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.

The Sequoias Portola Valley | Independent Living in San Mateo County, CA

Overview of The Sequoias Portola Valley

The Sequoias Portola Valley is a well-regarded life plan community in Portola Valley, CA, that offers comprehensive care options, ranging from independent living to skilled nursing. Featuring beautifully designed and well-lit floor plans, the community ensures older adults experience its home-like atmosphere. Maintenance services, 24-hour security, and restaurant-style dining ensure residents have a maintenance-free retirement. The community’s wide range of care allows residents to age in place.

Creative activities, fun-filled excursions, and a variety of games provide residents with plenty of options to spend their days actively and happily. Residents can also lounge and interact with their surroundings with the community’s top-notch amenities, including the library, beauty salon, and gift shop. Set in the tree-lined neighborhood near public transportation in Portola Valley, the community guarantees accessibility and convenience. With several recognitions from esteemed partners, this life plan community is one of the best choices for senior living in California.

(650) 851-1501

Capacity and availability

High-capacity home

May provide extensive amenities, services and programs.

Total beds 328

328-bed community

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

Walk Score: 12 / 100

Car-dependent. Most errands require a car, with limited nearby walkable options.

About this community

Occupancy

Occupancy rate

79%

9% higher than California average

California average: 73%

Occupied beds

260 / 328

Average residents 87 per day

CountySan Mateo

The Sequoias Portola Valley is administrated by Suzanne Wasley-fairley.

What does this home offer?

Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

Housing Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Building Type: Single-story

Dining Services

Housekeeping Services

Social and Recreational Activities

Exercise Programs

Types of Care at The Sequoias Portola Valley

Skilled Nursing Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care

Breakdown by visit type

1 total complaint visit

California average

13 total complaint visits

7 other visits

Show Inspection Reports

Investigations can have many visits.

California average: 10 complaint investigations

California average: 4 official inspections

3 total citations

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

California average: 10 citations

1 serious citation

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

2 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 Independent Living around San Mateo County

Filter by care type


The Sequoias Portola Valley	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk. NH Nursing Home Licensed facility providing 24/7 skilled nursing care for residents with complex, ongoing medical needs. Staffed by RNs, LPNs, and CNAs. Inspected and star-rated annually by CMS. Accepts Medicare (short-term rehab) and Medicaid (long-term care).	Portola Valley (Portola Road)	328	Yes	12	3	1	1	79.3%	-	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
The Trousdale	AL Assisted Living A licensed, long-term care setting for seniors or individuals with disabilities who need help with daily activities — like bathing, dressing, and medication management — but not 24-hour skilled nursing. Offers housing, meals, and around-the-clock support while aiming to maximize resident independence. IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support. MC Memory Care Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Staff trained in cognitive impairment, with higher staff-to-resident ratios and an environment designed to reduce confusion and wandering risk.	Burlingame (Mills Estates)	140	Yes	85	4	7	10	75.0%	-	Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	San Mateo (East San Mateo)	-	No	36	0	0	0	-	-	1 Bed
Lesley Towers	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	San Mateo (Downtown)	-	No	96	0	0	0	-	-	Studio / 1 Bed
Versailles Senior Condominium Community	IL Independent Living Lifestyle-focused communities for older adults offering dining, activities, and transportation with minimal personal care. Best for active, independent seniors who want community without medical support.	San Mateo (Central San Mateo)	-	No	96	0	0	0	-	-	2 Bed

The Sequoias Portola Valley

Type of care: AL IL MC NH

Community: Portola Valley (Portola Road)

Bed Count: 328

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

The Trousdale

Type of care: AL IL MC

Community: Burlingame (Mills Estates)

Bed Count: 140

Pets Allowed: Yes

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed

Edgewater Isle Senior Apartments

Type of care: IL

Community: San Mateo (East San Mateo)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: 1 Bed

Lesley Towers

Type of care: IL

Community: San Mateo (Downtown)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: Studio / 1 Bed

Versailles Senior Condominium Community

Type of care: IL

Community: San Mateo (Central San Mateo)

Pets Allowed: No

Bed Options: 2 Bed

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Multipurpose Senior Services Program

MSSP (Medi-Cal Waiver)

Age 65+

General 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).

County-managed; waitlists possible.

Benefits

In-home support (4-6 hours/day) Respite care (14 days/year) Meals (~$6/meal) Transportation (8 trips/month) Care management

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

California IHSS

Age 65+

General California resident, Medicaid-eligible or low-income.

Income Limits ~$1,732/month individual, Medi-Cal threshold

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

Can hire family as caregivers.

Benefits

Personal care (up to 283 hours/month) Homemaker services Respite (varies)

Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP)

CA MSSP

Age 65+

General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible but community-capable.

Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

Available in 38 counties; waitlists common.

Benefits

Case management Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Minor home mods (avg. $500) Adult day care (~$50/day)

Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP)

CA PTP

Age 62+

General 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.

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

Benefits

Property tax deferral (avg. $1,000-$3,000/year, varies by county)

Assisted Living Waiver (ALW)

CA ALW

Age 65+ or disabled

General California resident, Medi-Cal-eligible, nursing home-eligible.

Income Limits ~$2,829/month 300% FBR, individual

Asset Limits $2,000 individual

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

Benefits

Personal care in ALFs (5-7 hours/day) Medication management Social services

California CARES Program

CA CARES

Age —

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.

High demand in urban areas; complements IHSS respite.

Benefits

Respite care (up to 10 days/year) Counseling (4-6 sessions/year) Training (2-3 workshops/year) Supplies (~$200/year)

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

CA LIHEAP

Age 60+ priority

General California resident, low-income, utility/heating need.

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

Asset Limits Not applicable; income-focused.

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

Benefits

Utility payments (avg. $500-$1,000/year) Weatherization (e.g., insulation, avg. $1,000-$3,000 savings)

1.3 miles from city center Estimated distance in miles from Portola Valley's city center to The Sequoias Portola Valley's address, calculated via Google Maps.

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The Sequoias Portola Valley

Independent Living in San Mateo County

Independent Living in San Mateo County