Assisted Living in Ridgecrest, California
Ridgecrest is surrounded by mountains and known for its beautiful sunsets and has much to offer retired seniors, including a comfortable climate and picturesque scenery. Fishing, hiking or visiting one of the city's cultural destinations are just a few of the things to do in this sunny locale.
Ridgecrest winters are pleasant according to Sperling’s Comfort Index. The crime rate is on par with state and national averages, and cost of living is below state and national averages. The 65-and-over demographic comprises 13.3% of the total population of 28,105. Medical care for these older adults is quickly accessible at Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
There are three assisted living facilities in Ridgecrest. These communities provide help with activities of daily living in a residential setting. Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey reports that assisted living in Ridgecrest costs an average of $3,750 per month. The nation's assisted living costs are $750 higher at $4,500. California’s average monthly assisted living cost is $1,500 higher than Ridgecrest’s at $5,250.
The SeniorScore™ for Ridgecrest, California
Anyone considering long-term care can learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of a city by reviewing its SeniorScore. The overall ranking is determined by an analysis of more than 100 factors, and there are individual rankings for certain categories. Ridgecrest has an overall senior score of 65 out of 100, which is close to the state and national scores of 71 and 72, respectively.
The highest-ranking SeniorScore category for Ridgecrest is General Quality of Life. Rainfall levels are described as ideal, as are its mean temperatures. Winters in Ridgecrest are mild, although summers can get scorching. General population density is low in this city, another factor that contributes to the General Quality of Life Score of 80. Recreation & Leisure ranks 50, due partially to Ridgecrest’s four golf courses and 16 parks. The city has 12 grocery stores for seniors in assisted living who want to stock their private spaces with food and drink.
Health & Safety has a SeniorScore ranking of 48, the lowest on the list of featured categories. Although the city only has three assisted living communities, there’s an ample number of Medicare-registered doctors. The number of health care providers within Ridgecrest's city limits is described as average, but property crime rates are lower than average.
SeniorScore™ for Ridgecrest, California
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Ridgecrest scores lower than the California average of 71.
- Ridgecrest scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is an average number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There are no hospitals within close range of the city.
- There are 3 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including High Desert Haven, Ridgecrest Regional Hospital TC and Rehabilitation Unit, and Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
- There is an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is a very low number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 80.8, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are no pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a low property crime rate.
- The area has an average violent crime rate.
- The city has a low percentage of seniors in the population (25% of residents).
- There are 4 golf courses in or around the city, including China Lake Golf Course, China Lake Golf Course, and Trona Golf Course.
- There are 16 parks near the city center, including Freedom Park, Hellmers Park, and Desert Memorial Park.
- There are 2 churches in or near the city (Victory Missionary Baptist Chr and St Ann\'s Catholic Church).
- There are no malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 12 grocery stores within the city.
- There is 1 movie theatre in or near the city.
- There are no gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 2.83% of total income, which is higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.80% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 8.75%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 6.97%.
- California has an average state income tax of 3.79%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $73,326, which is significantly higher than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $60,530, which is significantly higher than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $29,375, which is significantly higher than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $43,200 per year, which are average compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $100,010 per year, which are high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $23,566 per year, which are very high compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $46,332 annually, which are average compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 7.36%, which is average compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is high compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Ridgecrest receives ideal levels of rainfall each year.
- Ridgecrest has ideal mean temperatures, with comfortable winters and very warm summers.
- This city has very poor air quality.
- Ridgecrest has a sparse population density of 399.2 people per square mile.
- Residents of Ridgecrest have a very short daily commute time.
- The city has a low public transportation ridership.
- Ridgecrest has a very low public school quality ranking.
- The city has a very low public school safety rating.
- This city has a high graduation rate of 89.69%.
Assisted Living Costs in Ridgecrest, California
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Ridgecrest and Bakersfield share an average monthly assisted living cost of $3,750, as the cities are close together. This is $750 lower than the U.S. average of $4,500 and about $1,500 less expensive than the state average per month.
To the north in Oregon, costs are around $1,295 higher than Ridgecrest at $5,045. Arizona is next-highest at $4,000, while Nevada’s average monthly cost for assisted living is the same as Ridgecrest’s at $3,750.
- U.S. Average: $4,500
- Oregon: $5,045
- Nevada: $3,750
- Arizona: $4,000
Ridgecrest’s $3,750 average monthly assisted living cost is $300 more than Visalia’s $3,450 average. Slightly to the northeast sits Hanford, which has a $600 higher cost of $4,350. The coastal city of Salinas is the most expensive at $6,000 — $2,250 more than Ridgecrest’s estimated cost. To the south is Oxnard with a $2,000 higher average of $5,750. Further south is Los Angeles, with an average of $5,250 for monthly assisted living. Also south of Ridgecrest is Riverside, which has an assisted living cost that's $250 higher than Ridgecrest at $4,000.
- Ridgecrest: $3,750
- Visalia: $3,450
- Hanford Area: $4,350
- Salinas: $6,000
- Oxnard: $5,750
- Los Angeles: $5,250
- Riverside: $4,000
Note: Data for Ridgecrest was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Bakersfield, was used instead.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Ridgecrest, California
High Desert Haven is a senior care community located at 1240 College Heights Blvd in Ridgecrest, California. The facility is in a generally middle income area, with a median family income of $56,646. With about 34,000 poeple living ...
Senior Resources in Ridgecrest, California
Kern County Aging & Adult Services Through Kern County Aging & Adult Services, Ridgecrest seniors can access multiple resources. Adult Protective Services are available through this department, along with healthy living and nutritional programs for seniors. Caregiver support is also available. The Kern County Aging & Adult Services department can also direct seniors to free or low-cost transportation programs. 5357 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (800) 510-2020 kerncounty.com |
Kern County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Ridgecrest seniors in assisted living can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman to report abuse or neglect. Family members and care providers can also reach out to this office with any concerns about senior long-term care. Ombudsman offices also provide senior and caregiver advocacy and perform community outreach and education. 615 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304 (661) 323-7884 kernlongtermcare.com |
Seniors Law Center Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance, Inc., operates the Seniors Law Center. There aren’t any income limits to qualify for free or low-cost legal services, although low-income seniors may be prioritized. Legal areas of priority for this office include tenant disputes, consumer law, elder abuse and public benefits for seniors. 615 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304 (661) 325-5943 gbla.org |
Medicare Counseling (HICAP) Medicare counseling is provided to Ridgecrest seniors through the Kern County Aging & Adult Services office. Older adults and their families can receive free counseling on topics related to Medicare. This service helps seniors choose the type of Medicare that’s right for them and apply for benefits. Understanding prescription costs is another part of HICAP. Seniors and caregivers can also file Medicare appeals through this office. 5357 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93309 (800) 510-2020 www.aging.ca.gov |
Kern County Veterans Service Department Senior veterans, along with veterans of all ages, can receive a variety of benefits through their local Veterans Service office. Some of the services that may be available include assistance with filing benefit claims, counseling, employment and volunteer opportunities and health care referrals. Seniors or their caregivers can call the office to learn more about what is available through this department. 400 North China Lake Boulevard, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 (661) 868-7300 kerncounty.com |
Kern County General Assistance Program The Kern County General Assistance Program provides various types of financial help to seniors and other residents who qualify. Types of assistance that low-income seniors or seniors with no income may be able to receive include funds for living costs, personal needs and transportation. Seniors who apply for this program may also qualify for other benefits, including Medi-Cal and CalFresh. 100 East California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93307 (661) 631-6000 kcdhs.org |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much do assisted living facilities cost in the state of California?
Answer
The cost of assisted living in California runs from about $987 to $9,000 monthly, with a median around $3,750. By comparison, the national average is about $3,500 monthly.
Question
What is the cost of assisted living in Ridgecrest?
Answer
Assisted living in Ridgecrest, California costs on average roughly $43,200 per year. Per month, the range is between $1,650 and $7,000, with a mean of about $3,600.
Question
What is included with assisted living?
Answer
Services generally included with assisted living are social programs, housekeeping help, basic medical care, meal preparation, and hygiene assistance. Shared and private rooms are often available depending on budget.
Question
Can I pay for assisted living in Ridgecrest with Medicaid?
Answer
There are a few assisted living communities in Ridgecrest that accept Medicaid, which include Delano District Skilled Nursing Facility, LifeHOUSE Parkview Healthcare Center, LifeHOUSE Bakersfield Healthcare Center, Brookdale Riverwalk, and Browning Manor .
Question
How many retirees are there in Ridgecrest?
Answer
The surrounding metropolitan area contains 740,305 residents, but there are 32,560 within the city limits. The 55+ community composes around 25% of the overall population.