What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview: Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement. Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay. Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation. Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program. State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options. Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.

How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up.

What services do you offer?

Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities Finding and ranking the best nursing homes Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research Senior-focused concierge medicine Senior-focused nutritionist Senior-focused personal training Memory care specialists Custom wheelchairs at all price points. Custom hearing aids Cosmetic skincare + dermatology Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat. Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.

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Covenant Living at the Samarkand | Santa Barbara, CA | Photos & Videos

Overview of Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Covenant Living at the Samarkand is a senior living community that mainly provides services for residential living, assisted living, and skilled nursing seniors. The senior living community is dedicated to empowering all residents to live on their terms. The resort-like community boasts a relaxing and calming experience for its residents because it allows them to choose a lifestyle that matches their needs independently.
The Covenant Senior Living lifestyle is all about convenience and individuality. Many of their amenities and services are designed to ensure that a resident’s needs are met and satisfied. These include a library, wellness center, courtyard, and garden, and an arts and crafts studio, while services include housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.

(805) 687-0701

Managed by Scott Bigler

Associate Executive Director

Scott Bigler joined Covenant Living at the Samarkand in 2018. Formerly the Healthcare Administrator with full responsibility for skilled nursing operations, he now serves as Associate Executive Director overseeing Dining Services, Resident Life, Facilities Management, Assisted Living, and the Wellness Clinic. Scott’s early experience caring for family members inspired his dedication to supporting seniors and those in need of stable living environments.

Capacity and availability

High-capacity home

May provide extensive amenities, services and programs.

Total beds 379

This home usually has limited availability

Occupancy is moderate, suggesting balanced demand.

85.2%

379-bed community

A large-scale community that may provide a wide range of amenities, services, and structured programs.

32 years in operation

A longer operating history, which may indicate experience navigating regulations and delivering ongoing care.

Walk Score: 50 / 100

Moderately walkable. Some errands can be accomplished on foot, with a mix of nearby amenities.

BBB Rating: A+ (Not Accredited)

An independent rating from the Better Business Bureau based on factors such as complaint history, transparency, and business practices.
How BBB ratings work

About this community

Occupancy Rate

85%

Occupied Beds

323 of 379

Percentage of available beds currently in use by residents.

License Status

LICENSED

Facility Type

RCFE-CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

License Date

April 6, 1993

Additional licensing details

License number: COA #052

County: SANTA BARBARA

RCFE Number: 421702848

Ownership & operating entity

Covenant Living at the Samarkand is legally operated by COVENANT LIVING WEST.

Safety & Compliance

Care Services

Nursing Services

Rehabilitation Services

Respite Care

Memory Care

Independent Living

Skilled Nursing

24-Hour Staffing

Additional Policies & Features

Minimum Age: 62

Amenities & Lifestyle

Fitness center

outdoor dining

wellness center

arts and crafts

social events

Programs & Activities

Specific Programs

Residential Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite Care, Skilled Nursing

Operating Hours

Residential Living: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Assisted Living: 24/7

Pricing & Financial Information

Breakdown by visit type

1 total complaint visit

Show Inspection Reports

1 complaint investigation

Investigations can have many visits.

5 official inspections

2 total citations

Citations indicate regulatory violations. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

2 serious citations

A violation that poses an immediate risk to resident health or safety, or represents a substantial failure to comply with licensing requirements.

0 moderate citations

A violation that does not pose an immediate risk to resident health or safety but requires correction to remain in compliance.

Latest inspection

Date:April 29, 2025

Type:Annual Inspection

2 deficiencies

Deficiencies indicate regulatory issues. A higher number implies the facility had several areas requiring improvement.

Inspection Report Summary for Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Most inspections found no deficiencies, with several annual visits confirming the facility was clean, safe, and compliant with infection control and safety standards. The most recent report from April 29, 2025, was generally positive, noting good repair and cleanliness, though the inspection was not fully completed and will continue later. In April 2022, the facility faced serious issues related to missing criminal background checks for several staff members and improper staff association, which posed immediate safety risks and resulted in civil penalties and a required correction plan. Since then, follow-up inspections have shown improvement, with no further deficiencies noted and complaint investigations, including one in December 2024 about falsified records, found unsubstantiated. Overall, the facility’s record shows resolution of past serious concerns and mostly clean inspections in recent years.

Compare Memory Care around Santa Barbara

Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Santa Barbara (Samarkand)

379

A+

COVENANT LIVING WEST

85.2%

+1%

Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

Santa Barbara (Hidden Valley)

266

Yes

A+

WALGENBACH, BRIAN & GILL, DOUG

75.6%

-11%

Villa Alamar

Santa Barbara (North State)

GL AND VL 2, LLC, GP OF G AND V 2 LP

60.5%

-29%

Abundant Care

Santa Barbara

TIMOTHY PRYKO & DANIEL BOND

100.0%

+18%

Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Type of care: AL

Community: Santa Barbara (Samarkand)

Bed Count: 379

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: COVENANT LIVING WEST

Occupancy: 85.2%

Occupancy vs State Avg:

+1%

Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Santa Barbara (Hidden Valley)

Bed Count: 266

Pets Allowed: Yes

Operator: WALGENBACH, BRIAN & GILL, DOUG

Occupancy: 75.6%

Occupancy vs State Avg:

-11%

Villa Alamar

Type of care: AL

Community: Santa Barbara (North State)

Bed Count: 43

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: GL AND VL 2, LLC, GP OF G AND V 2 LP

Occupancy: 60.5%

Occupancy vs State Avg:

-29%

Abundant Care

Type of care: AL

Community: Santa Barbara

Bed Count: 6

Pets Allowed: No

Operator: TIMOTHY PRYKO & DANIEL BOND

Occupancy: 100.0%

Occupancy vs State Avg:

+18%

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

2550 Treasure Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

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Guides for Better Senior Living

Care Cost Calculator: See Prices in Your Area

Nursing Home Data Explorer

Don’t Wait Too Long: 7 Red Flag Signs Your Parent Needs Assisted Living Now

The True Cost of Assisted Living in 2025 – And How Families Are Paying For It

Understanding Senior Living Costs: Pricing Models, Discounts & Financial Assistance

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

MSSP (Medi-Cal Waiver)

General: Age 65+, California resident, Medi-Cal eligible, nursing home risk.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual), $3,000 (couple).

CA Specifics: County-managed; waitlists possible.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

California IHSS

General: Age 65+, California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.

Income Limits: ~$1,732/month (individual, Medi-Cal threshold).

Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual).

CA Specifics: Can hire family as caregivers.

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

CA MSSP

General: Age 65+, California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.

Income Limits: ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual).

CA Specifics: Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.

Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)

CA PTP

General: Age 62+, California resident, own and live in home, 40% equity.

Income Limits (2025): ~$51,500/year (household, adjusted annually).

Asset Limits: Equity-based; no strict asset cap.

CA Specifics: Deferred taxes accrue interest (5% as of 2024); repaid upon sale/death.

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

CA ALW

General: Age 65+ or disabled, California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.

Income Limits: ~$2,829/month (300% FBR, individual).

Asset Limits: $2,000 (individual).

CA Specifics: Available in 15 counties (e.g., LA, Sacramento); waitlists common.

California CARES Program

CA CARES

General: Caregivers of California residents 60+ needing help with 3+ daily activities; no caregiver age limit.

Income Limits: No strict limit; cost-sharing above ~$2,500/month threshold.

Asset Limits: Not applicable; need-based.

CA Specifics: High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

CA LIHEAP

General: Age 60+ priority, California resident, low-income, utility/heating need.

Income Limits (2025): ~$2,510/month (200% of poverty level, individual).

Asset Limits: Not applicable; income-focused.

CA Specifics: High demand in inland/coastal extremes; weatherization capped at $5,000/home.

Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Managed by Scott Bigler

Capacity and availability

High-capacity home

This home usually has limited availability

About this community

Additional licensing details

Ownership & operating entity

Safety & Compliance

Care Services

Additional Policies & Features

Amenities & Lifestyle

Programs & Activities

Pricing & Financial Information

Inspection History

2 visits

Breakdown by visit type

1 complaint investigation

5 official inspections

2 total citations

2 serious citations

0 moderate citations

Latest inspection

2 deficiencies

Inspection Report Summary for Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Inspection Reports

Compare Memory Care around Santa Barbara

Living Spaces & Floor Plans

Studio 387 sq ft

Alcove 520 sq ft

1 Bedroom 588 sq ft

Studio 402 sq ft

Alcove 510 sq ft

1 Bedroom 885 sq ft

2 Bedroom 895 sq ft

2 Bedroom 1010 sq ft

2 Bedroom 1035 sq ft

2 Bedroom 920 sq ft

2 Bedroom 970 sq ft

1 Bedroom 600 sq ft

1 Bedroom 703 sq ft

1 Bedroom 700 sq ft

1 Bedroom 815 sq ft

Covenant Living at the Samarkand – Samarkand-communication-plan.pdf

Places of interest near Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Calculate Travel Distance to Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Guides for Better Senior Living

Eldertainment

Financial Aid for California Seniors

Multipurpose Senior Services Program

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

California CARES Program

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Contact Us

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Services

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