California Senior Care Hub — Statewide hub for California senior care: regulations, California Medicaid LTC, veterans, ombudsman.
California senior care programs & benefits
California has more state-funded senior care support than almost any other state. Here's what's available to San Diego families in 2026.
Medi-Cal for long-term care
Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) covers long-term care for eligible low-income seniors. Key programs:
- Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) — Pays for room, board, and personal care in a licensed RCFE for Medi-Cal recipients who would otherwise need nursing home care. Slots are limited; San Diego has a waitlist. Call us — we track current availability.
- Skilled Nursing via Medi-Cal — Medi-Cal covers skilled nursing facility care for eligible beneficiaries with no asset limit after the spend-down process.
- PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) — InfinitiCare and other PACE organizations in San Diego provide comprehensive medical + social services for nursing-home-eligible seniors who prefer to stay in the community.
IHSS — In-Home Supportive Services
IHSS pays for a caregiver (including a family member) to help with personal care, housekeeping, and transportation for Medi-Cal-eligible seniors at home. Applications go through San Diego County HHSA: (800) 339-4661.
Veterans benefits
- VA Aid & Attendance — Monthly benefit for wartime veterans and surviving spouses who need help with daily activities. Can be used toward RCFE or in-home care costs. 2026 rates: up to $2,431/mo (veteran + spouse).
- CalVet — California Department of Veterans Affairs has veterans homes in Chula Vista (Southern California Veterans Home). Priority admission for qualifying veterans.
RCFE licensing in California
All assisted living facilities in California are called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and are licensed by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD). You can verify any facility's license and inspection history at ccld.dss.ca.gov.
California Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman investigates complaints about RCFEs and nursing homes. San Diego: (800) 640-4661.