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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9 Best Nursing Homes in Santa Maria, CA

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Santa Maria 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 9 nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities in Santa Maria, the best fit for your loved one will depend on their budget and needs. The cost of nursing home care in Santa Maria is about $4,327, but costs tend to increase as care needs increase. To learn more, browse our 93 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 Bicknell, Vandenberg Village and Mission Hills.

Nursing Homes Facilities near Santa Maria, CA

Showing 6 communities
Last Updated: 11/20/25
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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 Villa Maria Care Ctr
Provides: Nursing Homes
Care types provided by this community
Nursing Homes: Nursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.
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 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.
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Cost of nursing homes in Santa Maria, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Maria is $4,327 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Orcutt, CA with an average of $4,311 per month.

Nursing homes costs in Santa Maria, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santa Maria, CA
$4,327/mo
$4,525/mo
$4,590/mo

Nursing homes costs in Santa Maria, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santa Maria, CA
$4,327/mo
U.S. national average
$5,004/mo

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

$4,327/mo
Nursing Homes
$4,327/mo

Nursing homes 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 4 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.
Nursing Homes$4,327/mo$5,460/mo$5,004/mo
Assisted Living$3,342/mo$4,504/mo$4,740/mo
Memory Care$4,327/mo$5,460/mo$5,004/mo
Independent Living$3,455/mo$4,699/mo$4,203/mo
Nursing Homes
Santa Maria, CA:$4,327/mo
California:$5,460/mo
U.S.:$5,004/mo
Assisted Living
Santa Maria, CA:$3,342/mo
California:$4,504/mo
U.S.:$4,740/mo
Memory Care
Santa Maria, CA:$4,327/mo
California:$5,460/mo
U.S.:$5,004/mo
Independent Living
Santa Maria, CA:$3,455/mo
California:$4,699/mo
U.S.:$4,203/mo
Table showing 5 of 4 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 4 items. Click to show less.

Nursing homes costs in Santa Maria, CA, over time

The line graph below shows how monthly nursing homes 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

Nursing homes cost trends in Santa Maria, CA

The table below shows how monthly nursing homes 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$4,579/mo$3,840/mo+19.2%
California$5,669/mo$5,368/mo+5.6%
National$5,469/mo$5,121/mo+6.8%
Santa Maria, CA
2024 average cost:$4,579/mo
2023 average cost:$3,840/mo
Percent change:+19.2%
California
2024 average cost:$5,669/mo
2023 average cost:$5,368/mo
Percent change:+5.6%
National
2024 average cost:$5,469/mo
2023 average cost:$5,121/mo
Percent change:+6.8%
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

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 Maria

Recent reviews for nursing homes in Santa Maria

Fountain Square of Lompoc

4.0
The employees are very friendly and caring to be good. I don't see too many activities and I've seen multiple patients wandering around with no shoes. There were other patients sitting in their own urine while eating lunch. We did tell an employee, but they didn't do anything. I'm not sure if ...
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 nursing homes services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Maria nursing homes 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 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 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
66.7%
2.5%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
16.7%
9.8%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
83.3%
23.5%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
83.3%
23.9%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
66.7%
10%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
33.3%
0.8%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
83.3%
20.3%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
33.3%
7%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
66.7%
17.5%
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 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 Maria Nursing Homes partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
66.7%
4%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
66.7%
0.2%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
66.7%
5.5%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
50%
1.3%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Maria 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 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
33.3%
0.6%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
66.7%
1.4%
No sugar
No sugar
50%
1.4%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
66.7%
3.6%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Maria 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 Maria communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Maria, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
50%
0.2%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
50%
0.5%
Room service
Room service
66.7%
0.4%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
50%
0.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Maria 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 Maria offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Maria, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
66.7%
0.4%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
50%
0.3%
Community service programs
Community service programs
50%
0.3%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
66.7%
6.5%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
66.7%
0.4%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
66.7%
6.7%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
50%
0.4%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
66.7%
0.3%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
66.7%
0.3%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
66.7%
0.4%
Live performances
Live performances
66.7%
0.4%
Dances
Dances
66.7%
0.2%
Fitness center
Fitness center
16.7%
0.3%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
66.7%
0.4%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Frequently Asked Questions

Merrill Gardens at Santa Maria, Santa Maria Terrace and The Oaks at Nipomo are the top-rated nursing homes facilities near Santa Maria, California. See full list of communities.
There are 9 nursing homes facilities near Santa Maria, California. See the full list.
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More questions?

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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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