When you begin looking at care options for loved ones, the first challenge you will face is the financial implications of this move. In California, monthly care costs can be in excess of $5.000, and that's rising each year. You'll also need to think about what type of care you or your loved one needs, such as assisted living or memory care.
In this article, we'll aim to shed some light on the average cost of care in Riverside, California. We'll also discuss the cost of memory care vs assisted living and how to decide which one is right for you.
Both memory care and assisted living offer crucial forms of support for seniors, but they help different needs.
Assisted living is available for seniors who need help with their daily care. That might include personal support with:
Assisted living residents enjoy an independent life in a senior community, signing up for activities or enjoying some communal areas like lounges and dining spaces.
Memory care is slightly different because this is a care package for those with cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia. Memory care residents will receive specialist support to help navigate the different stages of dementia.
For those with mild conditions, that might be limited to support with tasks like medication management. For severe dementia, intensive support will include extra help, such as assistance with dining and joining group activities.
To get an accurate picture of assisted living costs, you need to understand what services and amenities are included in that package. In reality, this can depend on the community, including the number and type of amenities on offer, plus the location.
At Discovery Commons Raincross, typical assisted living services and amenities include:
To get a complete picture of what we offer, view our list of amenities here. In addition to the amenities, you'll also receive a care plan that will outline the assistance you need, such as help with dressing.
When shortlisting providers and comparing costs, always look at the small print to see which services are included and which are extras that come with additional fees. It will give you a better indication of communities that offer the best value for money.
At Discovery Commons Raincross, our memory care residents can enjoy the same wide range of amenities as the rest of our community.
The difference in terms of services is that you or your loved one will have more involved care. Dementia care expenses might include:
Since this is a more specialist type of care, you'll also get the help of dementia-trained staff who understand how to take a compassionate, person-centered approach to memory care.
Services and location will shape the actual price you see when researching communities for senior living in Riverside. Nevertheless, there is data about the average costs and how they differ between assisted living and memory care.
Assisted living costs tend to be cheaper than memory care, which is logical when you consider the specialist support a patient needs for cognitive conditions like Alzheimer's. According to reports, the US average for assisted living in 2025 is $55,090.
Memory care pricing is higher than this. It's also important to remember that memory care is more specific and involved, so there may be more variance in prices. However, the headline average for the US is $83,220.
Where you live also shapes what you pay. California's care options are higher than the average in America. This reflects the beautiful and sought-after location. Data suggests that California costs are around 14% higher than the US average.
You will have noticed that average costs for memory care in Riverside are significantly higher than those for assisted living, which is due to the higher level of specialized support. What you'll also find is that care prices go up over time as the disease progresses and support intensifies.
Care teams will need specialist training to deal with some of the challenges that come with this type of support, like knowing how to handle and calm patients with behavioral issues like anger and confusion.
It's vital when budgeting for a memory care community that you look at the long-term costs in addition to the initial costs. You may also want to consult with your loved one's doctor to get a better understanding of the severity of the diagnosis and how rapidly it is progressing.
When you begin searching for memory care or assisted living in Riverside, you'll need to compare costs. What you need to focus on is value for money, and there are some helpful questions you can ask during your search to establish which option is the most affordable. Here are some suggestions:
If you get a price and you aren't sure what it covers, don't be afraid to ask. A professional senior living team will be happy to explain their pricing model.
When searching for information on the cost of memory care vs. assisted living, never forget the importance of reading past the headline figure. While you may find prices above or below the average, they may not all have the same services and amenities included.
Discovery Commons Raincross, Riverside, CA, is the dream destination for many retirees.
We've prioritized comfort, style, cutting-edge technology, and generous amenities, offering the perfect setup for residents, whether they need daily assistance or more professional memory care support. Schedule a tour today to see our fantastic environment for yourself.