The 5 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Clare, MI for 2024

Locally, seniors pay $4,460 per month for assisted living, which is just below the national average. This type of care includes meals, accommodations, one-on-one assistance, recreational activities and transportation. It’s ideal for anyone who needs help with household chores or personal care but doesn’t need the medical services provided in a nursing home.

This guide takes a look at the cost of assisted living and long-term care in Clare and the surrounding areas. It also highlights some of the area’s strengths and weaknesses and provides a directory of local agencies that can help seniors understand their options.

Michigan doesn’t license assisted living facilities, but some homes for the aged may require state authorization. Credentials are issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems. Although assisted living facilities aren’t licensed, they must still follow state regulations regarding the standard of care.

• For seniors who need help getting around town, volunteer transportation is available through Clare County Senior Services. Affordable public transportation is also provided by I Ride, Isabella County’s public transportation service. Fares are free for riders aged 80 and older.
• Clare is a very affordable location, which can help older adults extend their income and protect their savings. The cost of living is 21% lower than the national average. Housing, health care, groceries and transportation are all well below the U.S. norm.
• Crime rates in Clare tend to be close to the national average based on the number of violent crimes and thefts per 1,000 residents. For added peace of mind, assisted living facilities provide 24-hour security, and each apartment is equipped with an emergency response system. 
• Michigan’s climate can be harsh for older adults. Clare receives over 40 inches of snowfall every winter, and January lows average around 12 degrees. Fortunately, assisted living facilities remove snow and handle exterior maintenance, and some offer covered parking.
• Clare residents who are aged 65 and older or disabled may qualify for property tax exemptions. Although Michigan is not tax-friendly as a whole, there are exclusions for some retirement benefits and for Social Security up to a certain amount, and there’s no estate or inheritance tax.
• Seniors who have chronic medical conditions may have more difficulty accessing care in the local area. Although health care is more affordable than average, Clare has just 6.2 physicians per 10,000 residents, which is far below the national average. The nearest hospital is the 49-bed MyMichigan Medical Center Clare.

The median cost of assisted living in Clare, Michigan, is $4,460 per month. This is just below the national average and slightly higher than the state median. 

Assisted living prices in Clare are about $210 higher than the state median of $4,250, and residents save about $40 per month compared to the national average. Prices in the area are typical for this part of the state. Bay City and Saginaw are close at $4,423 and $4,225, respectively. However, costs in Grand Rapids are considerably higher at $4,828. 

Older adults in Clare have several senior care options available to them. Prices start at $1,625 per month for adult day health care. In-home care costs approximately $5,148 per month, and home health care costs $5,339. Assisted living is more affordable than home care at $4,460, and it includes room and board. Not all seniors are healthy enough to live in a residential setting. Older adults who require a higher level of care pay approximately $8,821 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page.