10 Best Nursing Homes in Riverside, CA
In Riverside, California, nursing homes offer care to seniors who need specialized nursing care and live-in, short- or long-term medical support. For many, the term nursing home is a catchall for a variety of senior care types. However, skilled nursing facilities specifically provide round-the-clock medical care, assist in recoveries from surgeries or major injuries, and can provide hospice care to those reaching the end of life.
While skilled nursing may be the best fit for seniors in need of 24/7 medical oversight or skilled nursing services, assisted living and memory care communities may be a better fit for seniors only in need of personal care.
Finding a senior care community in Riverside for your loved one’s unique needs, preferences, and lifestyle can feel daunting. Nestled in California’s Inland Empire region, Riverside offers a bustling community with arts and culture. This comprehensive guide offers a glimpse into A Place for Mom’s memory care and assisted living partner communities. With the average monthly costs of assisted living and memory care communities in Riverside at just over $4,900, it can be helpful to explore the ways to pay outlined in this guide. You can also learn what local senior care communities have to offer and how the State of California regulates them.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Riverside, CA
The forge of life in my uncle’s spirit is reignited being in the nexus of quality care, operated by a professional staff, at Sunrise at Canyon Crest (SaCC). With quality care at the center of the nexus, it...
What I like the most about Citrus Place is the local, riverside native and I would recommend this community to other families .
The staff is friendly helpful and professional and based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend Raincross at Riverside to other families.
I have been a resident here for over a year now. I couldn't be happier with the care and attention. I absolutely love the meals and activities. Grateful for the warm and welcoming environment.
Very warm from the first day. They really helped me find solutions from testing my mom to getting her to the facility. They had many events that we could participate with my mom in. They really cared for...
The looks of the property looks nice inside and out. Much of the staff are very nice. I really enjoy the exercise classes and the arts and crafts. Dining can improve need more staff in the kitchen and on the...
I understand [community removed] is under new ownership and most of the staff that was there when we were there has left. But during her time there, my mom LOVED all of the staff members! There were many...
The staff of The Gardens of Riverside are friendly & caring. I wish there were a higher ratio of caregivers to residents. The caregivers are unable to promptly attend to every residents' needs. Often I had...
This is a safe and comfortable place to live. The interactions with everyone is great. The staff is quick to respond to any concerns of mine. The food is a little on the weak side of the scale;...
Perhaps a little understaffed, as respond times when requested can be a little long for an elderly person. Price was amazing, so if more staff was hired, price would certainly go up. Mom is very happy there...
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They are really good. They spoiled my mother-in-law over there with constant attention. It was great.
She's only been there for a week and few days so we'll see how it goes. So far it's good for what she needs. There are a lot of caregivers there so if something does happen there is someone there to help her
[Removed] and the staff are all very nice and take very good care of my dad. The place is not fancy but it's clean and the price was just right for our budget. We are very pleased!
Our methodology
How we rank order the Riverside community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Riverside 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 nursing homes in the Riverside area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Riverside
- How people pay for a nursing home in Riverside
- Understand California laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Riverside
- Riverside nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Riverside? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Riverside area
For those needing the 24/7 medical oversight that skilled nursing care provides, it’s important to look at the costs of nursing home facilities in California. In 2021, the median monthly cost of a nursing home facility was $9,794 for a semi-private room and $12,167 for a private room.[02]
These monthly fees typically cover the following types of services:
- A private or semi-private room
- Dining and snacks
- Skilled nursing care, like diabetic, wound, and IV care
- Catheter and colostomy care
- Incontinence care and support, like pelvic floor therapy
- Health and chronic condition education
- Rehabilitation support after a surgery or serious illness
- Stroke-specific rehabilitation
- Various therapies, like cardiac, speech, physical, and occupational therapies
- Medication management
- Support with learning to use a prosthetic
If your loved one doesn’t require round-the-clock medical care, an assisted living community or memory care community may be a better fit for their unique needs. The average monthly cost of assisted living in Riverside is approximately $4,500, while the average monthly cost of a memory care community in Riverside is about $5,100, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data on our partner communities.[01] This figure represents actual costs, including opted-in services like parking or pet care, that families have paid to our partner communities in Riverside.
This monthly cost at our assisted living or memory care partners generally includes the following:
- A housing unit within the community
- Meals and snacks
- Housekeeping, landscaping, and maintenance
- Support with activities of daily living
- Social activities and events
- Transportation
- Some nursing care services to current residents
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Riverside, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Riverside, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Riverside vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Riverside, CA by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Riverside over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Riverside
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Riverside
Raincross at Riverside
Oakmont of Chino Hills
Aqua Ridge of Montclair
How people pay for a nursing home in Riverside
Seniors and their families may pay for senior care expenses through public pay options, private pay options, or a combination of the two.
It’s common for senior living residents to pay out of pocket with private resources when first moving into a senior care community. Private pay options may include funds from savings accounts, pensions, investment accounts, and more. Discover even more private pay options below.
Approximate number of veterans in Riverside County as of 2021
About 33% of the veterans in Riverside County served in the Vietnam or Korean Wars, or World War II
Benefits counseling to the most support
For those who’ve served in the U.S. Armed Forces, there are a wide range of benefits available. But navigating those benefits, understanding what you qualify for, and submitting a successful application can be complex. That’s why A Place for Mom encourages veterans to connect with veterans benefits counselors to ensure you understand the options available to you.
Many local veteran services organizations (or VSOs), such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion, often provide additional support with VA benefit applications as part of their community outreach initiatives. Reach out to any of the experts listed in our resources section below for guidance on VA benefits for veterans in Riverside.
Private senior care for veterans in Riverside
For those who prefer to live in a private nursing home or assisted living facility, they may choose to pursue VA benefits that help pay for the costs of long-term care. Some disability benefits through the VA may help Riverside veterans pay for qualified medical care expenses. These monthly benefits may also be used at the beneficiary’s discretion for things that support their overall quality of life.
Perhaps the most generous benefit is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which many veterans, veteran spouses, and surviving spouses may unknowingly qualify for through the VA. This benefit is generally added to an existing VA Pension. It can be put toward long-term senior care expenses, such as room and board at an assisted living community or memory care community.
Public nursing homes for veterans in Riverside
If your loved one is a veteran and requires skilled nursing, they may qualify for a VA community living center — more commonly referred to as a VA nursing home — or one of California’s six state veterans homes that offer skilled nursing. There can be benefits to these homes, such as added comradery and a sense of belonging, when a veteran lives among other veterans.
California-specific support for veterans
California’s veterans and their families may find it challenging to navigate VA resources alone. The State of California’s CalVet Veterans Services can provide support and guidance with VA benefits. They also offer a Veteran Benefit Enhancement program for veterans currently eligible for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program.
CalVet can be reached by calling 1-800-952-5626 or submitting a CalVet email contact form.
Resources for Riverside veterans
VA Benefit Office at Camp Pendleton
Bldg H-49 Santa Margerita Road
Camp Pendleton, CA 92055
Phone: 800-827-1233
Los Angeles VA Regional Benefit Office
11000 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone: 800-827-1233
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 184
Meeting location: 3091 Esperanza St.
Riverside, CA 92504
Phone: 951-312-9118
VFW Post 9223 Arlington Post
Meeting location: 10303 Arlington Ave
Riverside, CA 92505
Phone: 951-688-7170
In California, Medicaid is referred to as Medi-Cal. As a joint state and federal program, Medi-Cal provides health insurance to eligible low-income Californians. It can also help eligible seniors pay for long-term care services.
For seniors who need skilled nursing care, Long-Term Care Medi-Cal can potentially pay for all or portion of the care and services received in a nursing home, if eligibility requirements are met. The following services are generally covered through this program:[04]
- Prescription drugs
- Preventive care and services, including office visits
- Primary care, specialty care, and hospitalizations
- Nursing home care
Riverside Medicaid for assisted living
For those who would be a better fit for assisted living, Medi-Cal offers the Assisted Living Waiver (ALW), which can help pay for the cost of care services related to assisted living. Some assisted living communities have memory care wings within their building, which may be an option for seniors who have memory loss issues.
This Medi-Cal program is limited to qualifying individuals who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. It’s important to understand that this program can offset some expenses associated with care services in an assisted living facility, but it cannot pay for room and board in an assisted living facility.
Support for Medicaid and senior care
If your loved one is interested in applying for Medicaid to utilize the above programs, they can apply through the following methods:
- By mail with the Medi-Cal single streamlined application
- In-person at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services
- Online at the Covered California website
However, it can be challenging to navigate Medi-Cal without the help of an expert. The Riverside County Office on Aging (OOA) acts as the local Area Agency on Aging for the Riverside area. As part of their mission, the staff at this office assists Riverside seniors with Medi-Cal by connecting them to local informational resources and programs.
The Riverside County long-term care ombudsman program also helps older adults access Medi-Cal benefits. This office advocates for a senior’s rights in California’s senior care communities, explaining benefits that may be available to them, and helping them access residential care in the area.
Riverside resident Medicaid resources
Riverside County Office on Aging (OOA)
7894 Mission Grove Pkwy. S
Riverside, CA 92508
877-932-4100
Note: Office visits are by appointment only. Call to schedule.
Riverside County long-term care ombudsman program
2280 Market St.
Suite 140
Riverside, CA 92501
833-772-6624
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for eligible Californians who are at least 65 years old. This program may cover short-term rehabilitative care or skilled nursing services, but it’s not a long-term payment solution for those who need nursing home care indefinitely.
For those who need assisted living or memory care, Medicare may cover certain health care service costs. Here are some of the care service costs that may be covered through Medicare in our partner senior care communities:[05]
- Home health care services
- Rehabilitative services
- Hospice care
- Doctor’s appointments
- Prescription medications
- Selected vaccines
- Outpatient care
- Medical supplies
- Preventative care services
It’s important to understand that while Medicare may cover certain health care costs, it does not cover custodial costs — like room and board — for assisted living or memory care.
Medicare resources for California’s seniors
California’s Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible older adults pay for the following:
- Deductibles
- Copayments
- Medicare premiums
Riverside seniors interested in this program can use the BenefitsCal online portal to apply.
There are also local offices where Riverside seniors can receive Medicare assistance. Such offices include Riverside’s Social Security Administration (SSA) office and the Riverside County’s long-term care ombudsman program.
California’s Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) also offers support to older adults when it comes to Medicare and applying for benefits. The contact information for these Riverside offices can be found in the resources section below.
Riverside resident Medicare resources
Riverside County long-term care ombudsman program
2280 Market St.
Suite 140
Riverside, CA 92501
833-772-6624
Understand California laws and regulations for nursing homes
In California, nursing homes are licensed by the state. However, nursing homes can also be regulated by the federal government.
State regulations in California
Skilled nursing home facilities in California are licensed by the California Department of Public Health (or CDPH). Facilities licensed under the CDPH have to follow California’s regulations for health care facilities, which includes skilled nursing facilities.
You can use the Cal Health Find Database to learn more about the licensed skilled nursing facilities in Riverside and the surrounding areas. There may be publicly available information on each skilled nursing facility listings in their database.
To use this database, you’ll need to do the following:
- First, enter the facility name into the “Facility Name” box.
- Then, check mark the box “Skilled Nursing Facility” on the “Facility Types” drop down menu.
- Finally, click on the green “Search” button to proceed with your search.
Sometimes skilled nursing care may be provided in senior communities, like continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), assisted living communities, or memory care communities. When these residential senior care facilities provide skilled nursing care, they’re usually monitored and licensed by the California Department of Social Services (or CDSS).
These care communities are typically subject to California’s Residential Regulations, which can require them to do the following:
- Limit the number of residents per unit
- Maintain appropriate privacy in bathrooms
- Provide a clean and safe environment
- Offer social and leisure activities
Prior to selecting a community, you may want to review inspection reports. The CDSS inspects communities on a regular basis. Inspection reports for licensed communities can be found through the CDSS Care Facility Search. To use this search function, you’ll need to do the following steps:
- First, scroll down to “Search By Facility Group.”
- Then, select “Elderly Assisted Living.”
- Finally, add in specifics about the community you are looking for in this search.
It’s important to note that you may need to conduct multiple searches through this database to view more than one prospective community of interest.
Federal regulations
The federal government has been regulating nursing homes since 1935, and continues to regulate them today.[06] Specifically, the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 plays a major role in how the federal government interacts with nursing homes that participate in Medicare and Medicaid.[07]
Nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid typically receive federal funds, which opens the door for them to be subject to federal government oversight. The federal government regulates nursing homes for many reasons, including the following:
- Detecting Medicare and Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse
- Preserving the quality of care for nursing home residents
- Ensuring safety and cleanliness protocols are met
It’s important to recognize that federal guidelines apply to nursing homes in ways that they don’t apply to other types of senior care communities.
California Department of Health contact information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95899
Phone: 916-558-1784
COVID-19 regulations for Riverside nursing homes
Even though California’s COVID State of Emergency is over, the state government still provides COVID-19 best practice recommendations. These can utilized by residents in nursing homes and their visitors for personal use. However, these recommendations are not necessarily enforced at nursing homes in Riverside. It’s important to ask prospective nursing homes about their individual COVID-19 policies and best practices.
What to expect from nursing homes in Riverside
Nursing homes, assisted living communities, and memory care communities in Riverside offer valuable support to help older adults maintain their quality of life. Our partner senior care facilities, specifically, offer personal care services to address unique care needs. Read on to learn how senior care facilities differ in Riverside.
Riverside nursing homes
Riverside nursing skilled nursing facilities offer round-the-clock medical care and supervision for those requiring extensive medical support. These facilities typically offer the following care, services, and amenities:
- Skilled nursing care, including rehabilitation, hospice, and treatment for chronic conditions
- Meals and dietary counseling
- Therapies, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology
- On-site specialized medical equipment, such as a Hoyer lift
- Socialization opportunities
- Spaces that support people with limited mobility or those with a high fall risk
This type of care may be a good fit if your loved one needs medical care and supervision 24/7. However, A Place for Mom does not partner with nursing homes or refer older adults to skilled nursing homes.
If your loved one does not need the high level of medical care offered in a nursing home, they may find the right fit in an assisted living or memory care community in Riverside. A Place for Mom can connect you with our partner communities that offer assisted living or memory care in Riverside.
Assisted living options in Riverside
Assisted living communities and residential care homes offer personal support to adults who do not need the extensive 24/7 medical care of a nursing home. Our partner senior care communities offer assistance with activities of daily living or memory loss challenges. They also offer a variety of socialization opportunities and convenient services.
These communities typically offer the following activities to promote engagement and socialization:[01]
- Fitness programs, such as chair aerobics, stretching classes, or yoga
- Social celebrations, which may include happy hours, birthday parties, and holiday celebrations
- Cultural and devotional services, such as visiting clergy or religious services
You can also find common on-site amenities, such as:[01]
- Spaces dedicated to wellness, socialization, and fitness
- Libraries and movie rooms
- Clean and accessible common areas
- Outdoor spaces, which may be secured for memory care
The valuable personal care services offered in our partner care communities may include:[01]
- Meal preparation and snacks
- Personal care
- Housekeeping, maintenance, and landscaping
- Transportation
- Laundry or linen services
Some of these communities in the Riverside area may also be considered religious communities, which means they may focus on fostering a specific religious culture among residents. This can be a good fit for seniors who prioritize spirituality.
Memory care in Riverside
While memory care units and communities in Riverside offer many of the same things as assisted living communities, they also provide specialized dementia care support. These units or communities may offer some or all of the following specialized features:
- Staff members specially trained in memory care
- Secured environment
- Clear way-finding signs
- Calming interior design elements
- Unique programming for people with dementia, such as therapy dolls or yoga classes for people with Alzheimer’s disease
Riverside nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Riverside nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Riverside nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Riverside nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Riverside nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Riverside nursing homes
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Unfamiliar with Riverside? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Riverside
Riverside and the surrounding areas offer access to a number of medical providers, hospitals, and more in this region of California. Below are some well-respected providers in or close to Riverside for seniors.
Kaiser Permanente Fontana and Ontario Medical Centers
As a part of the Kaiser Permanente family, this highly ranked medical provider offers specialty services. The cardiac care at this location may be particularly beneficial for older adults.
Loma Linda University Medical Center
As a faith-based teaching hospital, Loma Linda University Medical center provides highly ranked care for mature adults in the region. This location features important care for seniors, such as cancer care, neurology, and behavioral health.
As one of the region’s distinguished medical care providers, Eisenhower Medical Center, also referred to as Eisenhower Health, is known for offering care in fields that support seniors’ health. It’s commonly known for its work in cancer, stroke, and diabetes care.
Transportation for seniors in Riverside
Riverside is a town that usually requires a vehicle to get around. And conveniently, most of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer transportation options to residents. These transportation options may be included in monthly fees at a community or may be an add-on fee. Typically, transportation services at a community can help residents attend important medical appointments, shop at a local grocer, religious services at your loved one’s place of worship, and more. However, this type of transportation may not be a direct route to your loved one’s destination. Other residents may need to be dropped at other locations, which may add in travel time for your loved one.
If this is a vital service for your loved one, you should ask prospective communities for information on how their individual transportation service works. You may feel more comfortable having your loved one ride on transportation provided by their community, especially if they have memory issues or a dementia diagnosis.
There are also public transportation options in the area geared toward seniors, which are outlined below. If your loved one has memory challenges, they may need a family member, friend, or caregiver to escort them.
Riverside Connect
Riverside Connect’s Special Transportation Division assists people 60+ and people with disabilities when it comes to traveling within the city limits. It’s important to note that advance reservations are required to use this service. It’s strongly suggested that your loved one schedule their ride at least two days in advance by calling Riverside Connect at 951-687-8080.
If your loved one needs an escort, you’ll want to understand how Riverside Connect prices a companion’s fare. Older adults who are considered to be ADA-certified passengers may bring a personal care attendant with them at no charge. However, non-ADA certified passengers may be charged a small fee for a companion to join them on a ride.
Riverside’s Dial-A-Ride
An alternative to Riverside Connect is Dial-A-Ride, a transportation program for seniors and people with disabilities. Like Riverside Connect, this program is also an advanced reservation transportation service. Priority may be given to people who are certified under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Dial-A-Ride is part of the Riverside Transit Agency, which means that service is limited to areas within three-quarters of a mile of an RTA fixed route.
If your loved one is interested in using Dial-A-Ride, they should call 800-795-7887 to reserve a ride spot. If your loved one uses TTY, they can dial 800-369-3610 instead.
Senior activities in Riverside
Nestled in the arts and culture region of the Inland Empire, Riverside offers a large variety of things to do for older adults and visiting family members. Below you’ll see a variety of activities we highlighted for seniors in the area. More can be discovered by visiting the Visit California — Riverside website.
Outdoor activities
Nature can be incredibly peaceful for seniors and their loved ones. California also offers a robust number of state parks in Riverside County that may be of interest to seniors and their families. For instance, family members can escort seniors for a stroll through the nearby California Citrus State Historic Park or the University of California Riverside (UCR) Botanic Gardens.
Activities for art enthusiasts
Exploring the arts can be powerful at any age. Riverside offers the following places to visit that may offer senior discounts and accessibility features:
- The Fox Performing Arts Center
- The Culver Center of the Arts
- The Riverside Art Museum
- The UCR California Museum of Photography
If your loved one has specific accessibility needs, you should consider reaching out to attractions prior to your arrival. They may be able to provide accommodations for your loved one’s unique needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Villas At San Bernardino, Sunrise of Canyon Crest and Merrill Gardens at Rancho Cucamonga are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Riverside, CA. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Riverside is $4,379 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). American community survey: Riverside County. [Data set].
Department of Public Social Services. Long term care.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. What’s Medicare?
Institute of Medicine Committee on Nursing Home Regulation. (1986). Improving the quality of care in nursing homes. National Academies Press.
Morford, T. G. (1988). Nursing home regulation: History and expectations. Health Care Financing Review.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. National Centers for Environmental Information. (1991-2020). U.S. climate normals.
California Department of Aging. Facts about California’s elderly.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals in Riverside-San Bernardino, CA.
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