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Known for its many lush parks, numerous trees and gorgeous lake, Lake Forest offers a beautiful setting for retirement. About 13.6% of its population of nearly 86,000 residents is aged 65 or older. Lake Forest made the list of the top 10 safest cities in California in 2021, and with the nearest beach only about 10 miles away, seniors benefit from a temperate coastal climate that offers pleasant year-round temperatures. Although Lake Forest is a relatively small community, it offers numerous fun activities for seniors and visiting friends and family members. It boasts many top-rated restaurants, and it’s only about 45 miles from Los Angeles for those looking for big-city amenities.
Due to its proximity to Los Angeles, Lake Forest has 100s of assisted living facilities in or within 25 miles of the city. The average cost of assisted living in Lake Forest is $5,000, but the total cost at each facility can vary based on numerous factors, including amenities and services.
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 >
Lake Forest’s average cost of assisted living matches the statewide average of $5,000. Compared to bordering states, Lake Forest’s cost is higher than Nevada’s average cost of $3,595, Arizona’s average of $3,900 and Oregon’s of $4,659. However, if you continue north, Washington’s average cost of assisted living is higher at $5,750.
Because Lake Forest mirrors the state average, its assisted living costs match other cities within the state, including Santa Maria. However, it’s still lower than Bakersfield, Riverside, San Diego and Visalia. On the other hand, its average cost is lower than some, including San Luis Obispo, Oxnard and Salinas.
Note: Data for Lake Forest was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.
Low-income seniors who need financial assistance to cover the costs associated with assisted living can contact Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid system. Medi-Cal administers the Assisted Living Waiver, a Home and Community-Based Services waiver for seniors who need a nursing home level of care but can safely live in assisted living.
Learn more about the eligibility requirements and application process for the ALW on our Assisted Living in California page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Orange County Office on Aging | (800) 510-2020 | Orange County’s Office on Aging serves seniors aged 60 or older throughout the county, including Lake Forest. It provides information and facilitates services for older adults through contracted providers. These providers offer various programs and services, including transportation services, elder abuse prevention, case management, community services and senior employment, among others. |
| Long Term Care Ombudsman Program | (800) 300-6222 | The LTC Ombudsman Program assists residents of long-term care facilities, such as assisted living, with issues involving care, safety, health and personal preferences. Representatives can help with violations of residents’ rights, abuse, dietary concerns, medical issues, poor quality of care and inappropriate use of restraints, among others. Ombudsmen investigate all reports of abuse and neglect free of charge and regardless of age. |
| Age Well Senior Services | (949) 461-3408 | Age Well Senior Services offers door-to-door transportation to Lake Forest seniors aged 60 or older. It also provides discounted transportation to nonemergency medical appointments and social events. |
| The Clubhouse for Seniors | (949) 461-3408 | The Clubhouse for Seniors is Lake Forest’s free program for senior residents. It offers various activities and a safe place to meet new friends. Programs and services include free blood pressure checks, games, tournaments, exercise classes, wellness lectures, crafts, computer classes, movies and an activities calendar. It also offers virtual programs for seniors aged 50 and older. |
| Orange County Aging and Disability Resource Connection | (714) 480-6450 | The Orange County ADRC offers seniors a single source for community-based services to promote independence and help older adults make informed decisions about their long-term care needs. |
| Community Legal Aid SoCal | (800) 834-5001 | Community Legal Aid SoCal provides free legal services, support and advice to seniors regardless of income. One of the organization’s areas of expertise is elder abuse, which can include physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or financial abuse and neglect. |
| Irvine Valley College Emeritus Institute | (949) 367-8343 | The Irvine Valley College Emeritus Institute offers classes to active seniors through a partnership with the City of Lake Forest. Classes are designed to meet the educational and recreational interests of older adults. |
Assisted living facilities must follow specific laws and regulations that are enforced by the California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division and Continuing Care Contracts Branch. Visit our Assisted Living in California page to learn more about the specific laws and regulations facilities must follow.
