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The Best Assisted Living in Sacramento

taylor shuman Taylor Shuman Senior Tech Expert & Editor

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With its desirable climate and large selection of activities and entertainment, Sacramento is an appealing place for older adults. There are many assisted living communities in Sacramento, so seniors can get the extra help they need, allowing them to stay in the city that they love.

But with so many assisted living options, it can be tricky to tell which community is best for your needs and preferences. The right assisted living facility needs to fit your budget, meet your care needs, and help you live a fulfilling life.

That’s why our team spent hours researching the assisted living communities in Sacramento. We included some essential information about the communities that we feel are the best options, and we also included some facts about senior living in California. Read on for some helpful tips that can guide you through the process of comparing communities and choosing the one that’s the right fit for you.

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Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Assisted Living in Sacramento

There are dozens of assisted living communities in Sacramento, so narrowing down the list was a challenge. We used a detailed process that included over 50 hours of researching the facilities. During our research, we considered these factors to narrow down the list to our top picks.

  • Cost: Since cost can vary widely between different communities, we focused on how each facility justified and delivered value for its costs. We also evaluated which services were included with monthly fees and looked for extra costs, like entrance fees. Any prices listed in this guide came from community websites or conversation with staff members.
  • Care offerings: We looked for communities that offered several types of care and that were prepared to meet residents’ evolving needs. We also looked for investments in resident safety and wellness, such as the use of fitness classes, appointments with visiting physicians, and emergency alert systems.
  • Amenities: Amenities can create a fulfilling life for residents and play an important role in helping residents stay fit and active. We looked for amenities that are both fun and important to have, such as fitness rooms and libraries.
  • Location: We considered how each community’s location would affect residents. We looked for locations that allowed for easy family visitation, and we also looked for perks like convenient access to health care facilities.
  • Staff: Since staff play such a key role in resident safety and quality of life, we looked for communities that hire talented and caring staff. We also considered whether staff-to-resident ratios allow for quality care.
  • Reviews: Finally, we spent hours reading reviews of each community to better understand the details that the communities might not promote. While we didn’t put too much stock in any one review, we looked for common themes that were frequently mentioned and included those in our writeups.
  • 1. Regency Place

    Assisted living with flexible options

    STARTING PRICE

    $3,400 per month

    ADDRESS

    8190 Arroyo Vista Drive, Sacramento, CA 95823

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Regency Place

    Source: Regency Place

    Highlights

    • On-site physical therapy services for convenience
    • Robust activity calendar, including bingo, happy hours, games, walks, and exercise classes
    • Includes weekly housekeeping and daily tidying-up service
    • Every apartment has a personal emergency call system for safety
    • Visitors are welcome after hours

    Overview

    Regency Place offers more flexibility than many other assisted living communities. While other facilities traditionally include weekly housekeeping, Regency Place offers both weekly housekeeping and a daily tidying-up service. Residents who prefer to wash their own clothes can use the on-site washer and dryer. The community welcomes families and friends after hours, and residents can also make special dining requests for their dietary needs. All of these options allow residents to maintain some independence and control. Additionally, care can encompass help with eating, bathing, incontinence, and medication management, depending on each resident’s needs.

    The community’s busy activities calendar also gives residents plenty of choices so they can fill their days with things that appeal to them. Just a few of the activities are fitness classes, games, Bible study, movie nights, walks, and happy hours.

    Just know that Regency Place offers only studio apartments for assisted living residents. If you’re looking for bigger apartments, consider a community like Ivy Park at Sacramento, which offers four different assisted living apartments.

    Types of Care

    Regency Place offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. We appreciate the various levels of care; residents can age in place, even if their needs change. Moving can be very stressful and emotional, especially for those experiencing memory loss. Upgrading to a higher level of care while staying in a community full of friendly faces and amenities can alleviate some of that stress.

    Physical therapy services are also available within the community, so residents can access a variety of care services. Staff is on-site 24/7 to address any needs.

    » Related Reading: Physical Therapy for Seniors

    Feedback and Reviews

    Reviews of Regency Place are largely positive. According to many reviews, the community is clean, staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and the food is excellent. There are many stories of reviewers’ parents thriving in the community. The only negative reviews we could find were simply star ratings that didn’t include any elaboration of the issues.

  • 2. The Village at Heritage Park

    Montessori-inspired assisted living

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    2001 Rose Arbor Drive, Sacramento, CA 95835

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The Village at Heritage Park

    Source: The Village at Heritage Park

    Highlights

    • Amenities include a bar and lounge, fitness center, beauty salon, and library
    • Excellent selection of engaging activities, like ice cream socials, happy hours, dress-up days, arts and crafts, and sporting event parties
    • Music therapy and pet therapy support resident wellness
    • Montessori-inspired SPARK program focuses on engagement, social lifestyles, and inclusion within the community
    • Special events include national food day celebrations, veterans’ ceremonies, holiday celebrations, and resident birthday recognition

    Overview

    The Village at Heritage Park offers a fantastic selection of activities to help keep residents engaged and entertained. Some of those activities include fitness classes, arts and crafts, ice cream socials, manicures and pedicures, musical performances, and poker nights. Additionally, residents can access amenities such as a fitness center and library. Music and pet therapy sessions are also offered to promote resident wellness.

    To ensure that residents are supported and connected within the community, The Village at Heritage Park utilizes a Montessori-inspired SPARK program. The SPARK program works to make sure that residents are engaged, enjoy a social lifestyle, and are included within the community. The program methods work to give residents a sense of meaning and purpose. These methods are delivered through therapeutic techniques and touch screen technology. Ultimately, the staff use the program to help foster the natural spark in each resident.

    » Learn About: Active Senior Living Communities

    Types of Care

    The Village at Heritage Park offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. These care offerings can meet the needs of many residents. If you’re looking for even more care services, such as a community that offers physical therapy sessions, you might want to consider an option like Regency Place.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Most reviews of The Village at Heritage Park are highly positive. Reviewers frequently describe the staff as attentive and responsive to questions. Several reviewers state that the chef is talented and the food is delicious. The community is often described as clean and luxurious too. However, several recent negative reviews described issues with delayed maintenance, phone service that doesn’t work, and trash pickup that isn’t performed.

  • 3. Golden Pond

    Great calendar of activities

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    3415 Mayhew Road, Sacramento, CA 95827

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Golden Pond

    Source: Golden Pond

    Highlights

    • Emergency response and security systems throughout the community for safety
    • Amenities include a community park, pub and bistro, putting green, lounge, and theater
    • Daily housekeeping services and personal laundry services
    • Activities include exercise classes, cocktail hour, theater presentations, art shows, rummage sales, and painting
    • Full-time nurse is on staff, and pharmacy is available 24/7

    Overview

    Residents at Golden Pond can enjoy many amenities, including a pub and bistro, community park, lounge, theater, and even indoor putting green. Additionally, this community has a great lineup of activities, including everything from art shows to rummage sales to theater performances. Its exercise classes are particularly important, since physical activity has been associated with improved quality of life, mental health, and even the delay of the onset of dementia.1

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Staying fit is important to health and wellness as we age. Explore our guide to workouts and exercises for seniors.

    Studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments are available, and the community uses an emergency response system for resident safety. Assisted living residents receive personal laundry service as well as daily housekeeping. This is notable because many communities provide only weekly housekeeping. An engineer is also available to address any maintenance issues.

    Types of Care

    Golden Pond offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. A nurse is on staff full time, and a pharmacy is available 24/7 for resident needs. We love the convenience of an in-house pharmacist! While these care services can meet many residents’ needs, Golden Pond doesn’t offer physical therapy services, so Regency Place may be a better choice if you anticipate needing physical therapy.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: As you age and your health evolves, your care needs may evolve too. Learn about older adults’ changing health care needs.

    Feedback and Reviews

    The majority of Golden Pond’s reviews are positive. Many reviewers praise the staff for being warm, welcoming, and helpful, and state that the community is clean. Several reviewers describe family members who are happy and enjoying fulfilling lives at Golden Pond. A few negative reviews stated that the community is understaffed.

  • 4. The Woodlake

    Unique travel assistance program

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    1445 Expo Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95815

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    The Woodlake

    Source: The Woodlake

    Highlights

    • Amenities include a theater, salon and barbershop, activity and games room, library, courtyards, and guest parking
    • Laundry facilities are complimentary
    • Pet-friendly community
    • 24-hour emergency monitoring and response with built-in emergency communication systems in apartments
    • Robust activity calendar, including yoga, strength training, game nights, cooking demonstrations, bingo and beer, shopping trips, and garden clubs

    Overview

    The Woodlake is conveniently located just off of Highway 160, so it’s easy for friends and family to visit. Nearby shopping and dining venues include Costco, while residents can access health care at Kaiser Permanente and other health facilities. The Hart Senior Center is local too, so residents can enjoy its services and programming. Transportation services are available to take residents into the Sacramento community, and there are also plenty of scheduled shopping trips and community outings.

    The Woodlake also features a busy activities calendar full of game nights, cooking demonstrations, pet therapy visits, Bible study, and movie nights. The community’s amenities, such as a theater and games room, also provide entertainment options. We’re big fans of event calendars that offer variety so residents can enjoy the activities that appeal to them and find like-minded residents.

    But the community truly stands out because of its Travel by Leisure Care program. Professional senior travel coordinators work with residents and their families to arrange travel, including group destination travel, personal travel, and staycations. The community can help plan family reunions and book airfare and hotels, or residents can participate in several annual community trips. We love this program, as it helps older adults experience new places, promotes lifelong learning, and discover the many joys of travel!

    » You Might Like: A Guide to Senior Travel

    While The Woodlake’s unique programs and great selection of activities are appealing, this community is a higher-priced option. If you’re worried about paying for assisted living, you might want to consider a lower-cost community, like Regency Place.

    » Related Reading: Activities for Seniors

    Types of Care

    The Woodlake offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. Certified caregivers and an LPN are on staff, and a podiatrist visits the community regularly. These care offerings can meet many residents’ needs.

    Feedback and Reviews

    The Woodlake has received a nearly perfect five-star review on Google. Reviews often call the community first class and note that the staff are caring and skilled. Numerous reviews mention the excellent entertainment and activities that the community offers, and several reviewers write that their parents have been well cared for at the community. One potential customer left a negative review expressing frustration at getting pricing information over the phone. 

  • 5. Ivy Park at Sacramento

    Selection of apartment sizes and layouts

    STARTING PRICE

    N/A

    ADDRESS

    345 Munroe St., Sacramento, CA 95825

    Speak to a SeniorLiving advisor:

    (855) 241-1699
    Ivy Park at Sacramento

    Source: Ivy Park at Sacramento

    Highlights

    • Amenities include a hydro spa, salon, activities studio, and indoor and outdoor lounges
    • Medication management, daily housekeeping, concierge physician services, and 24-hour personal care support are available as additional care services
    • All-day dining available at the Vine at Ivy restaurant
    • Scheduled transportation available into the Sacramento community
    • Pet-friendly community with pet care and walking available as an additional service

    Overview

    Ivy Park at Sacramento is a community dedicated to assisted living and memory care. Emergency response systems help keep residents safe, and there are also social and educational programs for an engaging lifestyle. This pet-friendly community offers pet care and walking services for an additional fee. If you want to bring your furry friend with you but are worried about caring for them, these add-on services are great.

    » Learn More: Pet-Friendly Senior Living

    While this is a smaller community, assisted living residents still have the choice of four apartment layouts, including studios and one-bedrooms. These different layouts allow residents to choose the apartments that work best for their preferences and lifestyle.

    Residents can further customize their care with additional services, like medication management, 24-hour personal care support, concierge physician services, room service, and daily housekeeping. While adding on these services ensures residents get the specific care they need, costs can add up. For a more inclusive pricing structure, consider Golden Pond, which includes options like daily housekeeping in residents’ monthly fees.

    » Related Reading: How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?

    Types of Care

    This community offers assisted living and memory care, as well as on-site physician services. Personal care support is also available as an optional service, and the community uses an emergency response system for resident safety. While Ivy Park offers a solid variety of services, it doesn’t offer some types of care, such as independent living, hospice care, or respite care.

    Pro Tip:

    Pro Tip: Emergency alert systems can help to keep you safe in case of a fall or other medical emergency. Explore the best medical alert systems.

    Feedback and Reviews

    Most reviews of Ivy Park at Sacramento are positive. Reviews describe the community as being small and supportive, and many state that their parents have received high-quality care. The few negative reviews describe the community as understaffed, and one review criticized the staff and management as being unknowledgeable.

  • Regency Place
  • The Village at Heritage Park
  • Golden Pond
  • The Woodlake
  • Ivy Park at Sacramento

How to Find the Right Assisted Living Community for You

Our top picks are a great place to start your assisted living search. However, it’s important to determine which community is best for your unique needs and preferences. We’ve included some tips to help you compare different facilities and find the best option.

  • Determine your specific care needs. Start by listing out the types of care that you need now, such as assistance with dressing or medication management. It’s also important to think about the types of care that you may need in the coming years so you can look for a community that can meet those needs.
  • Envision your ideal atmosphere. A community’s atmosphere can truly shape your living experience. Think about the type of atmosphere that you most prefer, whether that’s busy and social, a bit quieter, or pet-friendly.
  • Calculate your budget. Calculate your budget for assisted living. Keep in mind that Medicare usually won’t cover assisted living costs, so you will need to factor in Social Security benefits, long-term care insurance, and retirement savings to create your budget. Once you know what you can spend, look for a community that’s below your budget, so you have room to absorb any price increases.
  • Consider location. Think about the type of location that is most important to you, whether there’s a certain part of Sacramento that you prefer or whether a location would make it easier for friends and family to visit. In addition to Sacramento, you might want to consider other desirable locations in California, such as assisted living in Long Beach or assisted living in San Diego.
  • Read reviews. Take some time to read reviews of each community that you’re considering. Every facility will have some negative reviews. So, rather than letting one review scare you off, look for themes that the reviews frequently mention.
  • Visit each community. As you narrow down your options, visit each community. During your visit, talk with staff and current residents, and ask any questions you have. Listen to your gut during these visits to decide which community is right for you.

What Is Living in Sacramento Like for Seniors?

With its desirable weather, variety of attractions, and rich culture, Sacramento has a lot to offer to older adults. Here’s a quick look at what life in Sacramento is like for seniors:

  • Climate: Sacramento summers are hot and sunny, while winters are mild but rainy. The climate is ideal for older adults who enjoy spending some time outdoors.
  • Health care: Sacramento is home to a vast selection of hospitals and health care facilities, including the UC Davis Medical Center, Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, and Mercy General Hospital.
  • Cost of living: Sacramento has a significantly higher cost of living than most other cities. As of 2022, Sacramento was the 15th-most-expensive place to live in the United States, and Sacramento’s housing costs were almost $300,000 more than the national average housing costs.2
  • Activities: Older adults can enjoy many activities in Sacramento, including visiting the city’s numerous museums, exploring shopping destinations like malls and specialty shops, and attending live music and theater performances.
  • Taxes: Sacramento uses a progressive income tax structure, so rates are lower for individuals earning less. Income tax brackets range from 1 percent to 12.5 percent.3 California doesn’t have any estate tax, so older adults don’t have to consider that during their estate planning.
  • Crime rate: Although Sacramento’s violent crime rate has been declining since 2006, it’s still higher than the national rate. Sacramento also has a higher-than-average property crime rate, so older adults should look for communities with security precautions.4

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Sacramento, California?

The estimated median cost of assisted living in Sacramento is $5,709 per month, per Genworth. That is significantly higher than the national median cost of $4,917 per month. Assisted living in Sacramento can be expensive, but there are several factors that will impact your costs.

The type and amount of care that you need will significantly affect your costs. You may be able to save money if you have minimal care needs. If you need additional or specialized care, you’ll pay more for it. Since your care needs can change as you age, it’s best to find an assisted living community that you can comfortably afford so you have some room in your budget in case you need more care.

Your apartment choice will also impact costs. You can save money by selecting a smaller apartment, like a studio, or by sharing a two-bedroom apartment with another resident.

Since there are so many assisted living communities in Sacramento, you’ll find that some of them have starting prices lower than the median monthly cost. As you explore different communities, consider what services are included or excluded, as well as if there are any additional fees, like enrollment fees, that you’ll need to pay.

Written By:
Taylor Shuman
Senior Tech Expert & Editor
Read About Our Panel of Experts
As SeniorLiving.org’s tech expert and editor, Taylor has years of experience reviewing products and services for seniors. She is passionate about breaking down stigmas related to seniors and technology. She loves finding innovative ways to teach seniors about products and… Learn More About Taylor Shuman
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