Best Assisted Living Facilities in Sacramento, CA

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.

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
• 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 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

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.