About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2024 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2024 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2024 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Santa Maria, CA

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Assisted living costs in Santa Maria average about $3,354 per month. To find the best assisted living options for your needs and budget, browse through 18 communities in Santa Maria. Our detailed directory has 97 reviews, photos, and lists of available services, amenities, and activities. Assisted living is ideal for seniors who need help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and eating, and prefer a social setting to pursue their interests. These communities offer a variety of dining options, as well as housekeeping services to eliminate daily stresses.

As you explore assisted living near you, you may also want to consider assisted living options in areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as Lompoc, Arroyo Grande and Pismo Beach.

Santa Maria Assisted Living Facilities | 97 Reviews

Showing 15 communities
Last Updated: 10/31/24
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Photo of The Oaks at Nipomo
2222 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
8.9
Review score
15 reviews
8.9
Review score
15 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
20%
3 star
7%
2 star
7%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I recommend The Oaks at Nipomo Assisted Living to anyone looking for an assisted living facility in Nipomo, California, for their loved one. The staff and residents are very friendly, at The Oaks, and...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
See details
Photo of Santa Maria Terrace
2020 Photos available
7.9
Review score
21 reviews
7.9
Review score
21 reviews
5 star
38%
4 star
14%
3 star
38%
2 star
5%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
Santa Maria Terrace gets 5 stars for all. I did not even have to look at any other facilities as I liked this one so much. The staff is very helpful and nice. I think the best feature is that they let you...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Santa Maria Terrace — located in sunny Santa Maria, California — provides the best value with our apartments, including an abundance of amenities and a large range of services. Whether you want to simplify your life or need assistance with daily tasks, Santa Maria Terrace offers something for...
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Photo of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
1616 Photos available
1313 Floor plans available
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
7.9
Review score
40 reviews
5 star
57%
4 star
35%
3 star
8%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
What we like about Merrill Gardens is the overall cleanliness and staff and I would recommend this community to other families based on the experience I have had.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Conveniently located between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara, Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria is a campus-style retirement community that provides a wide spectrum of care. Enjoy being near golf courses, wineries, the Veteran's Administration Building and Marian Regional Medical Center. Take...
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Photo of Amalia's Residence II
9.8
Review score
12 reviews
9.8
Review score
12 reviews
5 star
67%
4 star
25%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
[name removed] really works with the needs of her patients and family She's pretty amazing. It was a personal home, not a nursing home. Much more 1 on 1 care for less money.
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Amalia's Residence II is located in Santa Maria, CA in Santa Barbara County. This residential care home provides the help that you are looking for in an area that is located in the southern portion of the state of California. Those who spend time in Santa Maria enjoy checking out the areas many...
Photo of A Splendid Living Residential Care Facility for the Elderly
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
A Splendid Living RCFE is a residential care home in the lovely city of Santa Maria, California in the county of Santa Barbara. Our beautiful community is situated in close proximity to Santa Maria Country Club and Miname Community park. Santa Maria offers a breathtaking panoramic view of scenic...
Photo of Candlewood House 2
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Candlewood House 2 is located in Santa Barbara county, Santa Maria CA. This senior care home assists seniors in a loving group home setting. The splendid city is renowned for its winemaking and culinary expertise specializing in Santa Maria-style barbeque. This culinary delight stems from its...
Photo of Candlewood House 1
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Everything is really nice. I'm really happy with this choice. The staff is right there, all the time, and available if you need anything. The communication between them and myself is good. Overall, this was...
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Candlewood House 1 is a senior care home located in Santa Maria, California, Riverside County. Our group home setting has gone a long way in providing the best geographical location for seniors to live in. The area provides a cool atmosphere surrounded by amazing geographical features like...
Photo of Candlewood House 3
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Candlewood House 3 is a senior care home located in Santa Maria, California, in Santa Barbara County. Our residential home care is located in a serene environment with beautiful natural scenery. For the best destination for family members and full relaxation, consider Candlewood House 3 for their...
Photo of Lynn's RCFE II
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
When seeking senior care there is a strong desire to find a facility that supports independent living. When the elderly living home is also in a quiet atmosphere with plenty of room to relax and staffed with professional, friendly staff that is a bonus. It is also what the family and elderly...
Photo of Freda's RCFE Inc #3
5 star
33%
4 star
67%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Freda's RCFE Inc #3 is located in the beautiful city of Santa Marie and is only a couple of hours from the famed California beaches. It is home to 101,459 people as of the 2012 census and includes hundreds of activities to keep the residents here entertained. Being located right next to the...
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Photo of Varias Residential
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Photo of Hillview Residence
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Miss Linda's Guest Home
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Photo of AAA Kindness Care Home II
1212 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Photo of Sacred Heart Residential Care Facility II
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
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0%
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They are doing an extremely good job. You cannot ask for anything better, or cleaner, or more care taking than they are doing. I think I have made a good decision there. I have seen a number of other...
Provides: Memory Care, Residential Care Home
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Care Homes: Residential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.
Sacred Heart Residential Care Facility II, a provider of guaranteed senior care services and assisted living, is located in 915 Camino Coballo in Nipomo, California. We pride ourselves for the level of service we give which may vary depending on the degree of comprehensive care and assistance...

Cost of assisted living in Santa Maria, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Maria is $3,354 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Betteravia, CA with an average of $3,350 per month.

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA vs. nearby cities

Santa Maria, CA
$3,354/mo
$3,650/mo
$3,640/mo

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA vs. the state and national average

Santa Maria, CA
$3,354/mo
U.S. national average
$4,730/mo

Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Santa Maria vs. other types of senior living

Assisted Living
$3,354/mo
$4,363/mo

Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA by room type

Semi-Private
$3,920/mo
Studio
$4,319/mo
1 Bedroom
$4,848/mo
2 Bedroom
$5,348/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$4,200/mo

Average cost of Assisted Living in Santa Maria over time

Santa Maria, CACA stateNational

Ways to pay for Assisted Living in Santa Maria, CA

Paying for assisted living may seem daunting, but knowing all your options can be empowering. Read about the many private and public payment options that families use to pay for assisted living in Santa Maria.

What families are saying about assisted living in Santa Maria

Recent reviews for assisted living in Santa Maria

Fountain Square of Lompoc

4.3
Overall, the staff are very caring. They care for the residents very well and seem to be very loving people. The way the keep the community running is very nice, and it's very secure. My mom complains about how often they serve green beans, but she also doesn't tell them she wants something ...
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Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria

5.0
We chose Merrill Gardens because they had available space at the time we needed it and also I could see it was very clean, it smelled good, and all of the staff who helped us were extremely friendly and helpful. We really appreciated how upfront and honest they were with us. They have different ...
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Amalia's Residence II in Santa Maria, CA

5.0
Although [name removed] was combative he received personalized care. He enjoyed the home cooked meals. We liked there were only two men and six residents in this facility. There was a friendly dog patients could interact with. [name removed] was unable to participate due to his dementia. I loved ...
Read more

Santa Maria assisted living services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Maria assisted living communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Maria, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select care services in Santa Maria assisted living

Assisted living communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of assisted living partners in Santa Maria that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Full medication management
Full medication management
46.7%
52.1%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
13.3%
33.3%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
60%
98.8%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
100%
99.3%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
46.7%
56.5%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
13.3%
29.8%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
73.3%
99.1%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
53.3%
47.9%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
73.3%
53.1%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Santa Maria assisted living

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Santa Maria Assisted Living partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
60%
51%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
26.7%
32%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
53.3%
40.9%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
20%
13.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Maria assisted living

Assisted living communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Maria partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
13.3%
26.7%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
20%
39.8%
No sugar
No sugar
20%
36.7%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
53.3%
35%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
6.7%
13.8%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Maria assisted living

Our assisted living communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Maria communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
20%
30.8%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
20%
41.7%
Room service
Room service
26.7%
35.6%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
20%
17.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Maria assisted living

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered assisted living communities in Santa Maria offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Maria, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
26.7%
45.6%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
20%
30.7%
Community service programs
Community service programs
20%
29.8%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
26.7%
49.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
26.7%
48.6%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
53.3%
52.1%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
20%
40.7%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
26.7%
34.1%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
20%
37.1%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
26.7%
46.1%
Live performances
Live performances
26.7%
46.3%
Dances
Dances
26.7%
29.3%
Fitness center
Fitness center
6.7%
24.1%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
26.7%
45.3%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

State regulations for assisted living in Santa Maria

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for assisted living. Each state has its own laws and inspection processes to ensure seniors reside in a safe environment. Learning about California assisted living regulations will help you understand how assisted living communities in Santa Maria protect seniors.

Learn about California Assisted Living regulations

Frequently Asked Questions

Amalia's Residence II, The Oaks at Nipomo and Santa Maria Terrace are the top-rated assisted living facilities near Santa Maria, California. See full list of communities.

There are 18 assisted living facilities near Santa Maria, California. See the full list.

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