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.

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge | Oakland, CA | Photos & Videos

Overview of Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Found in Oakland, California, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge stands out as a vibrant and thoughtfully designed community. Owned by a family company, it offers both independent senior living and memory care services, excelling particularly in providing top-notch assisted living facilities. Residents can trust in the commitment to premier care, ensuring privacy, security, and exceptional support services.
This community goes beyond the basics, featuring a variety of amenities for a well-rounded lifestyle. From cozy studio to one-bedroom units with kitchenettes and private balconies, Merrill Gardens at Rockridge caters to diverse preferences. The community spaces include a movie theater, living areas, game room, landscaped courtyard, library, computer room, and fitness center. With a calendar brimming with activities and proximity to cafes, restaurants, antique shops, and bookstores, residents can enjoy both convenience and an engaging social environment. The addition of a concierge further enhances the overall experience, providing a seamless living experience for those seeking various assisted living levels of care.

(510) 285-9382

Capacity and availability

Medium-capacity home

Offers a balance of services and community atmosphere.

Total beds 150

This home usually has limited availability

Occupancy is moderate, suggesting balanced demand.

89.3%

150-bed community

A larger shared setting that may offer more common spaces and organized community services.

6 years in operation

An established community with some operational experience and growing routines.

Walk Score: 96 / 100

Walker's paradise. Daily errands do not require a car, with many shops and services nearby.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

89%

23% higher than California average

California average: 73%

Occupied beds

134 / 150

Average residents 87 per day

License details

Facility type

Residential Care Elderly

Status

Licensed

Issuance January 23, 2020

County: ALAMEDA

Ownership & operating entity

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge is legally operated by SHI-III MG ROCKRIDGE GP LLC;MERRILL GARDENS LLC.

Breakdown by visit type

15 total complaint visits

California average

13 total complaint visits

7 other visits

Show Inspection Reports

11 complaint investigations

Investigations can have many visits.

California average: 10 complaint investigations

5 official inspections

California average: 4 official inspections

11 total citations

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

California average: 10 citations

3 serious citations

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

California average: 3 serious citations

8 moderate citations

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

California average: 4 moderate citations

Compare Assisted Living around Oakland

Coterie Cathedral Hill

San Francisco (Cathedral Hill)

260

A+

78.8%

VAN NESS OPCO TENANT LLC; ATRIA MANAGEMENT COMPANY

Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Oakland (Shafter)

150

89.3%

SHI-III MG ROCKRIDGE GP LLC;MERRILL GARDENS LLC

Merced Residential Care III

CA 94112 (Oceanview)

100.0%

HAFCO, INC.

Studio

Merced Residential Care II

San Francisco (Oceanview)

66.7%

HAFCO, INC.

Studio

Buena Vista Terrace

San Francisco (Buena Vista)

Studio / 1 Bed

Coterie Cathedral Hill

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: San Francisco (Cathedral Hill)

Bed Count: 260

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Oakland (Shafter)

Bed Count: 150

Merced Residential Care III

Type of care: AL MC

Community: CA 94112 (Oceanview)

Bed Count: 14

Bed Options: Studio

Merced Residential Care II

Type of care: AL MC

Community: San Francisco (Oceanview)

Bed Count: 6

Bed Options: Studio

Buena Vista Terrace

Type of care: AL

Community: San Francisco (Buena Vista)

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed

5238 Coronado Ave, Oakland, CA 94618

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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.

Merrill Gardens at Rockridge