Brandon is Florida’s largest unincorporated community and home to more than 114,000 residents. Its affordable living costs, warm winters and access to health care make it a great option for the 13% of its population who are seniors. Just 10 miles east of Tampa, the city also allows retirees to maintain access to big-city amenities and attractions while enjoying a relaxed retirement lifestyle.
Seniors requiring a little extra help may benefit from care at an assisted living community. These facilities provide a welcoming environment with trained care staff who are on-site to assist with daily tasks and personal care services. Residents often enjoy daily meals, wellness programming and a full calendar of recreational activities. In Brandon, living in one of these communities costs around $3,350 per month — a very affordable rate compared to the average U.S. city.
This guide offers information about assisted living in Brandon, including how much these services typically cost, what other long-term care options are available and where seniors can go for financial assistance. It also features some of the pros and cons of retirement in Brandon, as well as a list of local resources seniors can go to for support.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Bronx, NY
Aldea Green was clean. It seemed that they care for the residents. The rooms were nice and nice sized. The cafeteria was very open and the chef answered questions. It was a nice and clean facility, wh
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Aldea Green was clean. It seemed that they care for the residents. The rooms were nice and nice sized. The cafeteria was very open and the chef answered questions. It was a nice and clean facility, which I was looking for and they care for the seniors there. The staff was nice. They allow you to try the meal. They bring something for you and it was good.
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Aldea Green was clean. It seemed that they care for the residents. The rooms were nice and nice sized. The cafeteria was very open and the chef answered questions. It was a nice and clean facility, wh
… (read more)
Aldea Green was clean. It seemed that they care for the residents. The rooms were nice and nice sized. The cafeteria was very open and the chef answered questions. It was a nice and clean facility, which I was looking for and they care for the seniors there. The staff was nice. They allow you to try the meal. They bring something for you and it was good.
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I toured Savannah Court of Brandon and I loved the lady that I interviewed with. She was so personable and empathetic. When she toured me through the location, the rooms were clean and nice. She was a
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I toured Savannah Court of Brandon and I loved the lady that I interviewed with. She was so personable and empathetic. When she toured me through the location, the rooms were clean and nice. She was awesome. The building is made in the form of a square and the courtyard is in the middle.
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I toured Savannah Court of Brandon and I loved the lady that I interviewed with. She was so personable and empathetic. When she toured me through the location, the rooms were clean and nice. She was a
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I toured Savannah Court of Brandon and I loved the lady that I interviewed with. She was so personable and empathetic. When she toured me through the location, the rooms were clean and nice. She was awesome. The building is made in the form of a square and the courtyard is in the middle.
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It had nice-sized apartments, and it’s a smoke-free facility. They had two meals a day, but for breakfast you’re kind of on your own or you could go down and eat continental style like muffins and cof
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It had nice-sized apartments, and it’s a smoke-free facility. They had two meals a day, but for breakfast you’re kind of on your own or you could go down and eat continental style like muffins and coffee, which was very unobtrusive. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms were very nice, well kept, good sized, and absolutely clean. You could walk down the hall and visit with the neighbors or people there. They had activities all the time.
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It had nice-sized apartments, and it’s a smoke-free facility. They had two meals a day, but for breakfast you’re kind of on your own or you could go down and eat continental style like muffins and cof
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It had nice-sized apartments, and it’s a smoke-free facility. They had two meals a day, but for breakfast you’re kind of on your own or you could go down and eat continental style like muffins and coffee, which was very unobtrusive. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. The rooms were very nice, well kept, good sized, and absolutely clean. You could walk down the hall and visit with the neighbors or people there. They had activities all the time.
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Hawthorne Inn of Brandon was very nice. It was easily accessible. They offer transportation, and they bring the provider to the residents. You don’t have to worry about picking up your loved one. The
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Hawthorne Inn of Brandon was very nice. It was easily accessible. They offer transportation, and they bring the provider to the residents. You don’t have to worry about picking up your loved one. The doctor comes there. They’ve got programs, activities, and field trips. The two staff members I met were fine, but I didn’t meet a lot of staff as I did at the other place.
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Hawthorne Inn of Brandon was very nice. It was easily accessible. They offer transportation, and they bring the provider to the residents. You don’t have to worry about picking up your loved one. The
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Hawthorne Inn of Brandon was very nice. It was easily accessible. They offer transportation, and they bring the provider to the residents. You don’t have to worry about picking up your loved one. The doctor comes there. They’ve got programs, activities, and field trips. The two staff members I met were fine, but I didn’t meet a lot of staff as I did at the other place.
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It is the best facility ever. They have plenty of staff who are very nice and very helpful. The rooms were larger than normal. They have crafts and they sing songs. It’s not the most modern or newes
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It is the best facility ever. They have plenty of staff who are very nice and very helpful. The rooms were larger than normal. They have crafts and they sing songs. It’s not the most modern or newest, but it’s very nice inside.
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It is the best facility ever. They have plenty of staff who are very nice and very helpful. The rooms were larger than normal. They have crafts and they sing songs. It’s not the most modern or newes
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It is the best facility ever. They have plenty of staff who are very nice and very helpful. The rooms were larger than normal. They have crafts and they sing songs. It’s not the most modern or newest, but it’s very nice inside.
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My husband is living at AVA Cares, which is a smaller facility with a maximum of six residents, and he seems to be doing better there than he did in a larger community. They’re very caring and he gets
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My husband is living at AVA Cares, which is a smaller facility with a maximum of six residents, and he seems to be doing better there than he did in a larger community. They’re very caring and he gets almost one-on-one care. He’s in a companion suite and its large enough that both of them have a lot of room. It’s kind of in a rural setting where you can look out at the trees. The staff is very attentive to his needs, check on him constantly, and the nurse feeds him.
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My husband is living at AVA Cares, which is a smaller facility with a maximum of six residents, and he seems to be doing better there than he did in a larger community. They’re very caring and he gets
… (read more)
My husband is living at AVA Cares, which is a smaller facility with a maximum of six residents, and he seems to be doing better there than he did in a larger community. They’re very caring and he gets almost one-on-one care. He’s in a companion suite and its large enough that both of them have a lot of room. It’s kind of in a rural setting where you can look out at the trees. The staff is very attentive to his needs, check on him constantly, and the nurse feeds him.
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We are moving our parents into Tessera of Brandon. We toured it about three times altogether, my brother and I first, and my parents and I toured, and then we went back to make a final decision on whi
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We are moving our parents into Tessera of Brandon. We toured it about three times altogether, my brother and I first, and my parents and I toured, and then we went back to make a final decision on which apartment that they wanted. We were not allowed into memory care because of COVID at that time. My father is in very good shape, so assisted living is perfect for him. My mother has dementia, and one of the reasons we’re moving them in there is the hopes we would be able to have them a little bit more situated in case she does have to go into memory care, but she will be living in assisted living with my dad, and we will be having some of the higher level services for her. We have add-on fees to hopefully get extra help that we need for her at times.
I think if COVID weren’t going on, they would’ve probably allowed us into memory care also, but they did not because of COVID protocols. I like the location because it’s very close to where my parents lived, and it’s only about 15 to 20 minutes away from us. The food is extremely good there. We know people that have been there or are there. The food is very good. It appears that they have good activities. The first visit, when my brother and I were there, we were stopped by two different people that told us they loved it there, and that was not solicited in any way or anything. They said, "Hey, we really love it here." It seemed to be a well cared for facility. When I was in there a couple of different times, it smelled wonderful, and my mother’s physician said she knows people that have eaten there, and that it’s very good. It’s very clean, nice, and a well kept up facility.
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We are moving our parents into Tessera of Brandon. We toured it about three times altogether, my brother and I first, and my parents and I toured, and then we went back to make a final decision on whi
… (read more)
We are moving our parents into Tessera of Brandon. We toured it about three times altogether, my brother and I first, and my parents and I toured, and then we went back to make a final decision on which apartment that they wanted. We were not allowed into memory care because of COVID at that time. My father is in very good shape, so assisted living is perfect for him. My mother has dementia, and one of the reasons we’re moving them in there is the hopes we would be able to have them a little bit more situated in case she does have to go into memory care, but she will be living in assisted living with my dad, and we will be having some of the higher level services for her. We have add-on fees to hopefully get extra help that we need for her at times.
I think if COVID weren’t going on, they would’ve probably allowed us into memory care also, but they did not because of COVID protocols. I like the location because it’s very close to where my parents lived, and it’s only about 15 to 20 minutes away from us. The food is extremely good there. We know people that have been there or are there. The food is very good. It appears that they have good activities. The first visit, when my brother and I were there, we were stopped by two different people that told us they loved it there, and that was not solicited in any way or anything. They said, "Hey, we really love it here." It seemed to be a well cared for facility. When I was in there a couple of different times, it smelled wonderful, and my mother’s physician said she knows people that have eaten there, and that it’s very good. It’s very clean, nice, and a well kept up facility.
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This facility has multiple issues and violation against them. They are terribly understaff and unable to retain employees. My family member is neglected. He has been bullied by the staff and unable
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This facility has multiple issues and violation against them. They are terribly understaff and unable to retain employees. My family member is neglected. He has been bullied by the staff and unable to get the quality of care of transportation to his doctor visits. I have to coordinate his doctor visits and constantly making sure his needs are met. The Food is awful and not getting better. There is no activities Director. I send puzzles and word games including all his personal care just to make sure the needs are met. It is a shame this happening not only to my family member but to others as well.
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This facility has multiple issues and violation against them. They are terribly understaff and unable to retain employees. My family member is neglected. He has been bullied by the staff and unable
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This facility has multiple issues and violation against them. They are terribly understaff and unable to retain employees. My family member is neglected. He has been bullied by the staff and unable to get the quality of care of transportation to his doctor visits. I have to coordinate his doctor visits and constantly making sure his needs are met. The Food is awful and not getting better. There is no activities Director. I send puzzles and word games including all his personal care just to make sure the needs are met. It is a shame this happening not only to my family member but to others as well.
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Located two miles from the MacDill Air Force base, Brookdale Bayshore is tucked right along the coast in Tampa, Florida. Visitors praise this facility as being unusually clean and well-decorated. Amen
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Located two miles from the MacDill Air Force base, Brookdale Bayshore is tucked right along the coast in Tampa, Florida. Visitors praise this facility as being unusually clean and well-decorated. Amenities in this community include a swimming pool, game room and a wellness clinic. Individual rooms are commended for their stunning views and cooking appliances. Relatives compliment the high-class fitness center and serene environment. Various activities including live entertainment, bingo and chair exercises are offered to residents. Reviews of Brookdale Bayshore mention that a doctor is on-site twice weekly and that this community provides valet services for guests.
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Located two miles from the MacDill Air Force base, Brookdale Bayshore is tucked right along the coast in Tampa, Florida. Visitors praise this facility as being unusually clean and well-decorated. Amen
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Located two miles from the MacDill Air Force base, Brookdale Bayshore is tucked right along the coast in Tampa, Florida. Visitors praise this facility as being unusually clean and well-decorated. Amenities in this community include a swimming pool, game room and a wellness clinic. Individual rooms are commended for their stunning views and cooking appliances. Relatives compliment the high-class fitness center and serene environment. Various activities including live entertainment, bingo and chair exercises are offered to residents. Reviews of Brookdale Bayshore mention that a doctor is on-site twice weekly and that this community provides valet services for guests.
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My mom is at The Crossings at Riverview’s assisted living. Overall, I think it’s mediocre at best. I don’t think the care is very good. There are times when she pushes the button (they all wear one ar
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My mom is at The Crossings at Riverview’s assisted living. Overall, I think it’s mediocre at best. I don’t think the care is very good. There are times when she pushes the button (they all wear one around their necks), and she has to wait 45 minutes for somebody to come and check on her. Yesterday, they were supposed to help her take a shower. Two ladies came in and sat on her bed in the bedroom, rather than being in the bathroom with her in case she fell or needed help. I don’t know what’s the point of them coming in to help her take a shower, if they’re not actually in the bathroom when she’s taking a shower. The staff is overworked and underpaid like any other facility too.
The physical appearance of the facility is beautiful. It’s clean and nice-looking. It’s fairly new and only about 6 years old. The administration is also nice and accommodating. They try really hard, but a lot of their aides are just uncaring.
The residents all complain constantly about the food.
They have activities every day for them to do. Sometimes they’re a little repetitive like they were doing bingo every single day for a while, but they really try. They have outings, and they play games. They have a game room that has puzzles and board games, so they have quite a few things. They also have some church services, so they do pretty well on that.
They don’t take insurance so it does get kind of pricey. They have 3 levels of care. If you have to go up, it’s more money at every level.
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My mom is at The Crossings at Riverview’s assisted living. Overall, I think it’s mediocre at best. I don’t think the care is very good. There are times when she pushes the button (they all wear one ar
… (read more)
My mom is at The Crossings at Riverview’s assisted living. Overall, I think it’s mediocre at best. I don’t think the care is very good. There are times when she pushes the button (they all wear one around their necks), and she has to wait 45 minutes for somebody to come and check on her. Yesterday, they were supposed to help her take a shower. Two ladies came in and sat on her bed in the bedroom, rather than being in the bathroom with her in case she fell or needed help. I don’t know what’s the point of them coming in to help her take a shower, if they’re not actually in the bathroom when she’s taking a shower. The staff is overworked and underpaid like any other facility too.
The physical appearance of the facility is beautiful. It’s clean and nice-looking. It’s fairly new and only about 6 years old. The administration is also nice and accommodating. They try really hard, but a lot of their aides are just uncaring.
The residents all complain constantly about the food.
They have activities every day for them to do. Sometimes they’re a little repetitive like they were doing bingo every single day for a while, but they really try. They have outings, and they play games. They have a game room that has puzzles and board games, so they have quite a few things. They also have some church services, so they do pretty well on that.
They don’t take insurance so it does get kind of pricey. They have 3 levels of care. If you have to go up, it’s more money at every level.
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We toured Colonial Assisted Living at Tampa. It was very clean and pretty, but the rooms were a little bit small for two people. I have a sewing machine that I want to use, so I need a bigger room, an
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We toured Colonial Assisted Living at Tampa. It was very clean and pretty, but the rooms were a little bit small for two people. I have a sewing machine that I want to use, so I need a bigger room, and I have a double bed that I want to take. I like that they had a piano, their facilities are very good and the family room was nice.
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We toured Colonial Assisted Living at Tampa. It was very clean and pretty, but the rooms were a little bit small for two people. I have a sewing machine that I want to use, so I need a bigger room, an
… (read more)
We toured Colonial Assisted Living at Tampa. It was very clean and pretty, but the rooms were a little bit small for two people. I have a sewing machine that I want to use, so I need a bigger room, and I have a double bed that I want to take. I like that they had a piano, their facilities are very good and the family room was nice.
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Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Brandon
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in Florida. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Assisted Living in Brandon
Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration licenses and regulates assisted living facilities in Brandon and throughout the state. Facilities must undergo an inspection prior to licensure and every two years when applying for re-licensure to ensure they uphold state laws and regulations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Brandon
Brandon residents have access to abundant amenities and entertainment to support a healthy, happy retirement. The area is home to numerous beaches and local parks, which provide many opportunities for outdoor recreation. It’s also just a short distance from Tampa, where seniors can enjoy a variety of arts, culture and entertainment.
With an index rating of 99.6 out of 100, Brandon’s cost of living falls slightly below the Florida statewide median (102.8) and U.S. national average (100). Seniors will likely see the largest savings in their housing and health care costs.
Brandon seniors also benefit from Florida’s senior-friendly tax policies. The state doesn’t tax any forms of retirement income, including Social Security benefits, pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s. Florida also doesn’t have a state sales tax or inheritance tax.
Crime rates in Brandon are slightly above average. On a scale from 0 to 100, Brandon’s violent crime rate is 28.6, and its property crime rate is 52.6. These numbers are higher than the regional and statewide averages. They’re also higher than the national rating of 22.7 and 35.4 in the same categories, respectively. Fortunately, most assisted living facilities are fully equipped with surveillance systems and security features.
The Brandon area is home to a number of world-class health care facilities, including HCA Florida Brandon Hospital. In addition to acute care, the hospital specializes in neurological care, wound care and cardiology and is accredited as a Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Seniors looking to escape harsh, snowy winters can enjoy Brandon’s warm year-round climate. Winters are mild and dry, with temperatures staying above 50 degrees, and the area sees an average of 245 days of sunshine throughout the year. However, summers can be extremely hot and humid, so it’s important for seniors to be mindful of their time outdoors.
Hillsborough Area Regional Transit (HART) offers fixed-route services around Brandon and surrounding communities. Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for a discounted fare permit. Unfortunately, local routes are quite limited, so seniors may have to seek other transportation options.
Paying for Assisted Living in Brandon
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Brandon seniors pay an average of $3,350 per month for assisted living care. Significantly lower than the statewide median ($4,000) and U.S. national average ($4,500), the city is a very appealing option for budget-conscious retirees.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Brandon is an affordable option for long-term care compared to many nearby cities. Rates are similar in the Lakeland area at $3,300 per month, while cities such as Orlando ($4,000) and North Port ($4,145) are closer to the Florida state average. The most expensive nearby option is The Villages, where seniors typically pay $5,208 per month for assisted living care.
$3350
Brandon
$4000
Florida
$4500
United States
$4145
North Port
$3300
Lakeland
$4000
Orlando
$5208
The Villages
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
There are other care options available to Brandon seniors, including adult day health care at an average cost of $2,123 per month. Seniors looking to age in place may opt for in-home care or home health care services. These options are more expensive than assisted living, costing $4,767 and $4,862 per month, respectively. Nursing homes offer the greatest scope of care and are the most expensive option at $8,927 for semiprivate accommodations.
$4767
In-Home Care
$4862
Home Health Care
$2123
Adult Day Health Care
$3350
Assisted Living Facility
$8927
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
Note:Data for Brandon was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Tampa, was used instead.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Brandon
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 Florida page.
Free Assisted Living Resources in Brandon
There are several local nonprofits and government-sponsored agencies in the Brandon area dedicated to supporting the needs of the community’s aging population. These organizations offer a wide range of services and senior-focused programs such as financial guidance, benefits counseling, care management and legal aid.
The Senior Connection Center is the region's Local Area Agency on Aging and the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Its Elder Helpline assists seniors and their families with making informed decisions about long-term care. These may include Medicare counseling, health and wellness programming, elder abuse prevention and caregiver support.
Hillsborough County Aging Services offers services and programs to support adults aged 50 and older, including in-home care services, congregate dining, active adult programming and door-to-door transportation. It can help seniors locate their nearest community resource center, offers Medicare enrollment assistance and provides information and referrals to other local programs.
The Brandon Senior Center offers a welcoming environment where seniors aged 50 and older can socialize with peers, participate in activities and classes, enjoy hot meals and attend special events. It also offers support services such as transportation and financial aid and doesn't require a membership fee to participate.
Bay Area Legal Services is a nonprofit firm that provides free legal advice, assistance and representation to low-income individuals, including seniors. Some of the firm's practice areas include advance planning for wills and estates, health care benefits, guardianship, taxes and veterans affairs.
The Brandon Office of Hillsborough County Veterans Services supports veterans and their dependents with accessing federal, state and local benefits such as pensions, disability compensation, health benefits and Aid and Attendance payments. It also offers outreach services for veterans living in assisted living facilities and other long-term care environments.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Brandon
Brandon Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information about these laws.
Aldea Green was clean. It seemed that they care for the residents. The rooms were nice and nice sized. The cafeteria was very open and the chef answered questions. It was a nice and clean facility,...
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Review of Hawthorne Estates Of Brandon
Hawthorne Inn of Brandon was very nice. It was easily accessible. They offer transportation, and they bring the provider to the residents. You don't have to worry about picking up your loved one. T...
Read more
Review of Aldea Green
The people at Aldea Green were very friendly. The chef came in and brought a sample of dessert, which I thought was different. They seemed to know their residents there. The facility was nice, clea...
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The decision to help an aging adult move out of a current home is a complex one -- both emotionally and practically. Above all, you want the person to be safe and well. How can you all feel more co...
The first step to finding the best senior housing for your loved one is to understand what type of care facility is the best fit. There are six main types of residential elder care options:
_[Inde...
As you're weighing senior care options for your loved one, cost is likely a top factor. The good news? Depending on what care your loved one needs, assisted living can be much more affordable than ...
If you're shopping for assisted living, you'll need to familiarize yourself with the levels of care, as the monthly rate for assisted living will depend on the level of care that the resident requi...
