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.
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 | 637 Reviews
Visiting my friend [name removed] at Willow is always memorable. The staff's commitment to personalized care shows in countless ways - they remember how she likes her tea and which activities she prefers....
The staff is incredible and helpful in the transition of mom into the facility. We were all having a tough time. But now are so glad she is getting the 24/7 care that she deserves. The director of Memory...
Visiting is welcome and encouraged. Family/friends can dine w their loved one for a low meal charge. Basic furniture and bedding are provided , as is laundry care and all meals and snacks included in the...
It's not home and has been an adjustment but for what it is it's fine. I chose Fairwinds mainly for 2 reasons. Because of my eyesight I had to give up my license. They have transportation for medical...
They are not properly staffed in the kitchen and causes delays. However, based on the experience we have had we would recommend The Windham by Cogir community to other families who may need a place for their...
Everyone is so friendly that works there. Once my mom got used to the day to day activities and made friends she has been happy. She’s eating better, getting out and seems happier. As a family we are happy...
My dad was at Pacifica for almost 6 months and had a great experience. He has since moved out. During his stay there, they were very patient and accommodating with his needs.
The transition during the first month was hard for my mom. The staff has been extremely caring and understanding and reassuring us that this is normal behavior for many new memory care residents. They are...
I highly recommend this place as my uncle stayed there and I couldn't be happier. You wouldn't need to worry about your loved ones. Administrator and the caregivers will win your heart as they pour their...
My 90 year old mom [name removed] is a resident of Mapel Tree Home Care. All the staff are compassionate, kind and caring delivering quality care and meeting all my moms physical and personal needs. It gives...
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I have been happy about the care they provide. I have had to remind them of certain things regarding hygiene more than once. (making sure she is brushing her teeth, making sure she has socks and shoes on)...
If a friend asked about my experience I would say that overall, it has been mostly positive. I would like the communication to flow more smoothly between myself and my mom's caregivers. As her mental decline...
Truewood by Merrill, Clovis was the first and only facility we toured. There is something special about Beau and the staff that let us know our grandmother would be cared for. Truewood is clean, the staff go...
Everything was good there. The help is excellent. My father in law loved the food. I would definitely recommend it. My father in law wasn't there very long since he passed away, but it was a good experience...
We chose Carmel Village at Clovis because they offered the level of care she needed for a cost she could afford. It was a good experience for the 3 months she was there. She received the care she needed.
It's all 5s it would be nice if there wasn't so many extra little charges but so far all 5s and we would absolutely recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far.
Facility is good. Most staff seem like they actually care. Staff rotates from between the 3 houses each week so no one gets stuck caring for the same residents day in and day out causing people to dislike...
They take great care of my mom and they really understand the care needed for dementia patients. I would highly recommend them!
Bella Vista staff has heart like no other- they are lead by a group who understand the dementia disease process. No matter what day of the week or time their management has always answered any questions and...
This facility is just great. It's clean and feels like home. The atmosphere is very pleasant. The main caregivers live there and are amazing. Put it this way, if the caregivers moved to another place, I...
Finding Elim was a blessing for our family. The staff's expertise in senior care is evident in their attentive, patient approach - they even created a special morning routine that helps Mom start each day...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Fresno community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fresno community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Fresno area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Fresno
- How people pay for assisted living in Fresno
- Understand California laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What to expect from assisted living in Fresno
- Fresno assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fresno? Highlights for seniors
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
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Fresno, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Fresno vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Fresno, CA by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Fresno over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Fresno
Recent reviews for assisted living in Fresno
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Royal Gardens I in Fresno, CA
Reviews mention these favorite features of communities
Fresno review score based on 142 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 142 reviews of 98 Fresno assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Fresno review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Fresno assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 142 reviews of 98 Fresno assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Fresno resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.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.
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
Fresno assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Fresno assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Fresno assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Fresno assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Fresno assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Fresno assisted living
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
Elim Place, Truewood by Merrill, Clovis and The Villages at Willow 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 $3,391 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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