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16 Nursing Homes Facilities near Santa Cruz, CA

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10 Best Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA

Last Updated: 2/21/25

If you’re considering moving your loved one into a Santa Cruz nursing home, our senior living advisors can help. The term “nursing home” is often used interchangeably with assisted living or other senior housing options; but a nursing home is a skilled nursing facility for individuals with serious, debilitating short- or long-term health issues. So even the best nursing homes in Santa Cruz, CA may not be right for seniors who don’t require round-the-clock care.

We can help you determine if a skilled nursing facility in Santa Cruz or another care type is right for you. Browse 16 senior living options near you to see the variety available, or contact us to learn more about elderly homes in Santa Cruz.

We are also serving Nursing Homes facilities in surrounding neighborhoods like Eastside, Riverwalk and Downtown Santa Cruz.
You may also consider nearby communities such as Live Oak, Scotts Valley or Pasatiempo.

Nursing Homes Facilities near Santa Cruz, CA

Showing 16 communities
Last Updated: 2/21/25
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Recent reviews of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA
Merrill Gardens at Campbell
4.6 / 5.0

When it comes to the activities - my understanding is that they do not have an activities director, and it shows. For over two months now. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families and we actual have a friend moving their loved one into Merrill Gardens

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community in Santa Cruz, CA
4.6 / 5.0

The facility is circular and beautifully Victorian surrounding a sunny lush garden courtyard. Setting is on a hill three blocks from the ocean. There is always a friendly receptionist close to the entrance to greet you and who always answers the phone when you call. Everyone one on the staff is friendly and happy to help. They all offer help if you look a little lost or unsure. The food is outstanding in a dining room that is always clean and sunny. The elevator is a little slow so you need not be in a hurry . Give yourself an extra few minutes coming or going.

Brookdale Scotts Valley
4.0 / 5.0

My dad likes the security that the facility offers. He knows he's in a safe environment that can scale with his needs. He likes have the meals available and brought to him if needed. He is still very independent and mobile so not a lot of car needed. Therefore, I don't have a lot of feedback.

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community

80 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
Photo of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
14
14 Photos available
8.9
Review Score
32 reviews

The facility is clean, attractive and in a nice location. Staff are bright, cheerful, friendly and helpful. Food is good and plentiful. The care my wife has received is outstanding, and she's happy. They...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Merrill Gardens communities

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a beautiful community located in the center of all the action. We are within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach and boardwalk. Our beautiful building has a charming personality—and a fascinating past—all its own. Sunshine Villa, A...

... Read more

Westwind Memory Care

160 Jewell Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
6
6 Photos available
3
3 Floor plans available
8.0
Review Score
5 reviews

Caring staff. Good housekeeping. Sometimes communication could be better. Overall, I would recommend Westwind Memory Care to others.

Provides: Memory Care
See all Seasons Living communities

The Westwind Memory Care assisted living community is located in the gorgeous city of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California. This area is known for its natural beauty and its proximity to Monterey Bay. Seniors who love the water and all things nature will love the Santa Cruz atmosphere. The...

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Brookdale Scotts Valley

100 Lockewood Lane, Scotts Valley, CA 95066

Starting at$X,XXX+ monthly
10
10 Photos available
4
4 Floor plans available
8.5
Review Score
30 reviews

Their price was better. I also had experience with [facility removed] and was not that happy with them. I would say they are good. My complaint is they're short staffed. Sometimes the call button would not...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
See all Brookdale communities

Fewer Chores, More FunDo you want to experience a retirement rich in exciting events, activities and programs and free from the burden of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and yard work? If that sounds like something you want for your life, we have good news. Your dream retirement...

... Read more

Aegis of Aptos

125 Heather Terrace, Aptos, CA 95003

16
16 Photos available
1 review

I was very impressed by our tour with Aegis of Aptos. It is a really nice facility and they had a lot of things that they offered. I knew someone who was here and they had a great experience. Unfortunately I...

Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
See all Aegis communities

Aegis of Aptos is one of the Santa Cruz areas newest assisted living communities. Located just minutes from beautiful Monterey Bay, Aegis provides high quality assisted living services in a specially designed environment. Innovative programs, and high staffing ratios enable us to provide the...

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Paradise Villa

2177 17th Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

4
4 Photos available
1 review
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care

About the communityWelcome to Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our senior living community is pleasantly located in Santa Cruz, California, on 17th Avenue. We’re a dignified and affordable solution for families seeking assisted living care in the area. For over 40 years we’ve...

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The Mansion

1906 Glen Canyon Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95060

1 review

I thouroughly enjoyed the Director's tour of the Mansion. It is the perfect facility for mom. Hopefully the family comes to their senses and does the right thing by placing her at the Mansion which is the...

Provides: Memory Care

Dominican Oaks

3400 Paul Sweet Rd., Santa Cruz, CA 95065

7.0
Review Score
1 review

I've lived here for two years and I am very pleased with my life here. The community is very friendly and supportive. There are many activities offered here to keep our bodies and minds busy. Many of the...

Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living

Capitola Manor

1098 38th Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

1 review

nice staff, clean rooms, despite the drought, the yard was still pleasant.dining area was nice, and large kitchen looked good. still a bit high priced, but may be able to swing this place...

Provides: Assisted Living

Capitola ManorCapitola Manor is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming assisted living community nestled within Santa Cruz, CA. The landscaped community has much to offer in the way of being a home away from home. Trees and shrubs surround the property, which gives way to a peaceful and quiet setting...

...

Golden Age Convalescent Hosp

523 Burlingame Ave, Capitola, CA 95010

1 review
Provides: Nursing Homes

Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.

4101 Fairway Drive, Soquel, CA 95073

2 reviews
Provides: Assisted Living

Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc. is an assisted living community that is located in the town of Soquel, CA. Soquel is located in the Santa Cruz area. Living in Soquel you definitely get the small town feel but are still close enough to the big city lifestyle of the Santa Cruz...

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Maple House

410 Pennsylvania Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Provides: Assisted Living

Live In Serenity

1340 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Provides: Assisted Living

The Chateau Guest Home is a quaint assisted living community located in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, CA. Santa Cruz is a beautiful seaside community with a lot of great amenities. It is also a tourist destination, making it an ideal location for an assisted living community, and that's why...

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Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Association

1777 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Provides: Memory Care

Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Association

1777 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Provides: Memory Care

Valley Haven III

2266 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Provides: Assisted Living

Valley Haven III

2266 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Provides: Assisted Living
Viewing 1-16 out of 16 communities

What are nursing homes?

Nursing homes, also called skilled nursing facilities, provide long-term care for seniors with significant physical or mental health conditions, and short-term care to people recovering from an injury or hospital stay. Nursing homes provide personal assistance and medical care from licensed professionals. Services in skilled nursing facilities often include:

  • Help with personal care
  • Rehabilitation care, including physical and speech therapy
  • Mobility assistance
  • Palliative and hospice care
  • Health care services
  • Complimentary transportation
  • 24-hour care and supervision
Complete guide to nursing homes

Learn More About Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA

A picturesque coastal California gem just south of the Bay Area, Santa Cruz offers many conveniences and attractions typical of a large urban center but still retains the charm of a beach town or seaside resort. An iconic amusement park, unique museums, diverse shopping and dining experiences, and several healthcare facilities combine to make Santa Cruz a well-rounded city with a wide variety of entertainment options. The region’s warm Mediterranean climate provides year-round opportunities to enjoy Santa Cruz to the fullest. Pristine beaches and natural areas, like Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, create all kinds of possibilities for residents to enjoy an active lifestyle — and Northern California’s wine country is never far away.

Nursing homes — also called convalescent homes or skilled nursing facilities — in Santa Cruz are intended for seniors who require 24-hour monitoring and medical assistance. These communities are designed to promote independence among seniors who require constant nursing care to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), but do not require hospital-level care.

Cost of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA

The median monthly cost of a private nursing home room in 2020 was about $12,500 in the Santa Cruz area and $11,400 in the state of California, according to Genworth.

Learn More About Santa Cruz, CA

Cost of Living

The total household expenses associated with living in Santa Cruz are rated nine points above the national average. Grocery and other essential costs are also rated above the average.

Index Scores

All index scores are based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates that the cost is twice as expensive as the national average, while a score of 50 indicates that the cost is half as expensive.

Household Expenses Health Care Insurance Entertainment Groceries Clothing
109 129 102 107 106 102

Income and Housing

Median Income Age 45-64 Median Income Age 65+ Median Household Income Average Individual Income Median Employee Salary Average Property Tax One-bedroom Apartment Gross Rent Estimate
$90,244 per year $54,913 per year $67,765 per year $35,608 per year $43,394 per year $5,835 per year $1,375 per month

Local Hospitals

The top hospitals that service Santa Cruz include:

Dominican Hospital

  • Facility type: faith-based, short-term acute care
  • Bed count: 220+
  • Specialties: emergency care, ICU, joint replacement

Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center of Santa Cruz

  • Facility type: nonprofit, short-term acute care
  • Bed count: 30+
  • Specialties: arthroscopy, joint replacement, spine surgery

Weather and Climate

Santa Cruz’s climate is classified as warm-summer Mediterranean, meaning the city experiences mild, wet winters and mostly dry summers. The average humidity level is 73%, and humidity levels are often highest during February at about 76%.

Seasonal Temperatures

January Average January Maximum January Minimum
51°F 61°F 40°F

July Average July Maximum July Minimum
64°F 75°F 53°F

Air Quality

  • Relative Air Quality Index: 101

This index is based on a scale that has the national average set at 100. A score of 200 indicates twice the presence of air pollutants than the national average, while a score of 50 indicates half the presence.

Precipitation

  • Average annual precipitation: 31″

Demographics and Values

Population Statistics

Median Age Percent of Population Over 65 Population Population Density Average Household Size
32 11.7% 63,054 4,949 per square mile 2.4

Race & Ethnicity

American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black Hispanic or Latino Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Two or More Races White (not Hispanic or Latino)
0.4% 9.8% 1.9% 21.1% 0.2% 5.9% 62.6%

These figures were taken from the most recent U.S. Census.

LGBTQ+ Inclusivity

These scores were taken from the 2019 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index.

  • Non-discrimination laws in San Jose: 30/30
  • Overall inclusivity: 100/100

2016 Presidential Election Results for Santa Cruz County

Democratic Republican Other
75% 17.8% 7.3%

Arts, Culture, Entertainment, and Recreation

Some of the most popular museums and historic sites in Santa Cruz include:

  • Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
  • Seymour Marine Discovery Center, Santa Cruz Surfing Museum, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
  • The Victorians of Walnut Avenue, Castro Adobe, Wilder Ranch State Park
  • Santa Cruz Wharf

Outdoor attractions in Santa Cruz:

  • Ocean View Park, Neary Lagoon Park, Harvey West Park, Seabright State Beach, Lighthouse Field State Beach
  • Moore Creek Preserve, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Neary Lagoon Park
  • UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanical Gardens

Santa Cruz’s top entertainment destinations and shopping districts are:

  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Regal Santa Cruz, Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre
  • Santa Cruz Film Festival, Scotts Valley Art & Wine Festival, Monterey Birding Festival
  • San Lorenzo Park Plaza Shopping Center, Gateway Plaza

Transportation

Santa Cruz METRO operates bus routes in Santa Cruz and neighboring cities, as well as an express bus to San Jose. For cyclists, Santa Cruz has many facilities catered to bike transit, such as lockers and racks throughout the city to make biking a viable option for transportation within the city. Taxis and rideshare services, like Uber and Lyft, are also available in Santa Cruz.

Disclosure: A Place for Mom refers to "nursing home" here generally as an umbrella term to include assisted living facilities. It is not used to indicate that the facility meets official state requirements for level of care of a skilled nursing facility, as defined in that particular jurisdiction.

Frequently asked questions

Sunrise of San Mateo, Cogir of Fremont Senior Living and Sunrise of Sunnyvale are the top-rated nursing homes near Santa Cruz, California. See full list of communities.

There are 16 nursing homes near Santa Cruz, California. See the full list.

More questions?

Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.

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