What assisted living is called in California, what it costs, how Medicaid can help, how to check a community’s license and inspections, and who to call if something goes wrong. Every fact links to the official source.
Any assisted living community that advertises special dementia care, programs, or surroundings must describe those features to the state in its plan of operation and share that description with the public when asked.5
Questions to ask memory care about nights.
The median cost of assisted living in California is $7,000 a month, above the national median of $6,200 (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025, collected July to November 2025). Prices vary with the apartment, the level of care and the community, so ask each one for its current rate sheet, including care-level fees.
Plan with our free tools: how long will the money last? and home care or assisted living?
Medicare does not pay for assisted living. Families pay from savings and income, long-term care insurance, or benefits such as VA Aid and Attendance (estimate it). Who actually pays for long-term care.
Medicaid. Medi-Cal can pay for assisted living care services through the Assisted Living Waiver, but only in 15 counties, only for people who need nursing home level care, and there is a waitlist. The resident still pays room and board. Program: Assisted Living Waiver (ALW).2 Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living in any state, and not every community accepts it, so ask each one.
Look up a license. Search licensed facilities by facility number, licensee name, or facility group. The site holds five years of information on facilities, and complaint investigation reports are available. The regional office phone number is listed with each facility. Search California’s records.6
Inspection reports. Look up the facility on the state's Care Facility Search. The site holds five years of information on facilities, and complaint investigation reports are available. For more details, such as about citations, call the regional office listed with the facility.7
Lilisity shows California’s inspection record on each community’s page: the state’s own findings, dated and linked to the official report.
Always visit in person, at a mealtime or in the evening if you can. Bring the tour scorecard and the 8 tour questions.
Complaints about care or conditions. The Department of Social Services takes complaints about assisted living (RCFEs) by phone, by email at letusno@dss.ca.gov, or online at complaints.ccld.dss.ca.gov. Complaints about nursing homes and hospitals go to the Department of Public Health instead. Call 844-538-8766 or file online.4
Abuse, neglect or exploitation. Call 1-833-401-0832. How to report.8 If someone is in danger, call 911.
The long-term care ombudsman is a free advocate for residents of assisted living and nursing homes: they help resolve problems with a community, including move-out notices. Call 1-800-231-4024 or find your local ombudsman.3
Assisted living by city
Every community and county in California · 16 with verified resident reviews
Medi-Cal can pay for assisted living care services through the Assisted Living Waiver, but only in 15 counties, only for people who need nursing home level care, and there is a waitlist. The resident still pays room and board. Medicaid does not pay rent or meals in assisted living.
The median is $7,000 a month (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025), compared with $6,200 nationally.
California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division, Senior Care Licensing Program.
The Department of Social Services takes complaints about assisted living (RCFEs) by phone, by email at letusno@dss.ca.gov, or online at complaints.ccld.dss.ca.gov. Complaints about nursing homes and hospitals go to the Department of Public Health instead. Phone: 844-538-8766.
Search licensed facilities by facility number, licensee name, or facility group. The site holds five years of information on facilities, and complaint investigation reports are available. The regional office phone number is listed with each facility.
Facts checked against these official sources on September 28, 2026. Rules and programs change; confirm with the agency before making a decision. General information, not legal or financial advice.
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