Understanding Assisted Living Costs and Coverage: A Resource Guide from Oakmont Gardens

< Back to News

Assisted living at Oakmont Gardens provides an ideal balance of independence and support for older adults who may need help with daily routines. For many families, that leads to this all-important question: What will assisted living cost?

The truth is, pricing varies widely depending on where you live, how much assistance is needed, and which amenities are offered. Below, we break down what’s typically included, what might cost extra, and how to plan for this important investment in comfort and care.

Average Cost of Assisted Living

At Oakmont Gardens, located in beautiful Santa Rosa, California, assisted living starts at $6,900. According to Genworth’s 2023 Cost of Care Survey, while the national median cost of assisted living is about $4,800 per month, monthly rates can vary greatly based on several factors:

• Location: Communities in urban or coastal regions often cost more than those in smaller towns.
• Apartment size: Studio apartments are typically more affordable than one- or two-bedroom options.
• Amenities: Features like on-site spas, restaurant-style dining, and wellness programs can increase pricing.
• Care level: The amount of personal support needed also impacts monthly costs.

We invite you to contact our team for the most comprehensive pricing information.

What Services Does Assisted Living Include?

Most assisted living communities like ours offer a blend of housing, meals, daily assistance, and social engagement. The focus is to support residents with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), helping them stay safe, comfortable, and independent.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) may include:

• Bathing and personal hygiene support
• Dressing and grooming support
• Assistance with eating
• Toileting support
• Mobility and transferring assistance

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) may include:

• Medication reminders
• Light meal preparation or special dietary needs
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation for errands and appointments
• Help with scheduling medical visits

Beyond these essentials, our residents enjoy:

• Private, spacious apartments
• Daily meals and snacks
• Life enrichment and wellness programs
• Scheduled transportation
• 24/7 trained staff and emergency response systems

These offerings are usually part of a community’s base monthly rate, though specific inclusions can vary.

What’s Not Included in the Base Rate?

While assisted living covers many essentials, some services may carry additional fees. When looking for a community, it’s important to ask for a full list of what’s included versus optional add-ons.

Common add-ons may include:

• Diabetes management and insulin administration
• Physical or occupational therapy (via third-party providers)
• Extra personal care support
• Salon or spa treatments
• Incontinence supplies and care
• Private transportation or medical escort services
• Cable, Wi-Fi, and telephone service upgrades

Our team will shared an up-to-date, detailed fee breakdown so you can plan your budget accordingly.

How to Pay for Assisted Living

Affording assisted living can feel daunting, but families often have multiple financial paths to explore:

1. Private Pay: Most residents use personal funds, such as retirement savings, pension or investment income, or Social Security benefits.
2. Long-Term Care Insurance: Policies may cover a portion of assisted living expenses, depending on the terms of coverage.
3. Veterans Benefits: Veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for the VA’s Aid & Attendance program to offset care costs.
4. Home Sale or Reverse Mortgage: Using home equity or selling a property can be a practical way to finance assisted living.
5. Medicaid (in limited cases): While Medicaid generally doesn’t cover full assisted living costs, some states offer waiver programs that help pay for personal care services in licensed communities.

Is Assisted Living the Right Fit?

Assisted living can be an ideal solution when:

• Assistance is needed with daily tasks like dressing or managing medications.
• Living alone feels unsafe or isolating.
• Home upkeep and meal preparation have become difficult.
• There’s a desire for social connection and easy access to support.

It serves as a comfortable middle ground between independent living and skilled nursing—offering help when needed while maintaining personal freedom.

Experience Comfort and Care at Oakmont Gardens

Residents at our community enjoy personalized care, vibrant social opportunities, and thoughtfully designed spaces that feel like home. Our approach balances independence with compassionate support, ensuring peace of mind for both residents and their families.

Understanding assisted living costs is just the first step in planning for a fulfilling future. We can help you explore your options and find the right care and pricing fit for your unique needs. Ready to learn more? Contact us!