Best and Worst Places for Senior Living

Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities are communities constructed for seniors who need some assistance with the activities of daily living. These facilities also offer housekeeping services, dining, medication management, transportation, and community events. Private living spaces are often offered in one or two-bedroom options, with a focus on creating a home-like environment for the residents. The average cost for assisted living is $4,000 per month, but prices will vary based on location and facility.

27,003

Number of Providers

Independent Living

Independent living communities are designed for seniors who are able to live on their own with no assistance but desire the conveniences and social aspects of a planned community. Not every facility offers the same amenities, but some common features include housekeeping services, on-site security, fitness areas, dining options, and transportation. The cost of independent living varies widely depending on location and community amenities. You can expect to pay anywhere between $1,500 – $6,000 per month.

8,904

Number of Providers

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are designed to provide care to those who need constant medical and physical assistance because of illness or injury. Staff is available to help residents with personal care tasks such as bathing and grooming, while the skilled nursing staff members are on hand to provide medical treatment, wound care, and medication management (among other services). The national average cost for nursing home care is $7,441 – $8,365 per month, depending on the room type.

23,328

Number of Providers

Home Care

Home care is ideal for seniors who need assistance with the activities of daily living but would prefer to stay in their own homes instead of relocating to an assisted living facility. In some cases, the care provider will live in the patient’s home for round-the-clock care, but more often will visit at designated times of the day. Care providers also offer medication management, meal preparation, transportation, and companionship, but they do not provide extensive medical care. The average cost for home care is $4,004 per month, but this will vary depending on how much care is needed and how many hours a day the home care is provided.

12,301

Number of Providers

Home Health Agencies

While home care provides basic assistance with daily living and housekeeping, home health agencies are able to provide more extensive medical care for seniors living at home. They offer skilled nursing services such as wound care, occupational therapy, physical therapy, administering medications, and medical tests. On average, home health agencies cost $4,195 per month, but the cost will vary depending on what services are needed.

15,860

Number of Providers

Hospices

Hospices are facilities designed to care for chronically ill and terminal patients that have been given less than 6 months to live. This end of life care is no longer focused on curing an illness and is instead designed to manage a patient’s comfort and attend to their emotional well-being. In addition to dedicated hospice facilities, care is sometimes provided in a patient’s own home. Hospice care is covered by Medicare Part A, but can cost anywhere between $150 – $500 per day, depending on the level of care needed and whether it’s home care or inpatient care.

6,134

Number of Providers

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing care retirement communities are planned communities that offer independent living, assisted living and nursing home care all in one location. They are designed so that a senior can move into the community when they’re still independent and remain there even if they later need more assistance or medical care. These communities are ideal to many because it means they can avoid moving from facility to facility as their needs change. The average monthly cost of continuing care retirement communities ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, but residents can also expect to pay an upfront fee to secure a unit as well as additional costs for optional amenities.

5,658

Number of Providers

Adult Day Care

Adult daycare provides adults with supervision and assistance during the day under the care of trained staff. It’s ideal for people who still live at home under the care of a family member who works throughout the day. This allows caregivers to work and take care of themselves without worrying about their loved one being alone at home. These facilities typically provide enrichment activities, meals, and medication management. The average cost of adult day care is about $1,500 per month depending on the services offered.

4,088

Number of Providers

Geriatric Care Managers

Geriatric care managers do not provide direct care to patients, instead, they consult with families to determine the best course of care for seniors. They are typically RNs or social workers who have extensive experience working with the elderly and excel at identifying the needs of seniors. Consulting with a geriatric care manager usually costs between $60 – $120 per hour.

960

Number of Providers

Memory Care

Memory care is specifically designed to meet the needs of those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Specialized staff assists with the activities of daily living, as well as more intensive care for medical problems that often arise as a result of dementia. These facilities also offer community events and activities to keep residents active and engaged. The national average cost for memory care is $4,650 per month.

9,945

Number of Providers

Low Income Affordable

18,209

Number of Providers

55+ Communities

879

Number of Providers