Clare is located in the heart of Michigan’s Midstate Amish Country, roughly halfway between Lake Michigan and Saginaw Bay. The city is called the Gateway to the North because it’s just 60 to 90 minutes from several of the state’s largest metropolitan areas, including Grand Rapids and Lansing. This convenient location makes it a great place for retirees, and the cost of living is well below the U.S. median. The city has just over 3,000 residents, and 27% of the population is aged 60 or older.

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.

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Clare, MI

Pioneer Golden Estates

312 McGuirk Street, Clare, MI, 48617

My mother has dementia, so we picked Pioneer Golden Estates for her because you can go into assisted living and then they have a memory care unit. They seem to be very well-staffed and there’s obvious … (read more)
My mother has dementia, so we picked Pioneer Golden Estates for her because you can go into assisted living and then they have a memory care unit. They seem to be very well-staffed and there’s obvious … (read more)

Americana Seniors of Clare

684 Ann Arbor Trail, Clare, MI, 48617

My mother-in-law has moved in. We chose it because it was small and close to home. The cleanliness and upkeep are very good. They do games, bingo, crafts, and nails. I did not try the food, but my mot … (read more)
My mother-in-law has moved in. We chose it because it was small and close to home. The cleanliness and upkeep are very good. They do games, bingo, crafts, and nails. I did not try the food, but my mot … (read more)

The Horizon Senior Living

1324 Vinewood Ave, Clare, MI, 48617

The Horizon Senior Living is nice but outdated, has been there a long time, and a little dreary. It was also more money. The staff was very nice.
The Horizon Senior Living is nice but outdated, has been there a long time, and a little dreary. It was also more money. The staff was very nice.

Coleman Fields Assisted Living

288 Old Orchard Drive, Coleman, MI, 48618

We are under new management, and the changes have been refreshing! I may work here, but I truly enjoy it, and love the residents and staff. The facility is spacious and clean, the staff friendly and … (read more)
We are under new management, and the changes have been refreshing! I may work here, but I truly enjoy it, and love the residents and staff. The facility is spacious and clean, the staff friendly and … (read more)

The Fountain of Love

6133 E. Vernon Road, Rosebush, MI, 48878

Fountain of Love is only two miles from my house. They seem to be quite friendly. They have a deck and a really nice facility for showers and bathing in wheelchairs and a walk-in tub. Fountain of Love … (read more)
Fountain of Love is only two miles from my house. They seem to be quite friendly. They have a deck and a really nice facility for showers and bathing in wheelchairs and a walk-in tub. Fountain of Love … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Clare

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 Michigan. 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 Clare

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.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Clare

  • 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.

Paying for Assisted Living in 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. 

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

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. 

$4460

Clare

$4250

Michigan

$4500

The United States

$4423

Bay City

$4225

Saginaw

$4828

Grand Rapids

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

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.

$5148

In-Home Care

$5339

Home Health Care

$1625

Adult Day Health Care

$4460

Assisted Living Facility

$8821

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

Note: Care cost data for Clare was not available, so data for the closest city, Midland, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Clare

Seniors in Clare can get help paying the monthly cost of assisted living by signing up for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In Michigan, seniors get an additional stipend from the state with SSI, as well as automatic qualification for Medicaid.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Michigan page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

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.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Clare

Government agencies and nonprofits provide a variety of free resources to help seniors maintain their health and independence or access additional support if needed. Seniors and their families can learn more about some of these resources below.

Resource

Contact

Description

(800) 858-1637

For more than 50 years, this Area Agency on Aging has been educating seniors about local resources that are available in the community. It provides insurance counseling and coordinates long-term care needs assessments. A long-term care ombudsman is available to provide information and advice about assisted living.

(989) 539-8870

The Clare County COA provides a variety of volunteer-driven services to ensure the health and well-being of older adults. It offers in-home care, case management services, meal deliveries and transportation for medical appointments. It also provides caregiver support and operates several adult activity centers in the area.

(989) 772-0748

The Isabella County Commission on Aging coordinates in-home care, community nutrition programs and senior volunteer opportunities. Golden Key provides peer-to-peer community service where seniors help others in need. It also sponsors the Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Program for several counties in the region.

(888) 783-8190

Legal Services of Eastern Michigan is a comprehensive resource for seniors who need help with all types of legal issues, ranging from housing and long-term care to estate planning and insurance. Elder law is one of its areas of focus, and seniors may be eligible for help with some issues regardless of their income.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Clare

Clare Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Michigan