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San Francisco is a popular place for seniors thanks to its temperate weather and diverse, vibrant culture. If you’re looking for nursing homes in the Golden City, it should be noted that the term nursing home is often used as a broad term that encompasses skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities.
Nursing homes provide round-the-clock medical care for residents, while assisted living is where residents are helped with daily activities, such as using the bathroom or getting dressed. Memory care is where seniors with dementia and other memory-related ailments are cared for in a safe and supportive environment.
Nursing homes are also referred to as skilled nursing facilities. A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with standalone nursing homes; instead, we partner with 30 assisted living and memory care communities that might be right for your loved one’s needs. Each facility can be found within a 10-mile radius of downtown San Francisco, which includes areas such as Sausalito and the Marina District. In this guide, we’ll discuss payment methods, regulations, demographics, senior-specific resources, and the best city entertainment for seniors.
Types of care available in San Francisco, CA
Excellent caring staff. Clean place. My Auntie [name removed] is here. I visited from Anaheim California. My auntie Husband just passed away. My auntie looked beautiful and happy. I talked with staff and they were very professional
[Name removed] and [Name removed] have been incredible with them helping our family make this tough transition. They are so kind and knowledgeable. I would recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a loving, caring place.
Great facility that is meeting all my parents needs! Great for memory care. The staff is very friendly and helpful to get them adjusted
1001 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA 94109
The staff is unparalleled in their sincerity, commitment, and caring for each and every one of the residents and their families. They go the extra mile and are always there for you no matter what the...
Coterie Cathedral HillDiscover a new vision of luxury senior living, now brought to life at Coterie Cathedral Hill.Built from the ground up, with modern interiors by March and White Design, Coterie is thoughtfully crafted for older adults who seek a lifestyle of abundant style, wellness, and...
2750 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94118
The director [name removed] is a good communicator. Caregivers are all attentive and devoted, especially [name removed]. Front desk is sometime vacant so it may be a couple of minutes to get service there....
Sagebrook Senior Living at San Francisco, Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, is building on more than three decades ofexperience in transforming health and wellness programs that promotewell-being and enriched lifestyles. We’re shattering stereotypes and pushingboundaries for what senior...
1601 19th Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122
CARING, FRIENDLY STAFF AND ADMIN. MY PARENTS SEEMED TO HAVE SETTLED IN AND THEIR HEALTH HAS IMPROVED THRU MEALS, INTERACTION WITH OTHERS, AND ACTIVITIES. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IF YOU CAN AFFORD. FOR...
Make yourself at home at the Vintage Golden Gate in San Francisco, California. It’s a friendly, flexible environment that celebrates your individuality and nurtures your soul. We recognize that each new resident has a unique lifestyle. So we’ve tailored solutions to match: Independent Living, for...
1550 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill is a wonderful place! The facility is attractive and very clean. The staff is very caring.
Welcome to Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill. Located in downtown San Francisco, Ivy Park offers fulfilling and flexible senior living with a range of services for every phase of retirement.From activities and outdoor spaces meant to nourish body and soul, to comprehensive assisted living and memory...
2431 Mariner Square, Alameda, CA 94501
I am a retired Gerontologist, professionally familiar with a wide range of senior residences , Although I personally had no intention of ultimately moving into a congregate housing situation, once I was...
Cardinal Point is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) which means that our residents move in when they are independent and active, truly being able to participate in all we have to offer! Additionally, we are also licensed for Assisted Living, so as the years go on, the resident can...
501 King Dr, Daly City, CA 94015
Overall my experience with them has been pretty good. They could do little better on keeping his room clean, especially the bathroom. I will say the staff is very friendly. The care is adequate. [name...
At Serra Highlands Senior Living, you'll find a serene and welcoming senior community with all the comforts of home. Residents enjoy a diverse social calendar with an extensive continued learning program. Surrounded by beautiful wooded walkways, Serra Highlands Senior Livingprovides views of the...
995 East Market Street, Daly City, CA 94014
I am satisfied with the service of the community. I would also insist my friend to do a comparison of other communities to this community.
Specialized Memory Care program uniquely designed to meet all of our residents’ cognitive, social and physical needs. Complimentary scheduled transportation, medication management, daily housekeeping and more! Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa is strictly a Dementia and Alzheimer's Memory Care...
165 Pierce St, Daly City, CA 94015
Peninsula Del Rey has great food, and a clean dining area. The staff are friendly and the residents are also friendly. We chose this place because it's as close to home as our home in Pacifica. Only issue...
Welcome to Peninsula Del Rey, a luxurious senior living community in Daly City, CA.Conveniently located in the heart of the peninsula, residents and family members enjoy easy access to shopping and entertainment as well as hospital and medical services. Whether friends and family are visiting,...
2280 Gellert Blvd., South San Francisco, CA 94080
All 5s, except 4 on meals. They're fine given the audience but I don't visit my mom with the purpose of having an amazing meal! Overall they've been very on top of care, and are enabling my mom to live as...
As you enter Aegis of San Francisco, you will notice its homelike atmosphere and thoughtful details, such as the smell of fresh baked bread, the sweep of the staircase, the coziness of the fireplace, and the serenity of the courtyard. You will be greeted with a helpful smile by our concierge, and...
1450 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
The staff is absolutely wonderful. They make you feel welcomed, at home and included in the community. The residents are really supportive and friendly. My loved one has made a number of friends, in a short...
Situated in the heart of San Francisco atop Cathedral Hill, The Carlisle offers assisted living and independent living for older adults looking to live within a vibrant community. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a friendly, boutique hotel where you...
1440 40th St, Emeryville, CA 94608
The staff is good at keeping me involved and informed about my loved one. My loved one says that the food is great and they have a variety to choose from. The community offers a lot of activities, well I...
Our dynamic community, The Watermark by the Bay, located in Emeryville, California serves the entire East Bay area. With features including modern residences with stunning views and access to the best of entertainment, shopping and dining plus exceptional care and amenities, it’s no wonder we are...
2400 Mariner Sq. Drive, Alameda, CA 94501
The quality of the food has gone down. The value for the money is great. We picked this community, because it was close to home, the quality, it was the nicest, price point and I liked the people. My loved...
Oakmont of Mariner Point assisted living community situated in Alameda, Alameda County, California provides seniors with a safe place to live. This community offers the memory care that seniors are looking for in a location that is peaceful and good. When a senior chooses this community they will...
624 Laguna Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Very professional and helpful staff. Attentive to people. I witnessed caring kindness and compassion.. What I experienced was not expected but it was a very eye opening experience. The personnel and staff...
The Village at Hayes Valley is a 47-bed community offering specialized care for high-needs assisted living as well as innovative dementia dementia care. Located in San Francisco's vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood and set in a beautifully restored Victorian, The Village at Hayes Valley imbues a...
350 University Street, San Francisco, CA 94134
The medical team really gives enough individual attention to each of their client. Though it is a smaller facility compared to others. The staff specially customized their work to each individual need and...
AgeSong University provides outstanding care to residents in the newest AgeSong community. We strive to create an environment that is culturally and economically diverse. Since 1884 the site has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the aging population in San Francisco, and that...
205 Collins Ave, Colma, CA 94014
The staff at Peninsula Reflections is truly wonderful. We had just days to choose a memory care center and were so lucky to find Peninsula Reflections. Every member of the staff got to know my dad - they...
1444 Mcallister St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Victorian Manor assisted living facility located in a quiet residential location. We at the Victorian Manor realize that selecting the right senior care facility is a very difficult choice that takes time and research. We would like to share an important fact with those considering our facility....
1531 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94109
My mother went to adult day care there 5 days a week. Everyday was different. They had exercises in chairs, people come in and sing. They had a lot of activities like groups that came from Japan, girl scouts...
The Kimochi Home Center for Seniors is located at 1531 Sutter Street (at Octavia) in San Francisco, California. Our specialty is providing culturally sensitive programs that are Japanese language based for seniors in the Bay Area and beyond. At the Kimochi Home the emphasis is upon maintaining...
259 Broad Street, San Francisco, CA 94112
They have been very accommodating. They are very ethnic oriented, so there's a lot of Chinese, so it works well for my family.
Merced Care 1 & 2 is an assisted living community and memory care provider in the lovely city of San Francisco, County of San Francisco, California. What makes our retirement community so unique is the fact that residents can let us know what they want to do and we will make it happen. From...
89 Westborough Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
My father has been living at Westborough for about a month now, and I feel he is enjoying his time there. The staff are very caring people who live up to what they say. This is very important to me, because...
Just minutes from downtown San Francisco, this is the home you’ve been looking for – a lifestyle that is comfortable, yet affordable, without traffic or parking hassles. Our scheduled transportation takes you on shopping excursions, and to medical and dental appointments. Enjoy life with friends...
2180 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Rhoda Goldman Plaza has changed my parents' lives very much for the better. The people are lovely and humorous, there are lectures, concerts and art classes. My father can do outside activities without...
Rhoda Goldman Plaza is a vibrant assisted living community located within minutes of downtown San Francisco. Residents enjoy a comfortable apartment home, a wide selection of activities, three delicious kosher meals served daily in our dining room, weekly housekeeping and linen service and...
1660 3rd St., Lincoln, CA 95648
They are doing an excellent job. They are treating her very well. It's kept clean. The food is really good, and if they are cooking something she doesn't like they will get her what the alternative is. They...
When a person ages, their wants and needs change. Sometimes poor health, or lack of immediate family, requires searching for a new place to live. We, at Villa-Del-Rey have excellent facilities, in all areas for our residents. As an assisted living facility, there is a choice of private or...
1 Thomas More Way, San Francisco, CA 94132
Unfortunately, while my Father-In-Law was at this facility it was around the time of the fires and because of that a lot of people moved in at once. My loved one is blind and he required a lot more attention...
AlmaVia of San Francisco offers older adults a unique opportunity to choose a faith-based community where quality of life is enhanced through creative programs and supportive assisted living services. Our commitment to each person we serve is to proved high quality housing with services and...
340 Alta Vista Dr, South San Francisco, CA 94080
Joyful Chapter is working out just fine. My mom enjoys it there and that's what counts. I have no complaints. It has been a good experience.
At Joyful Chapter, an assisted living facility for those over the age of 60 located in lovely San Mateo County in Southern San Francisco, CA, we proudly offer independence combined with safety. Our licensed Residential Care Facility provides quality living quarters for a maximum of six residents...
2456 Geary Blvd. Galina, San Francisco, CA 94115
We found a perfect match for my uncle. His limitations are met with kind and efficient care. The staff are professional and make suggestions so that family can assist the client. [Name removed] is a huge...
Dignified, loving care in gracious surroundings for 31 seniors with high-level care needs, psychiatric conditions, and all stages of Alzheimer's disease and related conditions. Low resident-to-caregiver ratio and high caregiver retention rate. Skill in managing difficult-to-care-for residents —...
1560 Bryant St, Daly City, CA 94015
Home Sweet Home Senior Care is exceptional. The staff - lead by the glorious [Removed]- is warm, competent, patient and kind. The facility is clean and bright. Many decorations proclaim graitude and promote...
Your loved ones will have plenty of space, whether it's in a single room for individuals or a suite for couples. Each unit has its own private bath with a shower, and an emergency bell if help needs to be called for any reason, day or night. The staff at Home Sweet Home takes care of everything,...
The monthly median cost of a nursing home in San Francisco runs about $11,566 for a semi-private unit and $14,068 for a private room.[01] For assisted living, A Place for Mom’s proprietary data places the average actual costs at $8,104 and $8,192 for a memory care facility.[02] This proprietary data includes all extra associated fees and service fee add-ons at A Place for Mom partner facilities. Such services could include in-house care, medication management, a variety of floor plans, security, healthy meals, wheelchair-accessible amenities, and more.
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Whether you’re looking for skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care, there are several ways to fund your (or a loved one’s) accommodations and expenses. In the next section, we’ll discuss options like private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare resources for seniors and how they’ll help with each type of arrangement.
Private pay sources can include pensions and Social Security benefits, but also personal lifetime savings assets like investment returns, savings accounts, and retirement accounts such as 401(k)s. You can also explore the options below:
In this section, we cover important points about how long-term care facilities are regulated in California. Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and memory care facilities must all start by obtaining a license to operate.
Skilled nursing facilities are licensed by the California Department of Public Health’s Center for Healthcare Quality’s Licensing and Certification Program.
Nursing home regulations call for adequate staff at nursing homes and outline that residents must receive 3.2 hours of nursing care per day. Individual care plans must be created for each resident that outlines the care they will receive and exactly how it will be delivered. Infection control, medications, food service, and accident prevention are just a few more of the key items the laws and regulations for nursing homes cover.
In addition to state laws and regulations, the federal government also regulates nursing homes. Quality surveys are performed in accordance with federal requirements to ensure that these facilities remain compliant. These surveys are done alongside the California state inspections. To see the results of inspections, use the Cal Health Find Database and choose skilled nursing facility from the facility type drop-down menu.
Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) are what California calls assisted living facilities.
They have to be licensed by the Department of Social Services’ California Senior Care Licensing Program. This also goes for memory care facilities, which are simply a subtype of assisted living.
Both assisted living and memory care facilities have to help residents with activities of daily living, provide housing and three daily meals, and help residents take their medications. Other laws and regulations stipulate that staff members must pass criminal background checks and have a prescribed amount of training. There must be enough staff members on hand to take care of resident needs at all times, and someone must always be awake during the night.
Additional standards apply to RCFEs providing memory care. Primarily that staff must have specialized training in how to handle the behaviors of those with dementia or Alzheimer’s and be able to provide appropriate care. Facilities must also have safety measures in place to keep residents safe and secure from wandering and exit-seeking behaviors.
To ensure facilities are following the rules and regulations, annual inspections are conducted. The California Department of Social Services provides a facility search webpage so you can view the results of inspection reports for assisted living and memory care facilities.
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-558-1784
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Francisco Department of Public Health
101 Grove St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-554-2500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health provides the following guidelines for all long-term care facilities: People must be screened and monitored for symptoms, including staff, visitors, vendors, residents returning from an outing, and anyone else who enters the facility.
Some communities are likely to have their own guidelines in place. If you have a specific facility in mind, don’t hesitate to contact its staff for more information.
Staff must have an initial series of COVID-19 vaccines and at least one booster.
Specific to San Francisco, staff must wear a mask when working with residents; this is more strict than California’s guidelines.
Facilities are required to disinfect surfaces per CDC guidance and in accordance with Cal/OSHA standards.
Staff are asked to wear personal protective equipment as needed.
Quarantines are not mandated. However, staff and residents are encouraged to isolate themselves for five days after the start of symptoms; they should wear a mask for a minimum of 10 days after.
Moving to a senior care facility can be tough, but once you know more — especially about the perks and amenities — the choice might feel less stressful. In this section, we provide an overview of what to expect from these communities in San Francisco.
Although A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with any standalone nursing homes in San Francisco, we do have 30 partners under the assisted living and memory care umbrella. There’s one standalone memory care facility, as well as two standalone assisted living facilities. The rest are various combinations of independent living, assisted living, and memory care.
Seniors who retire to San Francisco long-term care communities can expect a comprehensive approach to physical and mental health services. The facilities are designed to be safe and calming, often resembling a home-like environment with gardens. Health care services can include a variety of therapies, medication administration assistance, special diets, on-site nursing care, emergency preparedness, and more. More than half have a visiting podiatrist, while others have visiting physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
Seniors who love spending time on their own, perhaps in the company of a good tale, can enjoy facilities like in-house libraries and Wi-Fi for movies. Residents can also socialize, exercise, learn new hobbies, go on trips in the sunny City by the Bay, and participate in game nights, BBQs, picnics, and a whole lot more. Overall, San Francisco’s assisted living and memory care facilities have a strong focus on stimulating and fun activities to ensure that seniors remain physically active, mentally engaged, and happy.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Francisco
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the San Francisco population
Median annual income for San Francisco seniors 65 and older
While many assisted living or memory care community residents may still be somewhat physically active, it’s best not to use transit without the presence of a caregiver. The first place to look for transportation is with the communities themselves. Indeed, 73% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer complimentary transportation services to their seniors; 40% offer at-cost transportation.
However, since 67% of these facilities are located close to public transportation, it’s easy to make use of San Francisco Muni’s public transportation system — especially with a loved one along for the ride.
In addition to the discounted rates, seniors with disabilities can travel via special taxis, the Van Gogh Shuttle, and ADA-regulated van travel options. Caregivers can also expect some assistance; Group ParaVan gives reduced rates to one companion, and Shop-a-Round is a useful, ADA-compliant shuttle that not only takes seniors shopping but can also help them navigate the store and pack groceries away. All paratransit drivers are also trained to handle medical emergencies.
San Francisco is known for its vibrant, ever-changing landscape, with lots to see and do. Because it’s best for residents of assisted living and memory care to enjoy trips with caregivers, family, and friends, this provides the perfect opportunity for them to socialize and reconnect with loved ones while having a day out and about.
According to scientists, older adults who interact with nature experience better sleep, cognitive function, psychological health, and more happiness. They also experience a reduction in anxiety. San Francisco is brimming with green parks, but a great place to take your senior is Golden Gate Park. This huge reserve is perfect for a picnic, but you can also stroll through the park’s magnificent gardens or grab a snack at one of the many restaurants. If your loved one loves the ocean, stars, and history, the California Academy of Sciences is a must. This destination has an aquarium, massive rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum.
Another popular option for seniors — especially those who are energetic and interested in a show — is the city’s live entertainment scene. There’s plenty to do at the California Grand Casino, while San Francisco also hosts several outdoor festivals, concerts, and theater pieces.
There’s also no shortage of places —or menus — to explore for a bite to eat. San Francisco is one of the top food cities in the world, filled with everything from fish-and-chip shops to 3-star Michelin restaurants. You can truly experience the best of local and international flavors while catching up over a good meal and even better conversation.
San Francisco is a sports aficionado’s dream. For a collegiate atmosphere, seniors and their loved ones can attend sporting events at the University of San Francisco. For those more interested in professional sports, the city has the NFL’s 49ers, the MLB’s Giants, and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors.
Greenhills Care Home, Greenhills Care Home and Cogir of Brentwood are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near San Francisco, CA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in San Francisco is 5,871 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Genworth Financial. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
A Place For Mom. (2023). A Place For Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center.
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