Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly in California

California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly Directory

6,585 licensed residential care facilities for the elderly across 459 cities.

California licenses more small residential care homes than any other state. Most RCFEs (Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly) are single-family houses serving six or fewer residents, tucked into ordinary neighborhoods from San Diego to Eureka.

See what care costs here, or learn how residential care facilities for the elderly work.

Filter cities in California

Browse by county

41 counties

Cities in California

459 cities

California care costs at a glance

Median monthly figures for California. Small residential homes often price below the assisted living median because they carry lower overhead, though rates rise with care needs. Ask any home for its rate sheet in writing.

Type of care Median per month
Assisted living Monthly median, one resident $7,000
In-home care Non-medical caregiver, 44 hours a week $7,627
Nursing home Semi-private room $12,167

Home care median is CareScout's non-medical caregiver rate at 44 hours per week. CareScout reports California assisted living under the residential care facility category.

Source: CareScout (formerly Genworth) Cost of Care Survey, 2025.

Full cost breakdown for California residential care facilities for the elderly →

Talk through your shortlist with an advisor

A Place For Mom connects families with local senior living advisors. The guidance is free for families; advisors are paid by the communities that participate in their network. An advisor can help you build a shortlist and schedule tours. The judging stays with you: verify any home you are considering against the state license database, whoever recommended it.

Connect with a senior living advisor at no cost to you →

AgeSong may receive a fee if you connect with a partner service.

What small care homes are called in California

Licensing term
residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE)
Related license type
board and care home
Size and capacity
Board and care style RCFEs are typically licensed for 6 or fewer residents in a residential home.
Licensed and inspected by
California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division

Check any home you are considering against the state license record before you tour or sign anything. The lookup shows current license status and inspection history.

Search the California license database → What "RCFE" means →

Does Medicaid pay in California?

The ALW covers care costs in participating RCFEs in certain counties; room and board remain private pay.

How Medicaid covers residential care →

Common questions about residential care facilities for the elderly in California

How many residential care facilities for the elderly are there in California?
Our California directory lists 6,585 licensed residential care facilities for the elderly across 459 cities. The largest concentrations are in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Sacramento County.
What is a residential care facility for the elderly in California?
"Residential Care Facility for the Elderly" is the California licensing term for a residential care setting: a home where a group of older adults live and receive daily personal care. Board and care style RCFEs are typically licensed for 6 or fewer residents in a residential home. California also licenses homes under the term "board and care home".
How much does assisted living cost in California?
The median assisted living rate in California is $7,000 a month, according to the CareScout (formerly Genworth) Cost of Care Survey, 2025. Small residential homes often price below that median because they carry lower overhead, and rates rise with care needs. Ask each home for its rate sheet in writing, and use our free cost estimator for a figure based on your situation.
Who licenses residential care facilities for the elderly in California?
California Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division licenses and inspects every residential care facility for the elderly in the state. Check any home you are considering against the official state license record before you tour or sign anything. The lookup shows current license status and inspection history.
Does Medicaid pay for residential care facilities for the elderly in California?
The ALW covers care costs in participating RCFEs in certain counties; room and board remain private pay. Eligibility rules and waitlists vary, so confirm current terms with the state before you count on coverage.

Keep looking

Largest California city directories

Neighboring states

Estimate monthly costs → What residential care facilities for the elderly are → Read the California guide → All state directories →