. Eight months out of the year, high temperatures vary from 70 to 85 degrees, and humidity levels are often low. This may benefit the elderly who enjoy outdoor activities.
  • Doctor visits, dental exams, and hospital stays cost approximately 10% less than in the United States. Compared to the national average of 210 physicians per capita, Orange County has approximately 249 physicians, as well as high-performing medical facilities such as MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center and MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center. These hospitals offer a variety of primary and specialized care for seniors.
  • California has some of the highest state tax rates in the country, and while Social Security benefits are not taxed, all other types of retirement income are. To alleviate part of this load, California offers income tax exemptions for seniors, which may free up more funds for long-term care.
  • The OC Go Senior Mobility Program provides local transportation services for Orange County seniors aged 60 and over. This can augment assisted living facility services and aid seniors with attending medical appointments and doing errands.

Financing Options For Assisted Living In Orange County

Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program, offers financial support to help low-income seniors pay for assisted living. Those who qualify could participate in the state's Assisted Living Waiver Program (ALWP).

Learn more about these programs and who qualifies on our California Assisted Living page.

Other Ways To Finance Assisted Living In Orange County

While many families utilize their own cash or personal assets to cover the expense of assisted living, there are numerous other options available. Additional ways of financing assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Reverse Mortgage
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Life Insurance Policy

Other Facility Types

For more information about several ways to finance assisted care, check our California Assisted Living page.

Orange County Assisted Living by City

Orange County Assisted Living Facilities

1800 W Culver Ave, Orange, CA 92868
Mainplace Senior Living
Located in beautiful Orange County, California, MainPlace Senior Living provides a home-centered atmosphere that our residents are delighted to call home.
10 Marquette, Irvine, CA 92612
Brookdale Irvine
Volunteering. Family. Hobbies. When you turned 70, did your passions fade? We didn’t think so. If anything, age strengthens those interests.
2025 N. Bush Street, Santa Ana, CA 92706
Hollybrook Senior Living Of Orange
We understand that aging can be stressful for seniors and their families. The goal of our knowledgeable staff is to serve as a compassionate, supportive resource.
142 South Prospect Street, Orange, CA 92869
Citrus Hills Assisted Living
Citrus Hills Assisted Living is a charming residential care home situated in Orange, CA. We provide loving, compassionate care for aging seniors in a family-style home like setting.
logo