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Located on the San Francisco Peninsula, South San Francisco offers stunning views of the San Bruno Mountains and the San Francisco Bay. It features a mix of residential and commercial areas and has a broad range of recreational amenities, including public pools, parks and a marina. Its climate is very comfortable with year-round high temperatures ranging between 57-69 degrees, making it well-suited for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors. The city also has a variety of amenities for its senior population, which accounts for over 16% of its 66,000 residents, including a senior center and a large library.
South San Francisco also supports its older residents through several senior care options, including nearly three dozen assisted living facilities. On average, seniors in the region pay $6,100 per month for 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 >
The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey discloses that nationally, assisted living facilities charge $4,300 per month for services. In California, rates are several hundred dollars higher at $5,000, and in South San Francisco, monthly fees average $6,100. This exceeds costs in surrounding states, including Oregon, where fees average $4,659. In Arizona, Nevada and Utah, monthly care costs average $3,900, $3,595 and $3,400, respectively.
At $6,100 per month, assisted living rates in South San Francisco are among the highest in the state. Even so, the community is an affordable alternative to Salinas, where facilities charge $7,100. In Santa Rosa and Oxnard, rates are comparable at $6,000 and $5,845. Those seeking more affordable care may consider Madera or Bakersfield, where monthly fees are considerably lower at $3,913 and $3,613, respectively.
Note: Data for South San Francisco was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Francisco, was used instead.
Seniors in South San Francisco may qualify for the Assisted Living Waiver, a provision under Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicare program. It covers a broad range of services for older adults who require nursing home care but want to live in assisted living, including medication management, housekeeping, medical transportation and attendant care.
For more information on the Assisted Living Waiver and its eligibility guidelines, see our Assisted Living in California page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Magnolia Center | (650) 829-3820 | Magnolia Center hosts a variety of programs for South San Francisco residents aged 50 and over, including movie showings, picnics, classes and games. The center also provides regular blood pressure screenings and has health insurance options counselors who help older adults make informed decisions regarding their Medicare coverage. |
| San Mateo Health | (800) 675-8437 | San Mateo Health serves as the region’s Area Agency on Aging. This nonprofit agency offers an array of free and low-cost services to those aged 60 and over to supplement what seniors receive in assisted living, including nutrition services, local transportation and options counseling. The agency has information specialists who provide referrals for community-based services, such as legal assistance or durable medical equipment loans. |
| Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. | (650) 780-5707 | Assisted living residents in South San Francisco can obtain information, advice and advocacy through Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. This nonprofit organization is staffed with certified volunteers who help residents understand their rights and receive the care services they need. The ombudsman can also investigate reports of abuse or neglect. |
| Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County | (650) 558-0915 | The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County has licensed legal professionals specializing in age-related topics such as consumer debt problems, understanding assisted living contracts and resolving issues with medical billing errors or denied health insurance claims. The office can also help older adults obtain public benefits that may help cover assisted living services, including Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid. |
| Veterans Resource Center | (650) 829-3860 | South San Francisco’s Veterans Resource Center is staffed with trained volunteers who help veterans and their families access benefits and resources in the community. Visitors meet one-on-one with volunteers who connect them with organizations that provide help with obtaining VA benefits such as Aid and Attendance and veterans’ and survivors’ pensions. |
| Bay Area Older Adults | (650) 696-7660 | Bay Area Older Adults houses the region’s Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, a nationwide program that provides volunteer opportunities for those aged 55 and over. Through this program, seniors can use their interests and experience to serve their communities. Opportunities vary by region and may include providing friendly phone calls to housebound individuals, tutoring local children or sewing blankets for hospitalized children. In exchange for their service, volunteers get free supplemental liability insurance and invitations to annual recognition events. |
Assisted living facilities in South San Francisco adhere to guidelines set by California’s Department of Social Services, Senior Care Licensing Program. This program governs the scope of care facilities provide, medication administration, nutrition services and staffing. To learn more about these regulations, refer to our Assisted Living in California page.
