Cost of Care
What is the average cost of care in California?
The following outlines the estimated costs of various levels of long-term care in California, based on 2026 figures. Costs vary depending on location, individual care needs, and the services provided. These figures should be used as general guidelines only.
In-home Care Givers
In-home care allows individuals to receive personalized assistance while remaining in the comfort of their own homes.
- Hourly care: $40–$50 per hour.
- Live-in care: Approximately $750–$900 per day, provided the caregiver can receive at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Caregivers can assist with daily activities and medication organization. Clients requiring insulin must generally be able to self-administer their injections.
Residential Care (Board and Care)
Residential care facilities provide assistance in smaller, home-like settings, with care tailored to residents' individual needs.
- Monthly cost: Approximately $4,500–$13,000 per person.
Most daily care services are included, although costs vary depending on room accommodations and individual needs. Some facilities can accommodate residents who require insulin administration, provided appropriately licensed staff are available.
When considering hospice care, confirm that the facility has the necessary hospice waiver.
Assisted Living
Assisted living communities offer residential accommodations, personal care, and medication assistance. Services and costs vary significantly depending on the level of support required.
- Monthly cost: To be confirmed.
- Memory care: Approximately $9,000–$18,000 per month.
Many assisted living communities can administer medications, including insulin, and accommodate residents receiving hospice care. Specialized memory care services generally involve higher costs.
Nursing Homes (Skilled Nursing Facilities)
Nursing homes provide a higher level of medical supervision and skilled nursing care for individuals with complex medical needs.
Costs vary by facility, required treatments, and level of care. Please contact Angel on My Shoulder for guidance in evaluating appropriate care options and associated costs.
Medicare: Benefit Period
Benefit period also is known as "Medicare skilled days"
Your hospital and skilled nursing facility (SNF) stays are measured in benefit days and benefit periods. Every day that you spend in a hospital or SNF counts toward the benefit days in that benefit period. A benefit period begins the day you first receive inpatient hospital services or, in certain circumstances, SNF services, and ends when you haven’t received any inpatient care in a hospital or inpatient skilled care in an SNF for 60 days in a row.
Driving
What should I do if I think my loved one should not be driving?
Contact your physician and request an appointment to discuss. Do not try to solve this on your own without medical attention.
Skilled Nursing Facility
How many days does Medicare pay for a skilled Nursing facility?
As long as you continue to make progress towards your prior level of functioning, Medicare covers 100% of the first 60 days.
Medical Assistance
What do I do if I need medical assistance but cannot afford it?
Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP is a free health-benefit counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families or caregivers. SHIPs mission is to educate, advocate, counsel and empower people to make informed healthcare benefit decisions. SHIP is an independent program funded by Federal agencies and is not affiliated with the insurance industry.
Angel On My Shoulder specializes in finding the medical assistance that you need and works within your budget. For a better understanding of how we can help, see our client story about Mrs. B, and how we restored her quality of life.
Healthcare Advocacy
What does a healthcare advocate do?
A Healthcare Advocate is someone you chose who assists you in making medical decisions. They are someone you trust who works well with other medical staff, and knows how to navigate the medical system. An effective advocate works to assure you are receiving appropriate medical care.