Key Takeaways:
- Learn about benefits of an Senior Living facility, types of residents, services and amenities provided, food, activities, etc.
- Discover the Facilities types of Senior Living Facilities are available.
- Learn what type of Senior Living facility is better suited for your loved one
- Read about costs and factors that influence Senior Living fees
What is Senior Living?
Senior Living refers to a broad spectrum of residents that desire an active lifestyle and to those residents that require help with activities of daily living (ADLs). The popular types of Senior Living can include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Nursing Homes.
These Senior Living communities offer their residents’ a wide range of services and amenities which include 3 meals a day, housekeeping, activity programs, social events, outings and much more.
For those needing care, Senior Living offers assistance with ADLs such as bathing, grooming, dressing, medication management, bed transferring, memory stimulation programs, and transportation, as examples.
Benefits of Senior Living Facilities
Some of the biggest benefits of Senior Living Facilities for Seniors include:
1) Safety and Security: The convenience and safety of having staff on-site for the residents in Senior Living Facilities is peace of mind for the family. Where the Senior has medical or non-medical needs, accidents can happen at any moment’s notice. Having support staff available 24/7 is critical and can be the difference between survival and something fatal.
2) Social interaction with other residents: Based on a 2019 study done by Harvard Health, the findings showed that an active social life has multiple benefits including lessening the likelihood of depression and while extending life span. Not just being with family, but meeting new people and engaging in activities in Senior Living Facilities.
3) Activities and Entertainment: Drawing, painting, pet therapy and music therapy have shown to stimulate cognitive function and benefit older adults, per the Institute on Aging. Keeping Seniors engaged and socializing with others has shown to keep them engaged and living longer.
4) Costs of Senior Living Facilities vs. In-Home Care: While costs can greatly vary in Senior Living Facilities, it can be ideal for those who want or require a long term stay. Senior Living Facilities can start at $2,000 per month. However, In-Home Care can be a more costly option as a Caregiver will assist the Senior in the comfort of their own home.
Types of Senior Living Communities
When it comes to choosing the best Senior Care Home such as Assisted Living, Nursing Homes or other Senior Housing options for your aging loved ones, you want to make sure that you select the right senior care home. How? By familiarizing yourself with the different senior housing and senior care options available in your community.
Finding the right senior care home, or senior housing, whether an assisted living, nursing home or another type senior housing can get overwhelming at first, but having a better understanding of all the available senior care homes in your area, will make it easier and less stressful. Most of the senior care homes offer different senior housing programs and senior activities that will fit your or your aging loved one’s lifestyle.
Assisted Living
Other common terms: Assisted Living Community, Residential Care Home
Assisted Living Facilities are suited for seniors who want to live independently but need help with day-to-day activities. Seniors who select this senior care home do not require 24-hour supervision since these seniors do not have any serious medical conditions.
Assisted Living Communities typically offer meal service, housekeeping, social activities for seniors, medication assistance, transportation for medical appointments and other pleasure trips for seniors. Additional services like laundry, assistance with eating, bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing-up and other personal senior care, may also be available in an Assisted Living Facility.
In general, assisted living communities are not required to have nurses and/or doctors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, although Assisted Living Facilities usually have medical staff on site or on call to be able to help seniors with their daily needs.
Memory Care
Other common terms: Assisted Living, Residential Care Home, Memory Care
Memory Care Facilities are also known as memory care or dementia facility. This type of senior care home and senior housing specializes in the treatment and care of people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia as they have special needs.
The setting in a Memory Care Facility is similar to Assisted Living communities. Memory Care Facilities also provide personal services like help with eating, bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing-up, etc. Social services and programs tailored to provide senior housing patients with as much mental and memory stimulation as possible are also available for this type of senior care facility.
Memory Care Facilities have 24-hour support, higher level of security to protect wanderers, and structured programs to meet the needs of people with dementia
Independent Living
Other common terms: Retirement Communities
This senior care housing option, is ideal for healthy and active seniors who want to live independently as they want flexibility with their day-to-day activities. Seniors who choose Independent Living typically do not need medical assistance.
Independent Living Communities are suited for seniors who are interested to participate in educational, cultural and other social activities for entertainment. Independent Living communities usually offer a wide range of optional personal senior care services like: cleaning, laundry, transportation, group meals, fitness programs, etc.
Adult Residential Facility (ARF)
Other common terms: Adult Home or Services for the Physically and Mentally Impaired
Adult residential care facilities provide 24-hour non-medical care for adults ages 18 through 59, who are unable to provide for their own daily needs. Adult Residential Facilities are suited for Adults and seniors who are physically handicapped, developmentally disabled, and/or mentally disabled.
Typically, this kind of board and care home offers a home-like setting and provides private or shared rooms, private or shared bathrooms, meal service and an open door policy for the senior residents’ friends and family.
Adult Day Care
Other common terms: Adult Day Center
This type of senior care facility is another form of respite care. Adult Day Care is the ideal option for families who can still take care of their aging loved one at home, but are unable to provide senior care during the daytime (i.e., due to career, etc.).
Seniors who participate in an Adult Day Care program are provided companionship and support throughout the day and returns home at night.
An array of health programs and social activities for seniors are offered for stimulation and socialization in this senior care option. Majority of the programs in an Adult Day Care, include meal and transportation service while additional services like counseling, dancing, exercise, education, evening care, health screening, personal care, therapies, social activities and a lot more may also be available.
Generally, Adult Day Care Facilities are open up to eight hours a day, five times a week (Monday through Friday), although some may be open on Saturdays for a few hours.
Adult Day Health Care
Other common terms: Adult Day Center, ADHC
Adult Day Health Care is a licensed community-based day care program providing a variety of health, therapeutic, and social services to those at risk of being placed in a nursing home.
The primary objectives of Adult Day Health Care program are to: 1) Restore or maintain optimal capacity for self-care to frail elderly persons or adults with disabilities and 2) Delay or prevent inappropriate or personally undesirable institutionalization.
Adult Day Health Care stresses partnership with the participant, the family, the physician, and the community in working towards maintaining personal independence.
Each ADHC center has a multidisciplinary team of health professionals who conduct assessments of each potential participant to determine and plan the ADHC services and senior care needed to meet the individual’s specific health and social needs. Services provided at the center include: medical services; nursing and personal senior care services; physical, occupational and speech therapy; psychiatric and psychological services; social services; therapeutic activities; hot meal and nutritional counseling; and transportation to and from the center.
Nursing Homes
Other common terms: Skilled Nursing Facilities, SNF
Nursing Homes is a type of senior care home that offer services from a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse and/or certified nursing aide are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week to administer medical treatments and senior care prescribed by a doctor. Majority of nursing homes offer short-term and long-term care depending on the degree of care the senior residents need.
Active Retirement Communities
Other common terms: Retirement Communities
Active Retirement Communities are senior housing communities targeted towards mature adults ages 55 years and older. Active Retirement Communities are also known as 55+ communities that provide residents with maintenance-free living and a wide range of on-site activities and amenities for older adults. Active retirement communities cater towards older adults and seniors who want to maintain an active and independent lifestyle during their retirement years. They provide access to exciting recreational and social activities as well as amenities to help keep seniors healthy. These retirement communities are designed to offer seniors the chance to enjoy an independent active lifestyle by providing easy access to a wide range of fun social, recreational, and educational pursuits inside and outside of the community.
There are many things to consider when choosing the right active retirement community for you or your senior loved one. You should think about how close you want to be to outside recreational activities such as golf, hiking, and the beach. Most active retirement communities have on-site clubhouses, pools, workout facilities, media rooms, and movie theaters for their 55+ residents to enjoy.
Active retirement communities offer seniors a wide range of activities and services that are both exciting and stimulating for older adults 55 plus and over. Thus, providing seniors with the ideal residential community that leads to an enjoyable retirement.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Other common terms: CCRC
Continuing Care Retirement Communities are senior care facilities that are typically referred to as CCRCs or life care retirement communities. This senior care housing option is perfect for seniors who want to age in the same place as it offers flexible accommodations that are intended to meet the needs and wants of seniors which change overtime. Thus, not having to worry about moving.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities offer a long-term continuing care contract, usually for a resident’s lifetime. They provide appropriate level of senior care support for independent living, assisted living or nursing care all in one facility. Although expensive, this senior housing and senior care option is becoming one of the most popular choices today because it offers a wide range of programs, activities and amenities available to support the healthy lifestyle of seniors.
Sizes of Senior Living Communities
Large Senior Living Community Sample
Large Communities
These Senior Living Communities may be range from 30 to 200 Seniors and usually a 1:6 to 1:12 caregiver-per-resident ratio. Bigger communities can also offer a higher level of interaction between the residents, regular activities during the daytime, music and pet therapy, nutritious meals, going to church, service or the doctor, and help with showering, changing clothes, walking and med management.
These large care facilities can also offer locked-down, designated memory areas for Seniors that are undergoing Alzheimer’s disease and have a tendency to wander.
Popular Senior Living Communities
- Brookdale Senior Living
- Sunrise Senior Living
- Atria Senior Living
- Pacifica Senior Living
- Enlivant Senior Living
- Senior Lifestyle
- SRG Senior Living
- Merrill Gardens Senior Living
- Belmont Village Senior Living
- Holiday Retirement
- Aegis Living
- MBK Senior Living
- Meridian Senior Living
- Oakmont Senior Living
- Carlton Senior Living
Small Senior Living Residential Care Home Sample
Residential Care Homes
Small Senior Living Facilities, also known as residential care homes, have anywhere from 6 to 10 Seniors in the home. For the majority of the 50 states, licensing requires at minimum one caregiver on the property at all times to help and ensure the safety of its residents.
Older adults favor these types of senior living facilities since they provide care in an intimate setting just like what they’re familiar with at home. They also provide very similar services compared to the large care communities except for the larger level of socialization and recurrence of activities throughout the day.
All of the Seniors in a residential senior living facility like a more quiet, intimate setting for the most part. The caregiver-per-Senior ratio is usually 1 caregiver to 2 or 3 residents in the home. As far as costs go, smaller residential care homes usually have an all inclusive rate. This is different that most large, senior living communities that will charge the resident per each need.
Senior Living facilities all have different pros and cons and it will come down to finding the right fit for your Loved One’s needs, budget and location. Ensure you do detailed research on choosing the right senior living community or home. Also, get free advice from a care advisor who can give you all the ins and outs of finding the best Senior Living facility.
Featured Senior Living Communities
The Most Popular and Well-Known Assisted Living, Memory Care and Independent Living Communities throughout the country.
Brookdale Senior Living
Atria Senior Living
Senior Living Costs
Cost Factors
Senior Living Costs are determined by quite a few factors. Some of the top factors include:
- Location of Facility (area and city)
- Care needs of the Resident (if any)
- Condition (Age) of the Facility
- Round the Clock Awake Staff (if needed)
- Room Size and Type
- Services required or desired by the Resident
- Amenities available at the community or care home
Senior Living Cost Range
The national average for Senior Living is approximately $4,000 per month based on a Cost of Care Study conducted by Genworth Financial. Costs can start at $2,000 per month for Senior Living and go for more than $10,000 per month depending on the level of care.
- Independent living: These types of communities typically have the lowest monthly fees, going from $2,000 to $5,000 per month.
- Assisted Living: Prices can start from $3,000 to $8,000 per month, depending on the room size, level of care needed and area.
- Memory Care: Costs can start from $4,000 to $8,000 per month due to a higher level of care and security in the facility.
Affordable Senior Living Costs
If Senior Living Costs seem out of reach, state and nationwide programs such as the Assisted Living Waiver, Long Term Care Insurance, Veterans Aid and Attendance, and Medicaid may be able to help. Each state’s Department of Social Services can help provide affordable options for those in need.
1) Long Term Care Insurance
Senior Living Costs are typically paid for by Seniors or their families out of pocket. However, depending on the long term care insurance coverage, the policy can cover Assisted Living Costs. Families should contact their long term care insurance provider to obtain the details of the policy and what it covers.
2) Veterans Aid and Attendance
VA Aid and Attendance Pension Program is a special pension program created for those who served the country. The war veteran or spouse may be able to receive pension from the Veterans Administration to help lower Assisted Living costs.
To be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Program, the War Veteran or spouse are required to have a minimum of two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
To be eligible for the VA Aid and Assistance program, a Veteran must meet the following:
- Served in the Armed Forces for at least 90 days on active duty
- Served at least 1 day of active duty during time of war
- Received an honorable discharge
- Requires assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, eating, dressing and walking (or the qualifying Veteran’s spouse must require such assistance)
For additional information on the VA Aid and Attendance Program, click Here. You can also call your local VA office for more information at 800-827-1000.
3) Assisted Living Waiver Program (name varies per state)
The Assisted Living Waiver was started for Seniors and disabled residents that need Skilled Nursing Facilities. However, the Assisted Living Waiver Program gives families another option on how to make Assisted Living Costs more affordable.
4) Medicaid
Medicaid does not pay for Assisted Living Costs. However, in some states, may pay for a limited stay in the Skilled Nursing facility. It’s important to remember that you will have to qualify for Medicaid since the requirements are very rigorous.
Visit Medicaid or contact your local Medicaid office to learn more about your state’s Medicaid program at 877-267-2323.
How to Find Senior Living Options
Where Can I Easily Find Senior Living Options?
Senior Care Homes offers a free search tool where families can save time and search for Senior Living Options based on Care Type and Location. Families can view facility listings with pictures and details about each licensed facility. From there, interested families can request for pricing and tour the facilities. The process is easy and simple.
The journey for finding the right Senior Living Options can be very overwhelming. Senior Care Homes helps make the journey much easier for all of the families we’ve helped since 2007.
For those that need more assistance and guidance, our expert team of courteous and knowledgeable care advisors have helped thousands of families. Best of all, guidance and care options are at no charge to the families and free. No hassle. No obligation.
Families will receive matched facilities based on budget, location and care needs. Contact one of our Senior Care Experts now to get started for free advice and options at (877) 523-6523 x1 for Senior Living Options.
Popular Senior Living Cities
California’s Popular Senior Living Communities
Anaheim Carlsbad Concord Costa Mesa Chula Vista El Cajon Elk Grove Escondido Fremont Fresno Huntington Beach Irvine Laguna Hills Laguna Niguel Livermore Long Beach Los Angeles Mission Viejo Newport Beach Oakland Palm Desert Pleasanton Rancho Palos Verdes Riverside Sacramento Santa Barbara San Clemente San Diego San Francisco San Jose Santa Maria Santa Rosa Sunnyvale Torrance Walnut Creek Whittier
Boca Raton Bradenton Cape Coral Daytona Beach Jacksonville Lakeland Miami Melbourne Ocala Orlando Palm Bay Palm Coast Pensacola Port Saint Lucie Saint Petersburg Sarasota Tallahassee Tampa West Palm Beach
Arlington Austin Corpus Christi Dallas El Paso Forth Worth Houston San Antonio
More Popular Senior Living States and Cities
Arizona | Colorado | Michigan | New York | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Washington
Atlanta, GA Albuquerque, NM Baltimore, MD Brooklyn, NY Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Denver, CO New York, NY Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Pittsburgh, PA Portland, OR Rochester, NY Seattle, WA Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions on Senior Living
What Is Senior Living?
Senior Living provides older adults with the independence they desire, but the daily support they may need. Senior Living vary from the type of lifestyle preferences, services, amenities and care they provide. They can range from retirement communities, independent living, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities and more. Learn which Senior Living is best for you
What Services are Provided?
Senior living provides a range of services and support to older adults. These services may include housing, meals, personal care, transportation, housekeeping, social and recreational activities and safety and security.
How Much Does Senior Living Cost?
The cost of senior living can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the community type, location, level of care for the resident, and amenities. Based on Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey 2021, Senior Living can range from $2,000 to over $10,000 per month depending on various factors.
Where Can I Find Senior Living Options?
You can find Senior Living all across the country in urban, suburban and rural areas. They range from large resort-style buildings to small, residential board and care homes you can find in your neighborhood. You can use our free search tool at Senior Care Homes to find these facilities. These listings include pictures, details, pricing and the option to schedule a tour.
Copyright © 2024 Senior Care Homes. All Rights Reserved.
Catharine “Kate” is a Certified Administrator for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and an Expert Senior Care Advisor. Kate’s grandmother battled Alzheimer’s Disease and Kate personally understands what millions of families are going through. Kate and her team are very passionate in empowering Seniors and their families by providing them with the Best Available Senior Care Options based on Senior’s care needs, preferred location and family’s budget.
City Data Sources: AreaVibes.com, Weather.Com
Featured & Seen In:
