Waterford is located in the heart of Oakland County, Michigan, in the northwestern corner of the Detroit metro. It has an estimated 73,000 residents, about 16% of whom are seniors. It may be an ideal option for those seeking affordability, a safe environment and easy access to health care.  

To support its aging population, the Waterford region is home to numerous assisted living facilities. These facilities balance comfort and privacy with personalized care services, promoting a worry-free lifestyle for older adults. According to the Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Waterford pay $4,750 per month for assisted living, which is high compared to state and national averages.  

This guide provides more information on senior care costs in Waterford, along with the benefits and drawbacks of living in this community and assisted living licensing information. It also provides free resources to help seniors make informed decisions regarding their care.  

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Waterford, MI

Canterbury on the Lake

5601 Hatchery Rd., Waterford, MI, 48329

Gross misconduct and utterly incompetent. The "doctor"’s actions were unfathomable and he shouldn’t be practicing medicine. The staff are rude and act as though doing their job is an inconvenience and … (read more)
Gross misconduct and utterly incompetent. The "doctor"’s actions were unfathomable and he shouldn’t be practicing medicine. The staff are rude and act as though doing their job is an inconvenience and … (read more)

Lourdes Senior Community – Mendelson Home

2450 Watkins Lake Rd, Waterford, MI, 48328

definitely the right choice for us/for mom.
definitely the right choice for us/for mom.

Waterford Oaks Senior Care, Inc

3385 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford, MI, 48328

There is no other assisted-living that I could find that has all carrying help, good food, clean place and they become family. I drive over 100 mile round-trip because it is the best. Comparable to ot … (read more)
There is no other assisted-living that I could find that has all carrying help, good food, clean place and they become family. I drive over 100 mile round-trip because it is the best. Comparable to ot … (read more)

Caremore of Waterford Assisted Living

4353 W Walton Road, Waterford, MI, 48329

My mother is currently at Caremore of Waterford. She was in the hospital for a while, so she just went in there about two weeks ago. I came down, while we’re trying to find something financially that … (read more)
My mother is currently at Caremore of Waterford. She was in the hospital for a while, so she just went in there about two weeks ago. I came down, while we’re trying to find something financially that … (read more)

Magnolia by the Lakes

1701 Cass Lake Road, Keego Harbor, MI, 48320

We found Magnolia by the Lakes for my mom. They were clean, and the staff were nice. They offered a lot of activities, and the residents were very interactive. There are a lot of things for the senior … (read more)
We found Magnolia by the Lakes for my mom. They were clean, and the staff were nice. They offered a lot of activities, and the residents were very interactive. There are a lot of things for the senior … (read more)

2016

American House West Bloomfield

5859 W. Maple Rd., West Bloomfield, MI, 48322

My tour at American House West Bloomfield was good. It’s just that the rooms were a little small, other than that it was ok. The person who gave the tour was very good and very accommodating. The room … (read more)
My tour at American House West Bloomfield was good. It’s just that the rooms were a little small, other than that it was ok. The person who gave the tour was very good and very accommodating. The room … (read more)

2022

Sunrise of West Bloomfield

7005 Pontiac Trail, West Bloomfield, MI, 48323

My mother is doing fine at Sunrise of West Bloomfield. The staff members are caring, very professional, and very attentive. The director and the lady that sits at the desk are really nice. It’s very w … (read more)
My mother is doing fine at Sunrise of West Bloomfield. The staff members are caring, very professional, and very attentive. The director and the lady that sits at the desk are really nice. It’s very w … (read more)

Sunrise of Bloomfield

2080 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI, 48302

I went to Sunrise of Bloomfield. I was very pleased with it. It was clean. The residents that I came in contact with seemed happy. I like the facility as a whole. The rooms were a little smaller than … (read more)
I went to Sunrise of Bloomfield. I was very pleased with it. It was clean. The residents that I came in contact with seemed happy. I like the facility as a whole. The rooms were a little smaller than … (read more)

The Avalon of Auburn Hills

3151 East Walton Boulevard, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326

I really enjoyed touring The Avalon of Auburn Hills. The tour guide was very accommodating in answering all of my questions and explaining everything about their facility. It was very updated, clean, … (read more)
I really enjoyed touring The Avalon of Auburn Hills. The tour guide was very accommodating in answering all of my questions and explaining everything about their facility. It was very updated, clean, … (read more)

Absolute Care II

6838 Edinborough Drive,, West Bloomfield, MI, 48322

I am gladly testifying to the most excellent patient care and treatment my father has ever received. All aspects of his living at this Absolute Care’s facility – from tending to his health and sani … (read more)
I am gladly testifying to the most excellent patient care and treatment my father has ever received. All aspects of his living at this Absolute Care’s facility – from tending to his health and sani … (read more)

Provision Living at West Bloomfield

5475 W Maple Rd., West Bloomfield, MI, 48322

My mother has moved into Provision Living at West Bloomfield. The staff members seem very nice and very thorough. It’s quiet. Her room is very nice. It seems roomy. They come in and clean and do her l … (read more)
My mother has moved into Provision Living at West Bloomfield. The staff members seem very nice and very thorough. It’s quiet. Her room is very nice. It seems roomy. They come in and clean and do her l … (read more)

The Terraces at Lake Orion

985 N Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, MI, 48362

It was a beautiful facility. It’s wonderful, they have caring people, and it’s a great location for us. We’re really excited at the prospect of having our mother live there. I think she’d be well care … (read more)
It was a beautiful facility. It’s wonderful, they have caring people, and it’s a great location for us. We’re really excited at the prospect of having our mother live there. I think she’d be well care … (read more)

Ahava Adult Foster Care

5670 Greer Road, West Bloomfield, MI, 48324

The owners and employees treat the residents as if they are family. It is very clean and has no medicinal smell. The food is made mostly from scratch and they adjust for each resident’s dietary needs. … (read more)
The owners and employees treat the residents as if they are family. It is very clean and has no medicinal smell. The food is made mostly from scratch and they adjust for each resident’s dietary needs. … (read more)

The Avalon of Commerce Township

2500 Martin Parkway , Commerce Township, MI, 48390

The staff at The Avalon of Commerce Township was outstanding. The amenities and facilities were top-notch. The staff was very informative and very helpful. They offered more post-tour assistance, so I … (read more)
The staff at The Avalon of Commerce Township was outstanding. The amenities and facilities were top-notch. The staff was very informative and very helpful. They offered more post-tour assistance, so I … (read more)

Butterfly House 1

1072 Maple Heights Drive, White Lake, MI, 48357

The tour at Butterfly House 1 was fine. The people were nice. The place was clean. I have no problem with it at all. It was a nice place. They had some clients there getting ready for lunch. The staff … (read more)
The tour at Butterfly House 1 was fine. The people were nice. The place was clean. I have no problem with it at all. It was a nice place. They had some clients there getting ready for lunch. The staff … (read more)

Vista Springs Trillium Village Estate

6800 Trillium Village Drive, Clarkston, MI, 48346

Vista Springs Trillium Village is the best place in the world. It’s a five-star hotel for my mother. The staff couldn’t be kinder, and they’re wonderful to the 24-hour nursing care residents. She’s ca … (read more)
Vista Springs Trillium Village is the best place in the world. It’s a five-star hotel for my mother. The staff couldn’t be kinder, and they’re wonderful to the 24-hour nursing care residents. She’s ca … (read more)

The Avalon of Bloomfield Township

100 West Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, MI, 48302


Safe Haven Hill

389 Slocum Drive, Auburn Hills, MI, 48326


Serene Gardens of Clarkston

5850 White Lake Rd, Clarkston, MI, 48346



What to Consider About Assisted Living in Waterford

In Waterford, as in all of Michigan, assisted living facilities are licensed as homes for the aged. These facilities are regulated by the Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community & Health Systems. This governing body fields and investigates complaints regarding residential care facilities and has an extensive licensing process to ensure a high standard of care. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Waterford

  • The Western Oakland Transportation Authority provides door-to-door demand-response transportation services to Waterford residents aged 55 and over. It has 12 lift-equipped vehicles and operates on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. All riders, including escorts and companions, are required to register with WOTA before scheduling a ride. 
  • Waterford’s cost of living is high compared to Michigan as a whole, but overall, residents spend about 3% less on living expenses here than in the typical U.S. city. Housing costs are higher here than in most of Michigan, which may make assisted living a more financially feasible option for those with limited incomes.  
  • Michigan seniors don’t pay state income taxes on Social Security benefits. While other types of retirement income are taxed, older adults can claim large deductions to bring down their taxes. Property taxes are high but may be avoided by transitioning to assisted living.  
  • Violent crime occurs at a rate of 185 incidents per 100,000 people in Waterford compared to the national frequency of 379 and the state average of 437, which may provide peace of mind for retirees. Property crime is more common with a rate of 884 incidents, but the rate has been trending downward for the past 20 years. 
  • Waterford has some of the most pleasant weather in Michigan, rating 6.8 on a 10-point comfort index versus the state score of 6.5. The winter months are very cold with lows in the mid-teens and 33 inches of snowfall, but summers are comfortable with July highs in the low-80s. 
  • With high access to health care and affordable services, Waterford may be a good option for older adults managing chronic conditions. The region has about 454 physicians per 100,000 people, more than double the national rate of 210. Health care costs such as dentist visits, inpatient hospital care and doctor’s office visits are about 17% below the national median. There are no hospitals in Waterford proper, but there are three hospitals located within a 10-mile radius, including Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland HospitalMcLaren Oakland Hospital and Pontiac General Hospital.

Paying for Assisted Living in Waterford

Seniors in Waterford pay approximately $4,750 per month for assisted living services. By comparison, monthly rates in Michigan as a whole average $4,200, and in the United States, the typical facility charges $4,300.  

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

With monthly fees at $4,750, the Waterford region is among the most expensive in Michigan for assisted living. Seniors seeking more affordable care options in southeastern Michigan may consider Flint, which has monthly rates of $3,669. Bay City is even more affordable at $3,000 per month. Waterford is affordable compared to Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, where respective rates come in at $5,000 and $5,590.  

$4750

Waterford

$4200

Michigan

$4300

The United States

$3000

Bay City

$3669

Flint

$5000

Grand Rapids

$5590

Ann Arbor

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living is the most affordable residential care option in Waterford with facilities charging approximately $4,750 for care. Seniors who need 24-hour care and medical monitoring may require nursing home level care, which costs $8,821 per month for shared rooms and $10,646 for private accommodations. Seniors who live at home may consider homemaker services, including companionship, personal care, meals and transportation for $4,767 per month. Home health aides provide these services along with some skilled nursing services for $4,957. Adult day health care is the cheapest option at $1,733 per month.  

$4767

Homemaker Services

$4957

Home Health Aide

$1733

Adult Day Health Care

$4750

Assisted Living Facility

$8821

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$10646

Nursing Home Facility (private room)

Note: Care cost data for Waterford was not available, so data for the closest city, Detroit Area, was used instead. 

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Waterford

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.

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 Waterford

The Waterford region is home to several programs and agencies that serve older adults. Through the following resources, seniors can get one-on-one options counseling, legal and advocacy services, veterans benefits and social and recreational opportunities.  

Resource 

Contact

Service 

(800) 852-7795 

The Area Agency on Aging administers a range of programs to complement the services seniors receive in assisted living, including nutrition counseling, non-emergency medical transportation and information and referrals for community-based services. The agency also has health insurance options counselors who help Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage and compare Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug coverage and long-term care insurance.

(248) 682-9450 

The Waterford Senior Center is a division of the Waterford School District. It works closely with senior-centered nonprofit agencies to provide social and recreational services to community residents aged 62 and over. The center provides complimentary Gold Cards to members, which admits them and a guest to all home athletic games, plays and concerts. The center is open on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

(248) 858-0785 

The county’s Veterans’ Services Office is located in Pontiac, about eight miles south of Waterford. This office helps veterans and their families obtain the services and benefits they’re entitled to, including emergency financial assistance, transportation and health insurance. The office can screen veterans for eligibility for programs that can cover assisted living, such as Aid and Attendance, disability compensation and pensions.

(866) 400-9164 

Elder Law of Michigan is a statewide nonprofit organization that specializes in civil legal issues that affect seniors. It's staffed with experienced legal professionals who advocate on behalf of and represent older adults in issues such as Social Security overpayment, denied Medicare claims and consumer debt collection practices. The office can also help seniors understand assisted living contracts and navigate problems with intake and discharge procedures.

(866) 485-9393

The state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program has local volunteers who visit assisted living facilities to ensure residents understand their rights and facilities comply with state-mandated guidelines. The ombudsman can also mediate interpersonal disagreements and resolve issues related to quality of care.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Waterford

Waterford-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.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Michigan