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 2025 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 2025 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 2025 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 $3,342 per month. To find the best assisted living options for your needs and budget, browse through 17 communities in Santa Maria. Our detailed directory has 115 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 Arroyo Grande, Lompoc and Pismo Beach.

Santa Maria Assisted Living Facilities | 115 Reviews

Showing 15 communities
Last Updated: 12/5/25
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Photo of Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria
1616 Photos available
1313 Floor plans available
9.4
Review score
46 reviews
9.4
Review score
46 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
33%
3 star
7%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
I moved my parents into one of their cottages. Two bed/two baths. They are very happy there. Staff friendly and considerate. Only complaint would be the food. Nothing fancy just plain with lots of chicken...
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 Santa Maria Terrace
2020 Photos available
8.7
Review score
26 reviews
8.7
Review score
26 reviews
5 star
34%
4 star
27%
3 star
31%
2 star
4%
1 star
4%
See all reviews
The facility itself is clean, well-maintained, and the staff are generally kind. It is a suitable option for seniors who are fully independent and primarily need a safe and comfortable living environment....
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.
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 The Oaks at Nipomo
2222 Photos available
55 Floor plans available
9.1
Review score
21 reviews
9.1
Review score
21 reviews
5 star
66%
4 star
19%
3 star
10%
2 star
5%
1 star
0%
See all reviews
My Father is happy there. The staff care for him and love him like he is family. I am assured he is cared for and safe. The therapists on staff provide services to him when it is needed. Staff let me know...
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 Amalia's Residence II
9.5
Review score
13 reviews
9.5
Review score
13 reviews
5 star
69%
4 star
23%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
8%
See all reviews
Expensive but worth it. [name removed] and her staff provided excellent care to my husband who had severe dementia. The food was good. She fed my husband by hand.
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
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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%
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0%
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0%
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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
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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.
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%
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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.
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%
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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.
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, 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.
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, 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.
Photo of Sacred Heart Residential Care Facility II
5 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 $3,342 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Betteravia, CA with an average of $3,338 per month.

Assisted living costs in Santa Maria, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santa Maria, CA
$3,342/mo
$3,584/mo
$3,572/mo

Assisted living costs in Santa Maria, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santa Maria, CA
$3,342/mo
U.S. national average
$4,740/mo

Assisted living costs in Santa Maria, CA, vs. other senior living options

Assisted Living
$3,342/mo
$4,327/mo

Assisted living costs in Santa Maria, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$4,295/mo
Studio
$4,574/mo
1 Bedroom
$4,418/mo
2 Bedroom
$5,573/mo
Detached Cottage/Bungalow
$4,700/mo

Senior living costs in Santa Maria vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Santa Maria, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSanta Maria, CACaliforniaU.S.
Assisted Living$3,342/mo$4,503/mo$4,740/mo
Memory Care$4,327/mo$5,458/mo$5,004/mo
Independent Living$3,455/mo$4,697/mo$4,203/mo
Assisted Living
Santa Maria, CA:$3,342/mo
California:$4,503/mo
U.S.:$4,740/mo
Memory Care
Santa Maria, CA:$4,327/mo
California:$5,458/mo
U.S.:$5,004/mo
Independent Living
Santa Maria, CA:$3,455/mo
California:$4,697/mo
U.S.:$4,203/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Assisted living costs in Santa Maria, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly assisted living costs have shifted over the past five years in Santa Maria and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent quarterly averages of what seniors actually paid after moving into A Place for Mom partner communities.

Santa Maria, CACA stateNational

Assisted living cost trends in Santa Maria, CA

The table below shows how monthly assisted living costs in Santa Maria have changed in the last two years and how those changes compare with state and national trends. The figures represent averages of actual costs paid by seniors who moved into A Place for Mom partner communities in 2023 and 2024.

Cost comparison table showing 2023 and 2024 median costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column location: Location
Column cost2024: 2024 average cost
Column cost2023: 2023 average cost
Column percentChange: Percent change
Location2024 average cost2023 average costPercent change
Santa Maria, CA$4,419/mo$3,643/mo+21.3%
California$5,432/mo$5,145/mo+5.6%
National$5,202/mo$4,875/mo+6.7%
Santa Maria, CA
2024 average cost:$4,419/mo
2023 average cost:$3,643/mo
Percent change:+21.3%
California
2024 average cost:$5,432/mo
2023 average cost:$5,145/mo
Percent change:+5.6%
National
2024 average cost:$5,202/mo
2023 average cost:$4,875/mo
Percent change:+6.7%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

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 ...
Read more

The Oaks at Nipomo

4.9
If you can afford top quality care the oaks is a great facility. The staff is very responsive to the residents needs and the food is great. Having a physician that comes to the facility is so helpful for those that have difficulty with transportation. No one wants to move to assisted living and ...
Read more

Santa Maria Terrace

4.8
Santa Maria terrace was great. The only negative is the ambassadors tried their best as was a new. The staff were wonderful, welcoming and the facility was clean. Would still recommend.

Santa Maria review score based on 27 family reviews

9.2
Review score15 facilities27 reviewsWrite a review
This proprietary review score is based on 27 reviews of 15 Santa Maria assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.
The Santa Maria review score informs your search by letting you see at a glance how assisted living residents and family members rate assisted living in your area. Compare review scores in multiple locations to understand how overall satisfaction rates differ from city to city. Based on recent reviews, the maximum possible score is 10.Methodology: How we calculate our city review scores

Santa Maria review score compared against nearby cities

9.2
Santa Maria, CA15 facilities
9.2
Guadalupe, CA16 facilities
9.2
Woodlands, CA16 facilities

Review subcategories for Santa Maria 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 27 reviews of 15 Santa Maria assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Santa Maria 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.
Santa Maria, CA averageNational average
Cleanliness
3.8
4.1
Friendliness
4.0
4.2
Care services
3.4
3.8
Staff
3.8
4.0
Meals & dining
3.6
3.7
Activities
2.9
3.7
Value for cost*
3.5
3.7
0.01.02.03.04.05.0
*Learn more about cost details

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%
52.5%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
13.3%
33.8%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
60%
96.1%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
100%
97.6%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
46.7%
56.7%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
13.3%
30%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
73.3%
96.7%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
53.3%
47.6%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
73.3%
52.4%
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%
51.3%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
26.7%
32.5%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
53.3%
41.1%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
20%
13.7%
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%
27.2%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
26.7%
40.9%
No sugar
No sugar
20%
37.5%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
60%
36.2%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
6.7%
17.3%
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%
31.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
20%
42.3%
Room service
Room service
26.7%
36.7%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
20%
18%
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%
46.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
20%
31%
Community service programs
Community service programs
20%
30.4%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
26.7%
49.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
26.7%
49.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
53.3%
52.3%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
20%
41.3%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
26.7%
35.4%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
26.7%
38.1%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
26.7%
46.8%
Live performances
Live performances
26.7%
46.9%
Dances
Dances
26.7%
30.5%
Fitness center
Fitness center
6.7%
24.6%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
26.7%
46%
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 help ensure seniors reside in a safe environment and receive quality care. Learning about California assisted living regulations will help you understand how assisted living communities in Santa Maria protect seniors.
Learn about California assisted living regulationsDownload the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria, Santa Maria Terrace and The Oaks at Nipomo are the top-rated assisted living facilities near Santa Maria, California. See full list of communities.
There are 17 assisted living facilities near Santa Maria, California. See the full list.
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The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical, legal or financial advice or create a professional relationship between A Place for Mom and the reader. Always seek the advice of your health care provider, attorney or financial advisor with respect to any particular matter, and do not act or refrain from acting on the basis of anything you have read on this site. Links to third-party websites are only for the convenience of the reader; A Place for Mom does not endorse the contents of the third-party sites.
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