In Fresno, seniors find more than just an affordable place to retire. The scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, farm-to-fork dining, vast fruit orchards, and much more are here in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno assisted living communities provide a healthy balance of independence and assistance with activities of daily living, like mealtime and dressing tasks. Senior residents will find a wide range of Fresno offerings that prioritize enriching activities and amenities — they create a fulfilling California retirement and go beyond the assisted living stereotype.
Learn what Fresno assisted living facilities offer in this all-inclusive guide. We highlight 18 in-network listings within a 10-mile radius of north-central Fresno. You’ll understand what to expect from these communities so you and your loved one can find the best fit. We also provide a detailed overview of Fresno assisted living costs, payment tips, local senior resources, and ways seniors and their visitors can have the ultimate Fresno experience.
10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Fresno, CA
In Fresno, seniors find more than just an affordable place to retire. The scenic Sierra Nevada Mountains, farm-to-fork dining, vast fruit orchards, and much more are here in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. Fresno assisted living communities provide a healthy balance of independence and assistance with activities of daily living, like mealtime and dressing tasks. Senior residents will find a wide range of Fresno offerings that prioritize enriching activities and amenities — they create a fulfilling California retirement and go beyond the assisted living stereotype.Read more
Learn what Fresno assisted living facilities offer in this all-inclusive guide. We highlight 18 in-network listings within a 10-mile radius of north-central Fresno. You’ll understand what to expect from these communities so you and your loved one can find the best fit. We also provide a detailed overview of Fresno assisted living costs, payment tips, local senior resources, and ways seniors and their visitors can have the ultimate Fresno experience.
Fresno Assisted Living Facilities | 562 Reviews
I like the care from the staff who have been keeping me informed on her progress. The community is very clean and the care is outstanding for my mom. I have had meals with her and I like knowing that they...
So far things are going pretty well. They are very attentive and responsive. I would give the food about a three. The only thing I would like to see is some more entertainment, or activities going on. We...
My mom lived here & the care was excellent! I would def recommend this community to anyone looking for a caring, loving place for their parent!
I had corresponded with [Removed] before, so I called her on a whim and asked her to help us find a Board and Care place for my husband's mother who was being released from the hospital the next day. I told...
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1. Residence is kept exceptionally clean 2. Caregivers are very friendly 3. Rooms are large and private 4. Female and Male caregivers are available 5. Residents all eat together 3 times a day. 6....
I would just like to say this facility and staff was very caring and loving with my mom as she was there for a couple months before her passing. She would tell us how the staff was so nice to her and on a...
I am very pleased with how everything is going for my husband at this community. They have provided great care and have helped us give him a smooth transition into his new living environment. I especially...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Fresno
- Costs of assisted living in the Fresno area
- How people pay for assisted living in Fresno
- Understand California laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Fresno
- What to expect from assisted living in Fresno
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fresno? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about assisted living in Fresno
Recent reviews for assisted living in Fresno
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Costs of assisted living in the Fresno area
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average cost that families and seniors paid for Fresno assisted living facilities between 2022 and 2023 was $4,644 per month.[01] This price includes senior care services, room and board, fees, and add-ons like pet rent and parking spaces.
Breakdown of assisted living costs
Assisted living monthly costs may include some or all of the following services and amenities bundled into rent:
- Standard personal care services, such as assistance with daily living activities
- Three meals a day plus snacks
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry
- Maintenance and landscaping
- Security systems
- Scheduled transportation (complimentary or at-cost)
- Pet rent (often as an add-on fee)
- Organized activities and programs, like community outings and exercise classes
- Access to on-site amenities, like beauty salons, movie theaters, enclosed courtyards, and more
The figures below are baseline costs for the greater Fresno area. Usually, baseline costs don’t reflect any add-on fees. These figures are helpful when comparing costs of living for Fresno-area assisted living communities.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Fresno, CA vs. nearby cities
Fresno, CA
How people pay for assisted living in Fresno
Let us walk you through your assisted living payment options. First, we describe your personal payment options, some of which seniors and families can combine with certain senior benefits. Then, we present a detailed overview of several senior benefits that may reduce your assisted living costs. The senior benefits we include are Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and Social Security.
By reviewing this section, we hope you’ll understand potential senior benefits and feel confident in combining them effectively. Each tab also has access to benefit applications and local contacts for senior benefit assistance.
Seniors and families typically use personal income sources, like savings accounts, investment returns, pensions, and Social Security benefits to cover a portion of their Fresno assisted living costs. In addition, some of the following options may be used to fund senior care services depending on you and your loved ones’ current resources:
Approximate number of veterans living in Fresno as of 2021
Approximately 44% of veterans in Fresno are 65+.
Some assisted living costs may be covered by certain Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits that apply to Fresno senior veterans or their surviving spouses.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit is typically the most useful — and generous — option for senior veterans who are disabled and enrolled in VA health care. Eligible senior veterans or their surviving spouses can receive monthly payments in addition to their Veterans Pension. By combining these income sources, you or your loved one can pay for costs of services that improve one’s quality of life, like monthly assisted living costs.
CalVet is another option to consider. Eligible senior veterans or their surviving spouses can use this California program to enroll in a Veterans Benefit Enhancement Program (VBE). VBEs help seniors with disabilities transition from Medi-Cal to VA health care, a program that can help you access additional veterans benefits.
Oftentimes, seniors think they won’t qualify for VA benefits. However, we recommend contacting a local veterans service organization (VSO) to learn more about VA benefit eligibility. It may also be helpful to peruse the VA’s list of service-connected disabilities to see what might apply. However, the VA benefit application process is overwhelming for many seniors. Finding help with your application is crucial.
Find help through your local VSOs
To get the most out of potential benefits, let a local, VA-vetted veterans service organization (VSO) guide you through the application process. Local VSOs can help seniors apply with greater success and may also assist with appealing denied claims. Browse these local resources to begin the process of applying for your eligible benefits:
- The Fresno County Veterans Service Office can help you through the entire process of attaining VA benefits.
- The Fresno Vet Center provides confidential assistance and counseling throughout the benefit attainment process.
- Fresno’s Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) chapter and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) chapter advocate for senior veterans and provide application assistance.
Resources for Fresno veterans
Fresno County Veterans Service Office
1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 105
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-600-5463
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fresno Vet Center
1320 E. Shaw Ave., Suite 125
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-487-5660
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): E.G. Henry Gutierrez VFW Post 8900
3585 N. Blythe Ave.
Fresno, CA 93722
Phone: 559-275-4061
Disabled American Veterans (DAV): Homer Blevins Chapter 1
3508 N. First St.
Fresno, CA 93726
Phone: 559-241-6418
Meets at 5:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of every month
California’s Medicaid program, called Medi-Cal, doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in Fresno assisted living communities. Instead, Medi-Cal is typically used to cover the costs of health care services for seniors of low-income status. Seniors who are eligible for Medi-Cal may also benefit from the Assisted Living Waiver (also known as ALW). ALW is a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver that helps seniors access care in an assisted living community rather than in a medical setting, like a hospital or a skilled nursing facility.
Covered California, the state’s health care portal, is a helpful Medi-Cal application tool for seniors of low-income status. The Covered California application and the Medi-Cal application are one and the same. Once approved for Medi-Cal, seniors are offered additional low-cost, full-coverage plans that help them compensate for any coverage gaps. So, seniors can choose to enroll in additional coverage plans or in a baseline Medi-Cal plan.
Enrolling in Medi-Cal is usually simple, but you can check out the following resources to get more information on the Medi-Cal application process:
- California’s Medi-Cal Rx Member Helpline and the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging can help start your application effectively.
- The local long-term care ombudsman program supports seniors through the application process and helps with accessing programs after enrollment.
- My Medi-Cal is a comprehensive guide to help you understand the benefits.
Fresno resident Medicaid resources
Medi-Cal Rx Member Helpline
Phone: 800-977-2273
Hours: 24/7, including holidays
Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging
2037 W. Bullard Ave., Suite 512
Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: 559-214-0299
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
5363 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-224-9177, ext. 401
Apply through Covered California
2631 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90006
Phone: 800-650-0922
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that typically covers medical costs for seniors aged 65+, such as hospital care and medically necessary in-home health care. However, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of room and board in assisted living facilities, as these are considered custodial costs. Instead, the components below are typically covered under Medicare:[03]
- Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, some home health care, and hospice care.
- Medicare Part B covers some doctors’ appointments, preventive services, outpatient care, and medical supplies.
- Medicare Part D covers some prescription medications and vaccines.
Seniors may also have the option to save money on Medicare premiums and prescriptions costs through Medicare Savings Programs. Seniors who meet low-income requirements and are enrolled in Medicare can apply for Medicare Savings Programs online through BenefitsCal. We recommend browsing the following resources for additional support with the application:
- Before seeking help elsewhere, contact the local Social Security Administration office.
- Get in touch with the local long-term care ombudsman program or enroll in the Medicare Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) to apply for and fully understand your benefits.
- To learn about local senior programs and services, consider the Fresno County 2-1-1 helpline and the Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging.
Fresno resident Medicare resources
Fresno Office — Social Security Administration
845 Fulton St.
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: 800-772-1213
Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
5363 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-224-9177, ext. 401
Valley Caregiver Resource Center: Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP)
5363 N. Fresno St.
Fresno, CA 93710
Phone: 559-224-9117, ext. 304
Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging
2037 W. Bullard Ave., Suite 512
Fresno, CA 93711
Phone: 559-214-0299
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Understand California laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) regulates and licenses assisted living facilities and residential care homes in Fresno. The CDSS also licenses other senior care facilities in the state, often called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE).[04]
Seniors must be assessed before moving into a Fresno assisted living facility. The assessment process may involve interviews and health record reviews. In addition, assisted living facilities are required to follow these regulations:[05]
- House a maximum of two residents per bedroom
- Provide individual privacy in each bathroom
- Ensure bedrooms can accommodate equipment, such as wheelchairs and walkers
- Provide clean and accessible common areas for residents
- Provide activities involving social, leisure, and daily living skills
Assisted living facilities are inspected by the CDSS once a year and within 10 days of receiving a complaint.[05] Inspection reports for each licensed community can be found through the CDSS Care Facility Search. Scroll down to “Search By Facility Group,” and select “Elderly Assisted Living.” Then, select the “Facility Type” and “Fresno County.” Finally, click on the search button. Or you can search by facility name or address.
California Department of Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899-7377
Phone: 916-558-1784
COVID-19 regulations for Fresno assisted living facilities
Fresno County follows the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) COVID-19 guidance. Residents should access vaccines and tests as needed, but the mask mandate has been lifted. However, some Fresno assisted living communities may have their own COVID-19 guidelines. Please reach out to communities of interest to understand their current rules.
Get to know assisted living in Fresno
What to expect from assisted living in Fresno
You or your senior loved one can find the ideal assisted living community in A Place for Mom’s Fresno network. Experience a hassle-free lifestyle rich with senior-specific activities, resort-style amenities, and a unique range of community styles. Fresno’s offerings have something for everyone, whether it’s an intimate residential home or a combined senior care community.
A range of community styles and senior care offerings
In A Place for Mom’s Fresno network, 61% of the assisted living communities share a campus with other senior living options, such as independent living, memory care, or both. Moving into a combined community enables seniors to transition to other levels of care without having to move when their needs change. The other 39% of in-network assisted living communities are residential care homes, sometimes known in Fresno as care homes. These smaller communities typically offer assisted-living-only services in homelike settings with fewer residents.
Below are the layout options and features typically found in A Place for Mom’s Fresno assisted living network:
- Studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom apartments
- One- and two-bedroom stand-alone cottages
- Private or shared bedrooms in care homes
- Shared suites or companion apartments in combined communities
- Multi- or single-story buildings
- Residential homes
- Pet-friendly policies and accommodations, like pet-relief stations and dog parks
- Full kitchens or kitchenettes
- Furnished rooms in some care homes
- Patios or balconies
- Washer and dryer hookups or on-site laundry facilities
High quality assisted living services
Embark on your retirement journey by getting the most out of convenient on-site services. The offerings below are commonly found in A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities:
- Personalized concierge services
- Complimentary or at-cost transportation
- Frequent housekeeping
- Laundry and trash services
- Chef-prepared meals
- Restaurant-style dining
- Room service
- Wellness checks and emergency response systems
- On-site nurses
- Companionship services
- Medication management
Enriching amenities
A life of luxury awaits in your new assisted living community. While many of these amenities are found in larger combined communities, there may be fewer amenities in some residential care homes:
- Heated outdoor swimming pools
- Enclosed courtyards
- Walking paths
- Raised garden beds
- Outdoor seating, like patios and dining areas
- Pet-friendly accommodations
- Shuffleboard courts
- Movie theaters
- Salons and barbershops
- Fitness centers
- Activity rooms and art studios
- Fireplaces in common areas
- Libraries and computer rooms
- Bistros
- Guest accommodations, such as guest suites, guest parking, and private dining rooms
Plentiful senior activities
Fresno assisted living communities offer much more than bingo. Seniors have the opportunity to create a holistic lifestyle with activities ranging from fitness classes to unique community outings. Here are some popular pastimes:
- Volunteer opportunities
- Exercise classes
- Technology classes
- Happy hours
- Movie nights
- Karaoke nights
- Religious services
- Outings, such as boating, hiking, shopping trips, attending sporting events, and visiting museums
- Birthday and holiday celebrations
- Resident-led activities and councils
- Clubs, such as walking clubs and coffee clubs
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Fresno? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Fresno as of 2021
Health care for seniors in Fresno
Find a medical center that works for you or the senior in your life. Fresno has a variety of local health care options, from cardiology specialists to a veteran-specific clinic.
Transportation for seniors in Fresno
Fresno has a few bike-friendly routes and walkable areas, but residents and visitors consider it a car-dependent city.[07] That’s why seniors and their loved ones may appreciate knowing that 89% of A Place for Mom’s in-network Fresno assisted living communities provide either complimentary or at-cost transportation. Community transportation services are a safe and convenient way for seniors to participate in community outings, run errands, and attend appointments. The options outlined below are additional senior-friendly and visitor-friendly ways to explore Fresno.
Fresno Area Express (FAX)
The Fresno Area Express (or FAX) is the city’s public transportation service. Every bus can accommodate seniors and people with physical disabilities, and there are routes throughout Fresno. There’s also a paratransit service called Handy Ride which assists seniors who need more support than FAX already provides. The following FAX features can be found on all buses to help you and your visitors get around Fresno:
- Priority seating for seniors
- Space to transport mobility devices
- Bike racks
- Ramps and lifts
- Bus drivers who can provide assistance with mobility devices, getting on, and getting off
Taxis, Uber, or Lyft
Lyft and Uber are the shared-ride services typically readily available in Fresno. Both are great options for visitors who want to get around without depending on their own cars. Some local ride-share options even allow riders to schedule trips in advance.
If seniors opt to use a taxi service instead, they can apply for the local Senior Scrip Program through the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission (EOC). This program is exclusively for seniors who are at least 70 years of age, and it provides a 75% discount on rides. Below are the Fresno taxi services that currently participate in the Senior Scrip Program:
- Alpha Cab
- Fresno EOC Taxi
- Checker Cab
- Fresno Cab
- Sierra Vista Cab
- American Eagle Taxi
- Green Point Taxi
- Taxi Rosa
Walk Score — Fresno’s transportation ratings
Below are Walk Score’s transit rankings for Fresno. These numbers paint a picture of the local environment and how accessible you and your visitors’ preferred transportation methods are. Walk Score ranks cities from zero to 100 based on how easy it is to use and access each transportation method. High scores point to an especially accessible Fresno transportation option.[07]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Fresno
Browse local highlights below, and curate a Fresno experience that’s ideal for families and seniors alike. An expansive Californian adventure awaits, from picturesque Yosemite to the Sierra National Forest. We also recommend perusing the helpful Visit Fresno website to learn why seniors choose to claim Fresno as their home.
Outdoor opportunities
Spending time with loved ones outdoors is a great way to enjoy Fresno. Visit the Clovis Botanical Garden for themed displays and a calming sensory garden, both of which are accessible to people with disabilities. Or, relax in Woodward Park, known for its tranquil Japanese garden and walking trails. Fresno is also home to lively outdoor markets full of local produce, handmade gifts, food trucks, and more.
Must-sees for newcomers and visitors
Experience the city’s culture at farm-to-table restaurants that offer the fresh, local ingredients that Fresno is known for. To get a feel for Fresno’s diversity, visit the Fresno Art Museum, which has a disability-friendly layout. You can also explore Old Town Clovis and its historic Vintage and Antiques District. For another disability-friendly activity, visit the Forestiere Underground Gardens, where you’ll find wheelchair-accessible tunnels that lead to pristine courtyards and gardens.
A vibrant senior community
The Fresno area is also home to attractions for all ages. Nearby, the Clovis Senior Activity Center provides a haven for seniors who want to foster social relationships or join classes and activities. For the young and the young at heart, Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers wildlife exhibits and a wide range of accommodations for people with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Place Called Home Residential Care, Cogir of Cedar Creek and Truewood by Merrill, Clovis are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Fresno, CA. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Fresno is 3333.98 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Fresno city profile. American Community Survey.
U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. What’s Medicare? Medicare.gov.
California Department of Social Services. (2023). Laws and regulations. CA.gov.
State of California Health and Human Services Agency. Department of Social Services. (2008). Manual of Policies and Procedures Community Care Licensing Division: Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE), Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 8.
U.S. World and News Report. (2023). Best hospitals in Fresno, California.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fresno.
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