A Guide to Assisted Living For Hispanic Seniors
Date Published: April 12, 2023
Traditionally, the family has played a major role in caring for senior family members in Hispanic and Latinx households. Many remain in their existing communities, with care and love provided by friends and family equally. A culture of respect for the elderly is cultivated from a young age. So, it’s emotionally difficult when an older relative needs an assisted living community to find the care they require.
Studies suggest that, due to racial and ethnic differences, Hispanic and Latinx seniors are more likely to reside in poor-quality nursing homes than other older adults. But, with the population of Hispanic seniors aged 65 and older expected to reach 19.9 million by 2060, many senior living facilities are moving toward catering to the cultural and linguistic needs of the Spanish-speaking population.
Finding an appropriate assisted living community for a loved one can be difficult, but this guide can help. Information such as where to locate Spanish-speaking facilities, sources of financial aid for elder care, and a directory of programs and services are provided to assist Hispanic Americans in making well-informed decisions about their long-term care needs.
Common Concerns of Hispanic Americans Related to Assisted Living
Very few Hispanic Americans have confidence in senior living providers being able to accommodate their cultural needs. From religion to the language barrier, there are several common concerns many Latinx families have.
- Language: Over 50% of Latinx seniors aren’t proficient in English and worry about clear communication unless the assisted living community has Spanish-speaking staff or residents.
- Finances: Like many seniors, elderly Hispanics are afraid they won’t be able to afford the cost of assisted living. Many are unaware of available financial assistance from national and state programs.
- Religion: With 64% of Hispanic seniors being Catholic, many are concerned their religious practices won’t be supported in a senior living facility.
- Cultural Stigma: There’s a cultural stigma around Latinos admitting they have a weakness, are unwell or need help, causing many older Hispanics to hide the necessity of long-term care.
- Food Choices: Elderly Hispanics are used to a certain type of cuisine that assisted living communities may not provide.
- Health Care: More than half of the elderly Hispanic population has faced language barriers when needing health care. With the difficulty to communicate their needs, many seniors worry they won’t get the proper medical attention they require.
Dealing With Cultural Guilt of Moving a Loved One To Assisted Living
When elderly relatives struggle with everyday tasks, you have to make the tough decision and consider assisted living. This often goes against the Hispanic and Latinx tradition of children looking after their parents, which can cause you to experience deep feelings of guilt. If you feel this way, consider the following:
- Guilt is completely normal: It’s only natural to feel guilty about moving a loved one to a senior living facility. It’s important to admit you’re unable to provide the level of care they require and consider how much more attention and care a community dedicated to looking after the needs of seniors can give.
- Speak to someone: Don’t keep your feelings bottled up inside. Help alleviate the guilt by opening up to someone and talking about your emotions, such as a friend, a therapist or a spiritual leader.
- Assisted living will give your loved one the care they need: Senior living communities provide 24-hour care. Sometimes, that kind of care isn’t available within your family unit. Your loved one will be in the right place to receive all the assistance they need whenever they need it.
- Assisted living will help your loved one thrive: From organized activities to keep your loved one physically and mentally active to areas for socializing and making new friends, assisted living communities offer an environment where your loved one can thrive.
Downloadable Checklist To Help You Choose an Assisted Living Community for an Older Hispanic Loved One
Bring the below checklist with you as a tool to assess communities and their abilities to care for Hispanic seniors. You can also use the list below as a general guide of the types of things you should be looking for in an assisted living community where Hispanic residents will be comfortable, safe, and can thrive.
Where To Find Spanish-Speaking Assisted Living Facilities In The U.S.
The below map gives you an idea of where you can find Spanish-Speaking assisted living communities throughout the United States. Facilities frequently change the services they provide and may no longer have Spanish-speaking staff. Always check to ensure they still cater to the linguistic needs of Hispanic and Latinx seniors.
The Cost of Spanish-Speaking Senior Living and How To Pay
The cost of Spanish-speaking senior living varies according to the level of care retirees require, the services and amenities the community provides and where it’s located. As a guide, national average costs are as follows:
Care Type
Average Monthly Costs
Assisted Living
$4,500
Nursing Home (semiprivate room)
$7,908
Nursing Home (private room)
$9,034
How To Pay for Assisted Living
Hispanic and Latinx seniors have different options when it comes to paying for assisted living. In addition to paying from personal funds, older adults could qualify for financing programs to help them cover some or all costs involved.
- Medicaid Waivers: Services covered by Medicaid waivers vary from state to state. However, many waivers provide financial assistance that pays for or contributes toward the costs associated with care in a senior living facility.
- Long-Term Care Insurance (LTC): LTC often helps pay for assisted living services not covered by Medicaid and other benefits. Policies and benefits vary, so always check which services are covered by your provider.
- Veteran’s Benefits: Hispanic and Latinx retirees who served in the U.S. military (and their spouses) could be eligible for veteran benefits to help pay senior living costs.
- Personal Financing: If you’re not entitled to financial assistance, personal financing may be the only option. Seniors can fund their assisted living by using retirement income, selling their homes or cashing in life insurance policies.
National Resources for Hispanic and Latinx Seniors
Hispanic and Latinx seniors and caregivers can find support from several national resources. These organizations provide advice and information and run programs to help older adults maintain their independence and plan for their future.
Resource
Contact
Description
(202) 347-9733
NHCOA advocates for the well-being of Hispanic elders, improving access to community services which meet their cultural and linguistic needs. It helps improve the lives of seniors through civic engagement and reframing aging. Some health-related programming includes well-being education, All of Us Research and a vaccination program.
(626) 564-1988
NAHE focuses on improving the lives of Hispanic and Latinx seniors through a variety of services, including health education, technical assistance, art and culture programs. It works closely with organizations across the country and operates an employment program, helping low-income seniors find paid work.
(800) 318-2596
Cuidadodesalud.gov, (the Spanish version of healthcare.gov), is an online portal where Hispanic and Latinx seniors can find information on and enroll in Medicaid. Older adults who don’t qualify for Medicaid can also use the website to connect with local licensed health insurance providers.
(202) 833-6130
One of the oldest Hispanic organizations in the United States, LULAC helps advance the political, economic, housing, health and civil rights standings of all Hispanic communities. It runs community-based programs at more than 1,000 LULAC councils nationwide, including programming for adults aged 50 years and older.
(866) 783-2645
The National Alliance for Hispanic Health is a community-driven organization advocating for the health care needs of the Latino population. Its Family Health Helpline offers free information in English and Spanish to help seniors navigate the health care system and connect with services in their local communities.
State Resources for Hispanic and Latinx Seniors
Each state provides support to Hispanic and Latinx seniors and caregivers, giving them information and advice on senior-related issues. Their goal is to help seniors and caregivers connect with resources, programs and services in their local area.
State
Resource
Contact
Description
Alabama
(256) 566-7029
The Alabama Hispanic Association works to improve the welfare of Latinx communities in the greater Huntsville area. It promotes cultural awareness through educational programs, supports locally run programs that help those in need and connects Hispanic seniors and their families to organizations, resources and services in the local community.
Alaska
(907) 891-2636
Redes Latinas is an online hub where Hispanic and Latinx seniors, families and caregivers can find information and details on local services. Available in both English and Spanish, the website features details of organizations and programs on a range of subjects, including immigration, education, social services and health care.
Arizona
(602) 252-7772
Located in Maricopa County, Advance runs culturally appropriate prevention education classes in Spanish covering topics such as nutrition, chronic diseases and physical health. It also operates a meals-on-wheels program and distributes medical devices to low-income seniors. The website also provides information and resources on topics affecting the Latinx community.
Arkansas
(501) 246-5188
Seis Puentes runs workshops, skills classes and food programs to help the Hispanic and Latinx communities in Arkansas. It also supports seniors and families by providing information on and connecting them with local resources.
California
(323) 890-9600
MAOF supports the senior Latino community to help them remain healthy and independent. From its four locations in and around Los Angeles, it offers case management, benefits enrollment, transportation and an information service for seniors aged 60+ that puts clients in touch with the resources they need.
Colorado
(720) 257-4515
Since 2016, Conectoras de Montbello has served the elderly Latinx residents of Montbello County and the surrounding areas. In addition to organizing monthly events, it provides information and guidance on senior issues and acts as an intermediary, so older adults can access the services they require.
Connecticut
(203) 754-6172
The Hispanic Coalition serves Waterbury and the surrounding towns, providing free health screenings and case management services to refer residents to other local agencies. Older adults can attend La Casa Bienvenida Senior Center where they can access additional services, including benefits application help and therapeutic, social and recreational services.
Delaware
(302) 655-7338, Ext. 7733
Located in Wilmington, LACC's Los Abuelos Program promotes healthy living for Hispanic seniors aged 60 and older through health classes and food distribution, as well as recreational, social, educational and physical activities. The program also connects older adults with services and resources to help improve their quality of life.
Florida
(305) 647-1150
In addition to advocating for the improvement of services for Hispanic seniors, the Latino Center on Aging educates older adults on their social and health care options and the services available to assist them. It also hosts annual conferences on senior health-related issues, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
Georgia
(404) 638.1800
The Latin American Association operates out of three locations in the Atlanta region. It runs a senior club for retired Latinos where they can interact with other Spanish-speaking Atlanta residents and take part in educational and recreational activities. Services include benefits enrollment and financial assistance.
Hawaii
(808) 643-2372
Hawaii's ADRC helps seniors, families and caregivers identify and connect with the local and state resources which help them make informed decisions on long-term care. Latinx elders can find information on insurance, healthy aging programs, dementia and more.
Idaho
The Idaho ADRC helps Hispanic seniors and their families make decisions for their future by providing information and contact details for support services. Seniors can use an area map to find their location and connect with resources in their region.
Illinois
(773) 356 5923
The LRII offers a range of services to the Hispanic residents of Chicago and Cook County. Seniors can access assistance and direct support through case management, counseling and referral programs to help them plan for their future.
Indiana
(800) 432-2422
CICOA's ADRC is a one-stop-shop for Central Indiana retirees where they can find community resources, including elder programs and insurance, to help them make informed decisions on long-term care. Hispanic and Latinx seniors in other parts of Indiana can access ADRC through their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA).
Iowa
Contact your local AAA office
Iowa Department on Aging helps seniors and their families connect to community services, including nutrition, case management, options counseling and caregiver support programs. Information and assistance are provided by each of the state's six Area Agency on Aging offices.
Kansas
(913) 677-0100
Located in Kansas City, El Centro supports the Hispanic communities of Wyandotte and Johnson Counties. Its Health Navigation program provides basic health information and helps seniors access affordable health care services, including insurance, specialty care and financial assistance. The center also connects them with local providers.
Kentucky
(502) 365-2586
The Gathering Club in Louisville is an adult-day health care facility that offers linguistically and culturally appropriate services and programming for Hispanic seniors. In addition to meeting other Latinx residents and taking part in organized activities and events, seniors can also access case management and transportation services.
Louisiana
(225) 342-7100
Louisiana Answers is an online portal where Hispanic seniors, families and caregivers can find information on long-term services and supports. The website features guides on age-related topics, including assisted living, respite care, medical services and community-based services.
Maine
(877) 353-3771 to connect with your local AAA
Maine's ADRC services provide elderly Hispanics and their caregivers with information and advice on a wide range of senior-related issues, such as education opportunities, options counseling, Medicare and health insurance and caregiver support. Advisors also refer seniors to services and resources in their local area. A free interpretation service is provided.
Maryland
(844) 627-5465
MAP helps older adults and residents with disabilities connect with long-term health and support services. Hispanic seniors and caregivers can search for providers on the website, take an assessment to help identify the services they require or contact their local MAP office for advice on their individual situation.
Massachusetts
(508) 798-1900
Centro helps low-income Hispanics and other minority groups throughout Massachusetts by providing culturally and linguistically appropriate case management services. Through individual assessments, it connects clients with community-based, social and health-related services. Centro also runs an adult foster care program and operates a food bank in Worcester.
Michigan
(248) 858-7800
Serving the greater Kalamazoo region, Centro provides culturally specific services to Hispanic and Latinx communities. Services are offered in English and Spanish and include mental health programs, health education and community services, such as benefits and insurance assistance. Seniors can also access a Spanish-language resource directory with details of local service providers.
Minnesota
(651) 757-1762
MCLA is a state agency that advocates for the rights of Latin American and Caribbean Minnesotans. It also acts as a referral agency, ensuring Hispanic and Latinx seniors and families can access local, state and community resources which provide services and programs relevant to Latino residents.
Mississippi
(844) 822-4622
MAC helps seniors and caregivers find information and assistance in accessing long-term care services and programs. Visitors to the website can search for specific services or complete a questionnaire to identify the right resources for their needs. MAC centers are located throughout Mississippi where seniors can find in-person advice.
Missouri
(314) 615-4516
St. Louis County residents aged 60 and older can find support and assistance through CORP. Services include transportation, claims assistance, volunteer opportunities and an active aging program. CORP staff are available to provide information about local resources and make referrals to community service providers as required.
Montana
(800) 551-3191
Montana ADRC connects the state's older adults to state and local services, programs and resources. Latinx seniors, families and caregivers can enter a search term or select a category to find the services they require. Alternatively, they can access personal assistance by calling ADRC and speaking with an advisor.
Nebraska
(402) 444-6529
Adults aged 50 and older from any cultural background can enjoy cultural enrichment activities and access social services at the Intercultural Senior Center in Omaha. Its staff speaks a variety of languages, including Spanish, and offers case management services, including benefits assistance, health care coordination and referrals to community resources.
Nevada
Nevada Care Connection helps seniors and caregivers navigate services and programs to help meet their long-term care needs. Information and resource guides can be found online, or seniors can request assistance at one of four resource centers located throughout Nevada.
New Hampshire
(866) 634-9412
ServiceLink is an online center where Hispanic and Latinx seniors and their families can find information on a range of age-related issues, such as Medicare and Medicaid, assisted living and financial assistance. ServiceLink also helps older adults locate state and community resources to help them plan for their long-term care.
New Jersey
(973) 366-4770
MCOHA works to improve the lives of Morris County’s Hispanic and Latinx community through direct services, support groups and resources. Senior citizens can access free basic health screening, transportation and other assistance, including translation of essential documents, form filling and help with contacting social services agencies.
New Mexico
(800) 432-2080
ADRC helps New Mexico’s seniors, families and caregivers access information and guidance to help improve their quality of life. Older adults can find information online or call the ADRC to speak with an options counselor to understand their care options and help them make the right choices for the future.
New York
(718) 643-0232
RAICES operates nine senior centers throughout New York providing older adults with information, education, programs and services. Its Access Program offers case management, interpretation and outreach services to ensure Hispanic and Latinx seniors can access benefits and referrals for appropriate community and government agencies.
North Carolina
(919) 742-1448
The Hispanic Liaison advocates for the rights of the Latinx communities of Rural Central Piedmont. Its Community Support program helps Hispanics access support services and resources through individualized assistance on a range of issues, including insurance, health care, civil law, housing and emergency assistance.
North Dakota
(855) 462-5465
North Dakota’s ADRL connects seniors and caregivers to support services to help them improve their quality of life. Elderly Hispanics can find information and contact details for community and state resources which can assist with issues, such as housing, insurance and long-term care.
Ohio
(800) 252-0155
Serving the elderly population of southwestern Ohio, ADRC helps residents access local support services and resources. Seniors can receive information on elder-related topics, including transportation, long-term care options and financial planning. Adults residing in other parts of Ohio should call (866) 243-5678 to connect with their local ADRC service.
Oklahoma
(800) 211-2116
Oklahoma Human Services Community Living, Aging and Protective Services (CAP) provides seniors, caregivers and adults with disabilities information on employment training, Medicare, adult day services and more. The free info-line connects callers to their nearest services so advisors can provide more localized information.
Oregon
Cornelius: (503) 359-0446
Hillsboro: (503) 336-9895
Centro Cultural runs services and programs for the Hispanic residents of Washington County. Its Senior Support program welcomes adults aged 60+ to eat for free and take part in stimulating activities. It also helps seniors and their families navigate the health care system and connect with community resources.
Pennsylvania
(800) 753-8827
PA Link connects Hispanic seniors and caregivers to local support services to help them maintain independence and plan for the future. Agents can provide information on care options and help older adults determine their funding eligibility to help pay for long-term care.
Rhode Island
(401) 728-5920
Progresso Latino works with the Latinx and immigrant communities of Rhode Island. Its senior program is a bilingual/bi-cultural program for adults aged 60 and older that provides activities, services and information to help them make the best choices for their health and long-term care.
South Carolina
(800) 868-9095
GetCareSC provides information on senior-related services, including assisted living, nutrition, insurance and financial assistance. Hispanic seniors can find useful guides and details of local resources and agencies to help them with planning for long-term care.
South Dakota
(833) 663-9673
Dakota at Home is a free phone and online service helping seniors locate resources in their local community. It provides impartial information and referrals to public and private long-term service providers to help older adults make informed decisions.
Tennessee
(865) 522-0052
Located in Knoxville, Centro Hispano runs culturally aware programming to help educate the Latinx community. In addition to workshops and English classes, the center offers a community resource program, as well as an information and referral service which connects seniors and families to the services they need, such as legal, health care and housing.
Texas
Contact your local ADRC
Texas’s network of ADRC offices provides Hispanic seniors with easy access to information and one-on-one counseling to help them explore and locate long-term care services and resources. Caregivers can also receive advice on local services that will support them.
Utah
Online only
The Community Resource Finder is an online database of age and disability-related services and programs compiled by AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association. Hispanic seniors, families and caregivers can find details of local and state resources, including medical services, relocation advisors and elder law attorneys.
Vermont
(800) 642-5119
Age Well serves older adults, families and caregivers throughout Vermont. Its helpline provides information and assistance on a range of senior-related topics and connects callers with useful community resources. Age Well also offers Medicare counseling, meals on wheels and wellness services in Northwestern Vermont.
Virginia
(804) 215-6396
SeniorNavigator is Virginia’s online resource service, providing information on senior issues and allowing older adults and caregivers to search for service providers in their city/county. Hispanic and Latinx seniors can also call SeniorNavigator to speak with a trained facilitator for advice on patient rights, health care and long-term care.
Washington
(206) 764-8047
Hispanic and Latinx adults aged 55 and older and living in Kings County can find support from Sea Mar Community Health Center. Its Latino Senior Information and Assistance Program helps seniors remain independent and maintain a high quality of life by providing information and connecting them to community resources.
West Virginia
Dunbar: (866) 981-2372
Fairmont: (304) 363-1595
Petersburg: (304) 257-2847
Princeton: (304) 425-2040
West Virginia's ADRC assists seniors and their families looking for long-term care services. Older adults can call an ADRC office and receive guidance from trained staff on programs and resources in the local area and receive assistance in applying for the services which best suit their needs.
Wisconsin
(414) 384-3100
UCC Senior Center serves Milwaukee County adults aged 60+. It brings Latino seniors together through interactive programs and events and educates members on health and nutrition. The center also provides information and referrals to social services and other local resources. All services are offered in both English and Spanish.
Wyoming
(800) 442-2766
Wyoming ADRC is a central resource hub for seniors and adults with disabilities, helping them access helpful information and services. Its website lets users search by keyword, location or service type. Elderly Hispanics and their families can also call the helpline to speak with an ADRC representative for personalized assistance.
