The 3 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Petoskey, MI for 2024

Petoskey serves as Emmet County’s principal city in Northern Michigan and offers a wide range of attractions, such as golf courses, parks and shopping destinations. While it’s a popular tourist destination, it has 5,900 permanent residents and a senior community that makes up almost a fifth of the population. Despite its steady stream of visitors, the city has a low crime rate compared to other cities its size.

There are several assisted living communities in Petoskey and nearby, offering support for older adults who need daily assistance. This long-term care option includes housing, personal care services and daily meals, along with a variety of recreational amenities and activities to appeal to diverse preferences. Many facilities have walking paths and fitness centers to encourage active lifestyles, and some have on-site amenities, such as salons, spas and libraries. On average, assisted living facilities in the Petoskey region charge $4,460 per month for housing and custodial services, which is higher than Michigan’s average of $4,250 but comparable to the national norm of $4,500.

This guide provides more details on Petoskey's features and amenities, along with some drawbacks to consider before relocating for long-term care. It also lists helpful resources for local seniors. 

Michigan’s Bureau of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs oversees all assisted living facilities in Petoskey and enforces minimum standards for building and housing requirements, staff screening and training and care services. This department publishes a list of all licensed assisted living facilities in the state and follows up on reports of substandard conditions and care.

 

• Seniors in Michigan don’t pay income taxes at the state level on their Social Security benefits or public pension income, and the state has deductions to reduce what they owe on income from private pensions and withdrawals from their retirement savings accounts. Property taxes are relatively high statewide, but selling a home and moving into an assisted living facility in Petoskey lets seniors avoid this expense.

 

• Petoskey residents aged 60 and over can obtain transportation services through Friendship Centers of Emmet County. This service can supplement transportation services available through assisted living facilities by helping seniors attend medical appointments and errands within the county limits. It’s available on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., and seniors should schedule services at least 2 days ahead of time by calling the office at (231) 348-3425.

 

• Petoskey is safer than 49% of U.S. communities and 43% of communities across Michigan, and the majority of the crime that takes place is property-related. Additionally, the local crime rate is low compared to similarly sized communities, which may make it an attractive option for those seeking assisted living in Northern Michigan.

 

• McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital serves as the only hospital in Petoskey. This 202-bed regional hospital has over 230 physicians across most medical specialties, providing robust care for assisted living residents. It ranks among the top 50 heart hospitals in the nation and has the highest marks available from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for safety and quality care.

 

• Petoskey’s cost of living aligns with the state norm but comes in about eight points below the national average, which may make it a financially viable option for seniors seeking budget-friendly care. To further promote access to affordable assisted living, qualified seniors may be able to pay for some assisted living services through the MI Choice Waiver Program.

 

Petoskey seniors pay approximately $4,460 per month for assisted living services.

In Petoskey, assisted living rates come in at $4,460, which is comparable to the national norm of $4,500 but exceeds the state average of $4,250 by 5%. In Grand Rapids, seniors pay about 8% more for care than Petoskey residents, but other cities may offer more affordable rates. For example, rates in Lansing and Saginaw are competitive at $4,313 and $4,225, respectively, and in Muskegon, assisted living facilities charge 10% less for residential services.

In Petoskey, assisted living facilities charge $4,460 per month for housing and nonmedical care. This monthly rate exceeds the $1,625 seniors who attend adult day health care facilities pay for daytime services in a community environment, but it's low compared to other surveyed senior care options. For example, assisted living rates come in 13% below what seniors who live at home pay for nonmedical in-home care, which includes companionship and help with daily living activities, and 16% less than what those who need skilled nursing services pay for home health care. Additionally, assisted living residents pay about 49% less than nursing home residents, who require extensive personal care services, along with medical support.  

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.