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Situated in the Bay Area less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco, Palo Alto is an upscale community that’s home to world-renowned Stanford University, an active arts community, 36 parks and a vibrant downtown district. The city is far enough inland to be spared most of San Francisco’s trademark fog, and it receives negligible snowfall, a less-than-average amount of rain and a greater-than-average number of sunny days. Spring, summer and autumn are pleasant and warm and winters are short and mild.
The World Health Organization has designated Palo Alto as an age-friendly city. Senior citizens aged 65 and over comprise approximately 19.4% of Palo Alto’s overall population of slightly more than 65,300 people. Although the average cost of assisted living facilities in Palo Alto is $6,100 per month, the prices of individual facilities may vary significantly depending on location, services and amenities.
Note: Data for Palo Alto was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, was used instead.
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 >
At a monthly average of $6,100, Palo Alto residents pay $1,800 more than the national average of $4,300 and $2,100 more than the California average of $5,000 for assisted living. Prices dip to $4,659 in Oregon to the north but rise to $5,750 in Washington, while those in nearby Idaho, Nevada and Arizona pay $3,675, $3,595 and $3,900 respectively.
Assisted living costs within California fluctuate significantly. Some of the lowest prices are in Stockton at $3,500, Bakersfield at $3,613 and Merced at $3,750. Prices on the other end of the spectrum include those in Salinas at $7,100 and Santa Cruz at $6,800. Middle-range options include San Diego at $4,525 and Redding at $4,500.
Palo Alto seniors who meet income guidelines may be able to receive assistance from Medi-Cal’s Assisted Living Waiver. This waiver is designed to cover some of the costs of assisted living services to keep applicants out of nursing homes.
Please see our Assisted Living in California page for more information about this waiver, including eligibility requirements and how to apply.
| Contact | Description | |
| Avenidas | (650) 289-5400 | Avenidas offers services, classes, events and support groups for older adults. Programs include door-to-door transportation for medical appointments, shopping trips, social activities and errands, as well as classes in fitness, art, computer literacy and foreign languages. The agency has a medical equipment loan closet and provides therapeutic nail care, health screenings, acupuncture and massage. Avenidas prints a newsletter four times per year with information about available services. |
| The County of Santa Clara Department of Aging and Adult Services | (408) 755-7600 | The Department of Aging and Adult Services administers the Senior Nutrition Program, which provides hot, nutritious meals to older adults throughout Santa Clara County. It also acts as a front-line recourse for those seeking assistance finding and access relevant community-based programs and services. The agency also oversees long-term care ombudsman program that advocates for the legal rights of those in long-term care facilities, including assisted living communities. |
| Stanford Health Care | (650) 725-5222 | Those aged 80 and over can receive primary care services through Stanford Health Care, while their 65 and over counterparts who are experiencing neurologic conditions are eligible to receive primary care as well. Services include an on-site diagnostic lab, assistance with prescriptions, caregiver support programs and timely referrals to community-based services designed to promote a good quality of life among older persons. |
| Santa Clara Valley Public Transportation Authority | (408) 321-2300 | Those aged 65 and over and those who possess a Medicare card are eligible to receive Sreduced fares from Santa Clara Valley Public Transportation Authority. Applicants must be able to provide proof of age. |
| County of Santa Clara Veterans Services Office | (408) 918-4980 | The County of Santa Clara Veterans Services Office provides veterans of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces with assistance accessing all service-based benefits to which they are entitled. The claims process for these benefits often involves significant amounts of red tape, and the agency provides trained representatives who can help applicants successfully navigate the process. |
| Senior Adults Legal Assistance | (408) 295-5991 | Santa Clara County seniors aged 60 and over can access legal services at no cost from Senior Adults Legal Assistance. A nonprofit organization established in 1973, this agency primarily handles legal issues that affect older adults and that most attorneys don’t handle. Home visits are available to those who are homebound, and a hotline serves seniors facing legal emergencies. |
Palo Alto assisted living communities are required to comply with all applicable local, state and federal rules and regulations regarding their operations. Facilities are licensed and monitored by the Senior Care Licensing Program in California. Our Assisted Living in California page has more information about these regulations.
