Often considered a college town, Kalamazoo, Michigan, is home to over 7,650 seniors over the age of 65. Its cost of living is lower than both the state and national averages, and the city also has more physicians per capita than the majority of the country. Bronson Methodist, one of the local hospitals, is among the top 10 in the state. The city also offers numerous opportunities for outdoor recreation at its many lakes and parks.
Seniors who need assistance with getting dressed, bathing and other activities of daily living but don’t require the extensive monitoring and care services provided at nursing homes are ideal candidates for an assisted living facility. Many of these senior care communities also have onsite therapy services. At $4,350 a month, the average cost of assisted living in Kalamazoo is higher than the statewide median but lower than what the majority of seniors in assisted living facilities across the country pay.
In addition to the cost of senior care in Kalamazoo, this guide covers resources that may help seniors choose and pay for care at an assisted living facility and maintain their health while living at home.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Kalamazoo, MI
1400 North Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006
We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but th
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We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but the ones that had been caring for her has been very helpful and very friendly. My mother has some complaints about the food as she gets tired of chicken. She had gone to their resident consult meetings before and she expressed herself and they have made changes and tried to accommodate the wishes of my mother.
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We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but th
… (read more)
We have been very pleased with the care that mom has been getting at Woodside at Friendship Village. I noticed there were turnovers of different caregivers and nurses and that’s understandable, but the ones that had been caring for her has been very helpful and very friendly. My mother has some complaints about the food as she gets tired of chicken. She had gone to their resident consult meetings before and she expressed herself and they have made changes and tried to accommodate the wishes of my mother.
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5364 Green Meadow Drive, Ste 145, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent
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Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent environment. It is a relatively smaller and updated facility, which guests say makes it a little more intimate. Visitors and residents commend the facility’s cleanliness and organization. The employees have been praised for their competency and friendliness. The facility has a full recreational program with activities, along with a wellness program. Residents can also enjoy the hair salon and regular community outings. The community allows all pets.
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Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent
… (read more)
Sojourner Place is an assisted living, companion living and respite care facility located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The facility brings together retirement living with comfort in a tranquil independent environment. It is a relatively smaller and updated facility, which guests say makes it a little more intimate. Visitors and residents commend the facility’s cleanliness and organization. The employees have been praised for their competency and friendliness. The facility has a full recreational program with activities, along with a wellness program. Residents can also enjoy the hair salon and regular community outings. The community allows all pets.
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210 N. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
1700 Bronson Way, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
The Fountains at Bronson Place is an assisted living and continuing care community west of Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Westwood. Residents can choose between studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Fami
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The Fountains at Bronson Place is an assisted living and continuing care community west of Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Westwood. Residents can choose between studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Family members say the staff is available to assist residents 24/7 and is friendly, accommodating and always attentive to their loved one’s needs. Residents appreciate the number of convenient on-site amenities, including a market, ice cream parlor, bank, exercise room, art studio, computer center and indoor whirlpool. Nature lovers can enjoy spending time outdoors on the acres of landscaped grounds and walking paths.
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The Fountains at Bronson Place is an assisted living and continuing care community west of Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Westwood. Residents can choose between studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Fami
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The Fountains at Bronson Place is an assisted living and continuing care community west of Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Westwood. Residents can choose between studio, one and two-bedroom apartments. Family members say the staff is available to assist residents 24/7 and is friendly, accommodating and always attentive to their loved one’s needs. Residents appreciate the number of convenient on-site amenities, including a market, ice cream parlor, bank, exercise room, art studio, computer center and indoor whirlpool. Nature lovers can enjoy spending time outdoors on the acres of landscaped grounds and walking paths.
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2300 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visit
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Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visitors also note that groundskeepers are always cleaning up the exterior of the facility, which makes the back property a great place for strolls in the shade. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has been recognized for its renovated library, where guests can read literature in a quiet space. Residents add that the whole community is peaceful overall, and the rooms are a good distance from the street.
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Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visit
… (read more)
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is situated in the southern suburbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Residents are very fond of popcorn nights, happy hours and watching the latest movies on a big screen. Visitors also note that groundskeepers are always cleaning up the exterior of the facility, which makes the back property a great place for strolls in the shade. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has been recognized for its renovated library, where guests can read literature in a quiet space. Residents add that the whole community is peaceful overall, and the rooms are a good distance from the street.
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620 PHILLIPS STREET, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual ca
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Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual care given to each resident, and each resident is given a specific staff member to help with the transition as part of the facility’s "friendship approach" program. Wyndham West provides its residents with a wide range of amenities, including on-site banking, a beauty salon and an exercise room. The facility also offers residents a robust activity schedule, including musical events, religious services, guest speakers and card games.
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Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual ca
… (read more)
Wyndham West is located in the Southside section of Kalamazoo, situated about three miles south of downtown and close to two convenient bus stations. The facility gets high marks for the individual care given to each resident, and each resident is given a specific staff member to help with the transition as part of the facility’s "friendship approach" program. Wyndham West provides its residents with a wide range of amenities, including on-site banking, a beauty salon and an exercise room. The facility also offers residents a robust activity schedule, including musical events, religious services, guest speakers and card games.
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2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that
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Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that the large rooms come with individual climate controls. Visitors give high marks for the kind, caring and polite staff at this facility. Residents enjoy socializing in the activity room, where they can play cards, complete puzzles and participate in sing-alongs. Park Village Pines also receives plenty of praise for serving tasty food, especially during holiday dinners.
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Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that
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Park Village Pines is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, just minutes away from Route 131 and Asylum Lake Preserve. Residents appreciate that the community is spacious, clean and well-maintained and that the large rooms come with individual climate controls. Visitors give high marks for the kind, caring and polite staff at this facility. Residents enjoy socializing in the activity room, where they can play cards, complete puzzles and participate in sing-alongs. Park Village Pines also receives plenty of praise for serving tasty food, especially during holiday dinners.
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600 Golden Drive, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating contr
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Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating controls. Nutritious meals are provided daily and served in the dining room. Licensed nurses and staff are available 24/7 to support residents with medication, personal care and daily activities. Residents enjoy the activities which promote physical and mental wellbeing and recommend the Wellness program, which offers various treatments. There are massage, dental and vision services available upon request.
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Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating contr
… (read more)
Directors Hall Assisted Living Community is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The spacious private apartments are available in studio or one-bedroom floor plans and each has individual air/heating controls. Nutritious meals are provided daily and served in the dining room. Licensed nurses and staff are available 24/7 to support residents with medication, personal care and daily activities. Residents enjoy the activities which promote physical and mental wellbeing and recommend the Wellness program, which offers various treatments. There are massage, dental and vision services available upon request.
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1400 N Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009
Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and
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Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and spiritual well-being. Daily exercise instruction is provided as well as access to walking trails situated among peaceful natural areas. Guests praise the staff for being attentive, caring and professional. Residents enjoy the activities offered, including live music, a magician, trivia, bingo and movie nights. Residents enjoy the restaurant-style dining and the meals provided by the facility’s executive chef.
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Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and
… (read more)
Friendship Village offers residents a warm welcome and an accommodating stay at all levels of care. Nestled amid the cozy woodlands of Kalamazoo, Michigan, this facility actively promotes physical and spiritual well-being. Daily exercise instruction is provided as well as access to walking trails situated among peaceful natural areas. Guests praise the staff for being attentive, caring and professional. Residents enjoy the activities offered, including live music, a magician, trivia, bingo and movie nights. Residents enjoy the restaurant-style dining and the meals provided by the facility’s executive chef.
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4222 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI, 49008
Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Resi
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Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Residents and visitors have mentioned their appreciation for the staff checking on residents hourly and coming to help whenever called. They also praised how new residents are allowed to decorate their rooms with personal items from home, such as pieces of furniture and mementos, to help them feel comfortable. The food was given high marks; especially the deserts.
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Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Resi
… (read more)
Park Place Assisted Living facility is located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, near Interstate 94, with Portage Creek Bicentennial Park and Milham Park Golf Course and Restaurant within walking distance. Residents and visitors have mentioned their appreciation for the staff checking on residents hourly and coming to help whenever called. They also praised how new residents are allowed to decorate their rooms with personal items from home, such as pieces of furniture and mementos, to help them feel comfortable. The food was given high marks; especially the deserts.
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3700 W Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49006
New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering perso
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New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering personal suites for residents. Amenities include big-screen televisions, a library and a cafe. New Friends Community prides itself on having the atmosphere of a coffeehouse, not a sterile institution. Friends and relatives of residents are pleased that the facility keeps their loved ones active and hydrated, and residents enjoy listening to music from their younger years and watching sports together. The ambience of this facility is a comforting, comfortable home.
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New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering perso
… (read more)
New Friends Community is in Kalamazoo, Michigan, less than 150 miles from both Chicago and Detroit. This assisted living and memory care facility features lodge-style living, each lodge offering personal suites for residents. Amenities include big-screen televisions, a library and a cafe. New Friends Community prides itself on having the atmosphere of a coffeehouse, not a sterile institution. Friends and relatives of residents are pleased that the facility keeps their loved ones active and hydrated, and residents enjoy listening to music from their younger years and watching sports together. The ambience of this facility is a comforting, comfortable home.
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305 W Cork Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49001
3113 Parchmount Ave., Kalamazoo, MI, 49004
5297 Clato Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49004
3951 W Milham Rd, Portage, MI, 49024
Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enh
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Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enhanced living, assisted living, and memory care. Every resident becomes a member of our family and we are grateful to share this experience with them.
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Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enh
… (read more)
Welcome to StoryPoint Portage! We enjoy creating great experiences for our residents every day. Our senior living services are designed to cater to any stage of life, including independent living, enhanced living, assisted living, and memory care. Every resident becomes a member of our family and we are grateful to share this experience with them.
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3100 Old Centre Avenue, Portage, MI, 49024
My mother has moved into Brookdale Portage. They’re very friendly, and it’s clean. They have neighborhoods where small groups of people go and eat together in a smaller setting and I like that. Her ro
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My mother has moved into Brookdale Portage. They’re very friendly, and it’s clean. They have neighborhoods where small groups of people go and eat together in a smaller setting and I like that. Her room is pleasant. When she moved in, there’s new carpeting, and everything was new. She has a nice clean room. They’ll take care of all of her needs supposedly. It’s one fee, so it does not increase as they do more things for her. I know they had singing because of the holidays and she enjoyed that and she went down to do that. They do games and different things like that. It’s a nice location. It’s kind of in the middle of a neighborhood almost. It’s not far from the highway. It’s clean and it’s attractive from the outside and inside.
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My mother has moved into Brookdale Portage. They’re very friendly, and it’s clean. They have neighborhoods where small groups of people go and eat together in a smaller setting and I like that. Her ro
… (read more)
My mother has moved into Brookdale Portage. They’re very friendly, and it’s clean. They have neighborhoods where small groups of people go and eat together in a smaller setting and I like that. Her room is pleasant. When she moved in, there’s new carpeting, and everything was new. She has a nice clean room. They’ll take care of all of her needs supposedly. It’s one fee, so it does not increase as they do more things for her. I know they had singing because of the holidays and she enjoyed that and she went down to do that. They do games and different things like that. It’s a nice location. It’s kind of in the middle of a neighborhood almost. It’s not far from the highway. It’s clean and it’s attractive from the outside and inside.
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4707 W. Milham Ave., Portage, MI, 49024
I went to look at Bickford of Portage. It’s a beautiful building. I love the décor. The woman who walked us around was very friendly. I would probably live there. I love the style of the place. The l
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I went to look at Bickford of Portage. It’s a beautiful building. I love the décor. The woman who walked us around was very friendly. I would probably live there. I love the style of the place. The lady was very nice. The rooms had a lot of variation. It wasn’t just one style of a room. They all had kitchenettes, which I liked. I like the variation in the rooms. They had tons of amenities like outdoor areas, a library, activity room, sitting rooms, and tons of different scheduled activities. She gave me a full tour, and I appreciated that. One thing I thought was strange is they didn’t show me the price upfront, which I thought was a little sketchy as I have no idea how much they cost. The woman that I met was wonderful. She answered all my questions. She was nice. The building was beautiful. I loved it. It was my style.
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I went to look at Bickford of Portage. It’s a beautiful building. I love the décor. The woman who walked us around was very friendly. I would probably live there. I love the style of the place. The l
… (read more)
I went to look at Bickford of Portage. It’s a beautiful building. I love the décor. The woman who walked us around was very friendly. I would probably live there. I love the style of the place. The lady was very nice. The rooms had a lot of variation. It wasn’t just one style of a room. They all had kitchenettes, which I liked. I like the variation in the rooms. They had tons of amenities like outdoor areas, a library, activity room, sitting rooms, and tons of different scheduled activities. She gave me a full tour, and I appreciated that. One thing I thought was strange is they didn’t show me the price upfront, which I thought was a little sketchy as I have no idea how much they cost. The woman that I met was wonderful. She answered all my questions. She was nice. The building was beautiful. I loved it. It was my style.
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7818 Kenmure Drive, Portage, MI, 49024
My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur
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My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur family member doesnt give the aides problems, the aides are nice. The building is falling apart inside & out! I do not recommend this place for anyone!!!!
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My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur
… (read more)
My grandma is there & has dementia. I dont care for the place. I’ve seen residents fall, ask for help, etc…. & most of the staff ignores the residents! I cant stand that place! As long as ur family member doesnt give the aides problems, the aides are nice. The building is falling apart inside & out! I do not recommend this place for anyone!!!!
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Kalamazoo
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 Kalamazoo
Assisted living facilities in Michigan aren’t required to have a license unless the community provides a level of care consistent with an Adult Foster Care Home or Home for the Aged. Those facilities are regulated by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Kalamazoo
- There are seven hospitals within Kalamazoo and another two dozen nearby. Many seniors probably won’t seek care elsewhere since the city’s own Bronson Methodist is among the state’s top 10.
- The Shepherd’s Center, one of the local senior centers, offers transportation for seniors for medical appointments and errands. Although free, a donation to the driver is suggested.
- The cost of living in Kalamazoo is lower than the state and the country. Housing costs are especially affordable in the city at roughly half the national average.
- From reduced property taxes for financial hardship to tax deferments and renter’s tax credits, Michigan offers several programs to help seniors in Kalamazoo save money on their taxes.
- Winters are cold, and the city receives around 60 inches of snow per year. Its summers, however, are considered more pleasant than most of the country.
- Air quality and water quality are both better than national averages.
- Property crime, burglaries and auto thefts have all declined in the city over the past 20 years, but its crime rates are still well above the national average.
Paying for Assisted Living in Kalamazoo
Seniors in Kalamazoo’s assisted living facilities spend an average of $4,350 a month on their care, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2021. Across the state, most seniors spend about $100 less each month on assisted living while seniors across the country spend about $150 more.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities
Out of the cities closest to Kalamazoo, Battle Creek has the most affordable cost of care, $3,400 a month, and Grand Rapids is the most expensive, with its assisted living residents spending a median of $4,828 a month on their care. Compared to Kalamazoo’s average cost of care, seniors in Niles and Jackson save $150 and $350 per month, respectively.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Other long-term care options that may help meet the needs of seniors include homemaker and home health aide services, with monthly fees averaging $4,767 and $4,957, respectively. Adult day care is much more affordable, at $1,733, because it’s only available at certain hours during weekdays. Nursing home care, which offers more comprehensive medical services, has a significantly higher fee of $8,821 for semiprivate rooms and $10,646 per month for private ones.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Nursing Home Facility (private room)
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Kalamazoo
Michigan provides personal care services through the Medicaid State Plan, which covers homes for the aged. It also provides an optional state supplement for supplemental security income recipients who reside in a home for the aged that limits room and board charges.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Michigan page.
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 Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo residents in assisted living facilities have access to multiple low-cost and free services that can help connect them with socialization opportunities, protect their rights and plan for long-term care.
At the Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Office, former members of the armed forces can receive assistance learning about their pension benefits and filing claims with the VA. The office also offers veterans a variety of healthcare services and financial aid for emergencies.
The Ecumenical Senior Center is a conveniently located gathering place where Kalamazoo's older adults can join other seniors to play games, participate in classes and dine together during congregate meals. The senior center also has spiritual activities such as Bible studies and it regularly organizes outings around town.
Through the R.S.V.P., Kalamazoo's older adults can use some of the skills they've learned over their careers or learn new ones to improve their community. The program has volunteer opportunities for a variety of organizations, ensuring seniors of all backgrounds can contribute.
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program exists to ensure residents of assisted living and other senior care facilities receive quality care with the freedom to exercise their rights. Volunteers and workers in the program assist families in researching senior care facilities by pulling up communities' inspection records and past citations, and when seniors become residents, the same volunteers can investigate and resolve issues that may arise.
Serving as the Area Agency on Aging, the Kalamazoo County Older Adult Services Division manages several programs that can make living at home easier for seniors. Home delivered meals, caregiver assistance, transportation and insurance counseling are just a few of the programs seniors can connect with through the agency.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Kalamazoo
Kalamazoo-area assisted living communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all assisted living communities in Michigan are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Michigan page for more information about these laws.
