Fontana is the second-most populous city in San Bernardino County and home to more than 208,000 people. The nearly 8% of Fontana residents who are seniors aged 65 and older can enjoy outdoor activities year-round since the city receives 281 days of sunshine, only 14 inches of rain and no snow or ice on an annual basis. The overall cost of living in Fontana is about 25% above the U.S. norm, but it’s about 24% below the California average. Health care costs are 13% lower in Fontana compared to the national average, which can be beneficial to aging adults. These factors can help make the city an attractive retirement destination.
For those considering assisted living, the average cost in Fontana is $5,000 per month, which aligns with the statewide average but can vary based on the amenities and services offered.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
The average cost of assisted living in Fontana is $5,000, which mirrors the state’s average. When comparing neighboring states, the closest in cost is Oregon at $4,659 per month. However, the rate in Fontana is much higher than Arizona’s average of $3,900 and Nevada’s $3,595.
The average cost of assisted living in Fontana is on par with Santa Maria, and it’s lower than some California cities but higher than many others. It’s less than the average rates in San Luis Obispo ($5,800), El Centro ($5,825) and Oxnard ($5,845). In contrast, it’s significantly higher than the averages in Bakersfield ($3,613) and Riverside ($3,900). The local cost is also higher than the $4,525 average paid in San Diego.
Note: Data for Fontana was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.
California’s Medi-Cal program administers the Assisted Living Waiver, a home and community-based services waiver that helps low-income seniors with assisted living costs. Seniors must need a nursing facility level of care but be able to safely reside in assisted living and live in a facility in one of the 15 counties where ALW services are available, which includes San Bernardino County.
Learn more about the ALW’s eligibility requirements and application process on our Assisted Living in California page.
Contact | Description | |
Fontana Community Senior Center | (909) 854-5151 | The Fontana Community Senior Center caters to seniors aged 55 and older with an array of classes, clubs, activities and amenities to keep them active and making new friends. The two-story center features several activity rooms including an arts and crafts room, card parlor, billiards room, art gallery, computer lab, movie theater, library, fitness center and beauty salon. It also has several lounges and sitting areas and a snack bar. Members have access to special events, excursions, information and referral services, nutrition services and the Fontana Senior Safety Network. |
San Bernardino County Department of Aging and Adult Services | (909) 891-3900 | San Bernardino County’s DAAS is dedicated to helping seniors improve or maintain their independence and quality of life. It offers a wide array of services to help protect seniors’ rights, including their right to age in place in the least restrictive environment. Programs and services include the AgeWise mental health program, insurance counseling, community service programs and senior information and assistance, among others. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (909) 891-3928 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program trains and certifies volunteers to monitor assisted living facilities through unannounced visits and to respond to any complaints made by residents. LTC ombudsmen are advocates for residents and are authorized by state and federal law to investigate and resolve complaints on their behalf. Complaints may include reports of neglect, mistreatment and abuse. Ombudsmen also work with regulatory agencies to ensure the best quality of life for all long-term care residents. They regularly visit facilities to advise residents about their rights and the services they provide. |
Council on Aging Southern California | (714) 479-0107 | The COASC is a nonprofit organization that offers free services to residents aged 60 and older and their families. Since 1973, it has provided unbiased information to over 100,000 seniors or disabled adults each year across five counties, including San Bernardino County. Its services include friendly visitor programs, concierge care navigators, health insurance counseling and senior protection programs. COASC also provides support groups, volunteer opportunities, educational seminars, special events and the ReConnect Program, which helps seniors manage and improve their mental health and overall well-being. |
City of Fontana Senior Transportation Program | (909) 854-5175 | Fontana’s Senior Transportation Program provides a demand response/ride sharing program for seniors aged 55 and older and medically disabled residents. The program provides transportation to essential services, such as medical appointments at doctor’s offices and hospitals and to the grocery store. It also provides rides to shopping centers, fitness facilities and the Fontana Community Senior Center. All destinations must be within city limits and rides are only provided Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
Assisted living communities in Fontana must comply with state laws and regulations enforced by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division’s Senior Care Licensing Program. Visit our Assisted Living in California page to learn more about these laws and regulations.