Deciding when to consider senior living is a significant and emotional decision for you and your family. Whether you're planning for yourself or helping a parent navigate their options, the choices can feel overwhelming.
There are many types of senior living facilities, and costs can vary widely. It is normal to feel unsure about where to start. You may also wonder what questions to ask.
That's exactly why we’re creating this comprehensive senior living resource center. We want to help seniors and their caretakers feel less burdened with planning, and ultimately to help you worry less and live more.
This resource section is designed for seniors and their caregivers who want honest, practical information about senior living options, without the pressure of sales calls or facility tours. We've organized everything into clear, easy-to-navigate sections that address the real questions families are asking, from the basics like ‘what is assisted living?’ and ‘does Medicare cover assisted living?’ to ‘what’s the difference between assisted living vs nursing home?’
Our mission is straightforward: to equip seniors and their families with the knowledge and tools they need to make better decisions about senior living.
What types of senior living facilities are out there for older adults? We’ll define them all for you.
These are apartment-style or cottage communities for seniors who can live alone but want convenience and social opportunities. Residents typically have private kitchens within their units.
Medical services commonly included are generally limited to emergency call systems and basic wellness programs. Some offer health screenings or educational seminars.
Medical services not generally included: nursing care, medication management, assistance with medical appointments, or help with activities of daily living. Residents manage their healthcare independently.
Check out our breakdown on Senior Living Costs by Facility to plan for other cost considerations.
Assisted living communities offer housing and help with daily personal care tasks. This includes bathing, dressing, managing medications, and preparing meals. Residents typically reside in private or semi-private apartments.
Medical services include reminders for medication, assistance with daily activities such as bathing and dressing, health monitoring, and coordination with outside healthcare providers. Some facilities also have visiting nurses or doctors.
Medical services NOT included: 24-hour skilled nursing care, complex medical procedures, IV therapy, ventilator care, dialysis, or intensive medical monitoring. Cannot handle acute medical emergencies beyond calling 911.
Check out our breakdown on Senior Living Costs by Facility to plan for other cost considerations.
These are Specialized facilities explicitly designed for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other cognitive impairments. They are often part of assisted living communities but have enhanced security and specialized programming.
Medical services include all assisted living services plus specialized dementia care and behavior management. Medication administration is often more intensive. The team provides safety monitoring and coordinates with neurologists and psychiatrists. Some facilities have on-site medical staff.
Medical services NOT included: Complex medical procedures, intensive medical equipment, skilled nursing for non-dementia conditions. They may not equip themselves for multiple chronic conditions beyond cognitive impairment.
Check out our breakdown on Senior Living Costs by Facility to plan for other cost considerations.
These facilities offer 24-hour medical care and supervision. They assist residents who require extensive support with daily activities or have severe medical conditions.
Medical services include: 24-hour skilled nursing care, medication administration, wound care, and therapy, physical, occupational, and speech therapy. Also may include IV therapy, feeding tubes, oxygen therapy, and dialysis coordination. On-site or visiting doctors are available.
Medical services NOT included are intensive care unit-level treatment, major surgical procedures, and acute psychiatric care. Residents move to hospitals for serious emergencies.
Check out our breakdown on Senior Living Costs by Facility to plan for other cost considerations.
These multi-level communities offer independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing all on one campus. They enable residents to age in place seamlessly.
Medical services included: These vary by community, ranging from minimal services in independent living to complete skilled nursing care. They often include on-site medical clinics, pharmacies, and healthcare coordinators.
Medical services NOT included: Services vary by section of the community. Independent living sections have minimal medical services, while skilled nursing sections provide comprehensive care.
Check out our breakdown on Senior Living Costs by Facility to plan for other cost considerations.
These specialized facilities focus on providing comfort care and symptom management for individuals with serious illnesses, emphasizing quality of life over curative treatment. They serve patients with life-limiting conditions who may benefit from pain management, emotional support, and comprehensive care coordination.
Medical services included: Pain and symptom management, 24/7 nursing care, palliative medicine, medication management, physical/occupational therapy, speech therapy, social work services, chaplaincy and spiritual care, nutritional counseling, respiratory therapy, and coordination with specialists. Many facilities also provide family counseling, bereavement support, and care planning services.
Medical services not included: Curative treatments, aggressive life-extending interventions such as chemotherapy or radiation (unless for palliative care), emergency surgical procedures, ICU services, diagnostic testing for curative purposes, and experimental treatments. Some facilities may not provide certain specialized medical equipment or 24/7 physician coverage, depending on their specific model.
Check out our breakdown on Senior Living Costs by Facility to plan for other cost considerations.
As seniors’ health conditions and associated needs will likely change over time, the level of medical care available is often the determining factor in choosing between assisted living facilities.
What does Medicare cover, and what does it not cover? We’ll get into the basics.
A common question many seniors and their families ask is, 'Does Medicare pay for assisted living?'
Unfortunately, Medicare coverage for senior living facilities is specific and, in most cases, minimal. It’s essential to review your plan for specific coverage details, but this general guide will help you get started. What Medicare DOES Cover:
Make sure to check your plan for specific requirements and coverage details.
The Key Distinction: Medicare only pays for skilled medical care, not custodial care or housing costs. If you need help with daily living activities but don't require skilled nursing care, Medicare won't cover the cost.
Important Reality: Most people are surprised to learn that Medicare doesn't cover the costs of senior living facilities. The monthly fees for assisted living or memory care, ranging from $3,000 to $10,000+, are usually paid out-of-pocket (or through Medicaid if you qualify).
Since Medicare does not cover senior living costs, planning for these expenses or considering long-term care insurance while you're healthy is essential.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Considerations: Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional benefits for home health services or short-term care in assisted living facilities. Coverage varies by plan, so be sure to review your plan details carefully.
Medicaid as an Alternative: While Medicare does not cover senior living expenses, Medicaid may help with the costs of assisted living or nursing homes for those who qualify.
Medicare and Palliative Care: Medicare covers palliative care services under hospice benefits, but some aspects of palliative care may be available earlier in a senior’s healthcare journey. Coverage varies by plan, so be sure to review your plan details carefully.
Supplemental Insurance Options: Medigap can help cover out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered services, but does not cover assisted living or custodial care.
State-Specific Programs: Some states offer additional programs that help seniors with housing and care costs.
Understanding Medicare’s limits on senior living coverage highlights the importance of financial planning. Since most long-term care costs aren't covered by Medicare, exploring options to pay for senior living is essential for your peace of mind.
Independent Living can range from $1,500 to $6,000 per month or more, covering housing, meals, transportation, and activities. You're generally paying for community living with minimal care services included.
Assisted Living typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 per month and includes personal care assistance, such as medication management, bathing, and help with dressing. Assisted Living represents the largest segment of the senior living population.
Memory Care facilities cost an average of $4,000 to $ 8,000 per month, due to specialized staff training, secure environments, and more structured programming for dementia and Alzheimer's care.
Skilled Nursing/Nursing Homes can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $15,000 or more per month for 24/7 medical care and supervision. A range of factors contribute to the variance in the cost of these facilities, including location and the increased care needs of residents.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) typically require entrance fees ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 or more, in addition to monthly expenses of $3,000 to $6,000 or more. These communities provide lifetime care across all levels as residents’ needs change.
Beyond base monthly fees, budget for care level increases over time, as most residents require more assistance as they age. Many facilities charge extra for services like medication management, physical therapy, beauty services, guest meals, and transportation to medical appointments.
Other Ways to Pay:
Area Agencies on Aging are nonprofit agencies designated by states to address the needs of all seniors at the local level.
Below are some additional senior living resources that may be helpful.
The combination of government oversight, industry data, and consumer advocacy creates a robust system for researching senior living options. Using multiple trusted sources helps ensure you get accurate, current, and comprehensive information for this critical decision.
This information is based on currently available Medicare data and is subject to change. Find more details on Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for the most current information.
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