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 Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA

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Santa Cruz is home to many senior care options, including nursing homes. The term “nursing home” is often used as a catchall for any type of senior care. But it can also refer to actual nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, which provide the highest level of medical and rehabilitative care outside of a hospital. Of the 13 nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities in Santa Cruz, the best fit for your loved one will depend on their budget and needs. The cost of nursing home care in Santa Cruz is about $6,470, but costs tend to increase as care needs increase. To learn more, browse our 75 reviews and explore the services and amenities available in your area.

 

As you consider nursing homes near you, you may also want to expand your search to areas like You may also consider nearby communities such as San Lorenzo Park, Brookdale and Davenport.

Nursing Homes Facilities near Santa Cruz, CA

Showing 13 communities
Last Updated: 12/19/24
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Photo of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
1414 Photos available
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
8.9
Review score
33 reviews
5 star
58%
4 star
27%
3 star
3%
2 star
6%
1 star
6%
See all reviews
The facility is clean, attractive and in a nice location. Staff are bright, cheerful, friendly and helpful. Food is good and plentiful. The care my wife has received is outstanding, and she's happy. They...
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.
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a beautiful community located in the center of all the action. We are within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach and boardwalk. Our beautiful building has a charming personality—and a fascinating past—all its own. Sunshine Villa, A...
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Photo of Westwind Memory Care
66 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
40%
3 star
0%
2 star
0%
1 star
0%
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Caring staff. Good housekeeping. Sometimes communication could be better. Overall, I would recommend Westwind Memory Care to others.
Provides: Memory Care
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.
The Westwind Memory Care assisted living community is located in the gorgeous city of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California. This area is known for its natural beauty and its proximity to Monterey Bay. Seniors who love the water and all things nature will love the Santa Cruz atmosphere. The...
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Photo of Brookdale Scotts Valley
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.5
Review score
30 reviews
8.5
Review score
30 reviews
5 star
44%
4 star
33%
3 star
17%
2 star
3%
1 star
3%
See all reviews
Their price was better. I also had experience with [facility removed] and was not that happy with them. I would say they are good. My complaint is they're short staffed. Sometimes the call button would not...
Provides: Assisted Living, 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.
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.
Fewer Chores, More FunDo you want to experience a retirement rich in exciting events, activities and programs and free from the burden of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and yard work? If that sounds like something you want for your life, we have good news. Your dream retirement...
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Photo of Aegis of Aptos
1616 Photos available
5 star
0%
4 star
0%
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0%
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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.
Aegis of Aptos is one of the Santa Cruz areas newest assisted living communities. Located just minutes from beautiful Monterey Bay, Aegis provides high quality assisted living services in a specially designed environment. Innovative programs, and high staffing ratios enable us to provide the...
Photo of Paradise Villa
44 Photos available
5 star
0%
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0%
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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.
About the communityWelcome to Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our senior living community is pleasantly located in Santa Cruz, California, on 17th Avenue. We’re a dignified and affordable solution for families seeking assisted living care in the area. For over 40 years we’ve...
Photo of The Mansion
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Provides: Memory Care
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.
Photo of Dominican Oaks
7.0
Review score
1 review
7.0
Review score
1 review
5 star
0%
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0%
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0%
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0%
1 star
0%
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I've lived here for two years and I am very pleased with my life here. The community is very friendly and supportive. There are many activities offered here to keep our bodies and minds busy. Many of the...
Provides: Assisted Living, 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.
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.
5 star
0%
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0%
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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.
Capitola ManorCapitola Manor is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming assisted living community nestled within Santa Cruz, CA. The landscaped community has much to offer in the way of being a home away from home. Trees and shrubs surround the property, which gives way to a peaceful and quiet setting...
Photo of Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.
5 star
0%
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3 star
50%
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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.
Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc. is an assisted living community that is located in the town of Soquel, CA. Soquel is located in the Santa Cruz area. Living in Soquel you definitely get the small town feel but are still close enough to the big city lifestyle of the Santa Cruz...
Photo of Maple House
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.
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Photo of Live In Serenity
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.
The Chateau Guest Home is a quaint assisted living community located in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, CA. Santa Cruz is a beautiful seaside community with a lot of great amenities. It is also a tourist destination, making it an ideal location for an assisted living community, and that's why...
Photo of Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Association
Provides: Memory Care
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.
Photo of Valley Haven III
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.

Cost of nursing homes in Santa Cruz, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Cruz is $6,470 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include San Juan Bautista, CA with an average of $4,312 per month.

Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA vs. nearby cities

Santa Cruz, CA
$6,470/mo
$6,484/mo

Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA vs. the state and national average

Santa Cruz, CA
$6,470/mo
U.S. national average
$4,859/mo

Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz vs. other types of senior living

$6,470/mo
Nursing Homes
$6,470/mo

Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz, CA by room type

Semi-Private
$6,700/mo
Studio
$5,545/mo
1 Bedroom
$5,593/mo
2 Bedroom
$7,465/mo

Average cost of Nursing Homes in Santa Cruz over time

Santa Cruz, CACA stateNational

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about nursing homes in Santa Cruz

Recent reviews for nursing homes in Santa Cruz

Merrill Gardens at Campbell

4.6
When it comes to the activities - my understanding is that they do not have an activities director, and it shows. For over two months now. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families and we actual have a friend moving their loved one into ...
Read more

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community in Santa Cruz, CA

4.6
The facility is circular and beautifully Victorian surrounding a sunny lush garden courtyard. Setting is on a hill three blocks from the ocean. There is always a friendly receptionist close to the entrance to greet you and who always answers the phone when you call. Everyone one on the staff ...
Read more

Brookdale Scotts Valley

4.0
My dad likes the security that the facility offers. He knows he's in a safe environment that can scale with his needs. He likes have the meals available and brought to him if needed. He is still very independent and mobile so not a lot of car needed. Therefore, I don't have a lot of feedback.

Santa Cruz nursing homes services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Cruz nursing homes communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz nursing homes

Nursing homes communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of nursing homes partners in Santa Cruz that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Full medication management
Full medication management
50%
2.4%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
35.7%
9.4%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
85.7%
26.1%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
92.9%
26.6%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
42.9%
9.7%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
35.7%
0.8%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
85.7%
22.8%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
42.9%
6.9%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
57.1%
17.2%
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 Cruz nursing homes

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 Cruz Nursing Homes partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
42.9%
3.8%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
7.1%
0.2%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
50%
5.3%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
28.6%
1.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Cruz nursing homes

Nursing homes communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Cruz partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
14.3%
0.5%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
21.4%
1.4%
No sugar
No sugar
21.4%
1.4%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
42.9%
3.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Cruz nursing homes

Our nursing homes communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Cruz communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
14.3%
0.2%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
21.4%
0.5%
Room service
Room service
14.3%
0.4%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
21.4%
0.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Cruz nursing homes

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered nursing homes communities in Santa Cruz offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
28.6%
0.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
28.6%
0.2%
Community service programs
Community service programs
14.3%
0.3%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
35.7%
6.3%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
35.7%
0.4%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
35.7%
6.4%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
28.6%
0.4%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
14.3%
0.2%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
28.6%
0.3%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
35.7%
0.4%
Live performances
Live performances
35.7%
0.4%
Dances
Dances
21.4%
0.2%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
35.7%
0.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Belmont Village San Jose, Westmont of Morgan Hill and Atria Willow Glen are the top-rated nursing homes facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See full list of communities.

There are 13 nursing homes facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See the full list.

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More questions?

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