SENIOR COMMUNITIES
Senior Communities offer great opportunities to socialize and make new friends
About
Senior communities provide a range of living options that balance independence, support, and connection as needs change over time. They often offer maintenance-free living, organized social activities, faster emergency response, and easier access to health services, all within a community of peers.
Options and costs vary widely, from independent living to assisted care. Choosing the right community depends on lifestyle preferences, level of independence, health needs, and budget. This section helps you understand the key differences so you can make informed, confident decisions about your next chapter.
The Difference
| FEATURE | STANDARD NEIGHBORHOOD | SENIOR COMMUNITY |
|---|---|---|
| Independence | High | Often lower due to rules |
| Social Activities | Self-initiated, less structured | Frequent organized events |
| Maintenance | Homeowner responsibility | Minimal, staff covers |
| Emergency Response | May be limited or delayed | On-site, immediate |
| Costs | Typically lower, variable | Higher, regular monthly fees |
| Privacy | Higher, private residence | May be less, shared amenities |
| Age Diversity | Mixed age groups | Mostly seniors |
| Health Services Access | Off-site, must arrange | Often on-site or easily accessible |
“Bay Area Senior Housing options vary from
Humble to Luxurious.
None of it is inexpensive”
Cost of Assisted Living
San Mateo County
Average cost for assisted living in San Mateo County is around $5,081 per month. Some facilities have semiprivate or larger unit types trending up to $7,300-$10,000+ per month for premium units. Residential care homes in the county average around $4,000 per month.
Santa Clara County
The average cost for assisted living in Santa Clara County is about $5,320 per month. Luxury or larger unit types (1-bedroom, 2-bedroom) within the county can run into $7,000+ per month or more.
Owning a Senior Residence
In San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties there are many Senior Residences where you can own your space as a condo coupled with having an HOA fee that covers services like maintenance, meals, activities, transportation, and priority access to additional care services as needed. Prices typically start around $1M plus a $4,000/month HOA fee.
Levels of Senior Care
Which Level of Care is Needed?
What level of care is required daily and how safe are you in your home?
Pay special attention to your ability to get dressed, bathe, and cook for yourself, as well as your ability to manage finances.
Consider whether you have a history of falls, if you know what to do in an emergency, and whether your judgment is sound regarding potentially unsafe situations.
Also, assess how much assistance you require for health-care needs such as medication management, insulin injections, or dressing changes.
Seek Professional Advice
To be safe, you might want to contact an
Eldercare Specialist to help determine
the level of care needed. This specialist
is trained to assess someone’s ability
to function and determine the level of
care required.
Level 1 | Independent Living
A residential living setting for senior adults that may or may not provide hospitality or supportive services. Seniors live independent lifestyles that requires minimal or no extra assistance.
Level 2 | Assisted Living
These living arrangements are state licensed communities offering assistance with daily living activities. These facilities have staff assisting with medication, dressing, bathing and social activities.
When To Move
"The best time to move to assisted living is before a crisis."
Downsizing is typically more successful when the people are making a conscious decision about how they wish to live their lives.
For seniors needing assistance with daily tasks, living alone is never the best solution. In-house services are not always reliable.
Not only can staying at home be lonely, it can also be risky. While the decision to move can be very difficult, it can also lead to an improved quality of life for a senior & their family.
Questions to ask
There are no rules regarding the best time to move. However, answering yes to the following questions is a good
indicator that the time has come:
- You’re unable to get dressed, bathe and cook for yourself?
- You’re unable to manage your finances?
- You have a history of falls?
Looking to Downsize? What's Next?
Explore our guides and how we can help you.
Top Reasons for Downsizing
Why downsize? Discover the benefits of simplifying your home and lifestyle.
Preparing for a Stress-free Move
Know the perfect time to get organized, and how to deal with the overwhelm and emotions of leaving behind a home.
Move within the Bay Area, US, or Abroad
Explore your options and see if moving within the Bay Area, USA, or abroad would suit your lifestyle best.
Unlocking your Home Equity
Explore different options on how to maximize the value of your home to support you next chapter in life.
Let's Connect Today!
Take the first step towards a rewarding downsizing experience by reaching out to us now.