Senior Housing Types - Descriptions, Payment Options & Average Monthly Costs

Assisted Living
Assisted Living communities provide a residential setting for seniors to live safely. They offer assistance with medication reminders, bathing, dressing and special dietary requirements. Amenities typically include three meals a day, social activities, transportation, housekeeping and laundry. Most living areas offer walk in showers, wide doors for wheelchair access, emergency call services and more. Many assisted livings also offer specialized Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care. They may be stand alone communities or part of a retirement community.
Payment Options: Mostly Private Pay; Some Accept Medicaid
Average Monthly Cost: $2500-4000

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care communities are designed with the memory impaired or Alzheimer’s resident in mind. The environment is secured allowing residents to explore and wander safely. The staff is typically well trained and more experienced in working with memory loss and Alzheimer’s care. They may be stand alone communities or part of an assisted living community.
Payment Options: Mostly Private Pay; Some Accept Medicaid
Average Monthly Cost: $3000-6000

Retirement Living
Retirement Living communities provide independent seniors an active apartment style living environment. Apartment types include studio, 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom units with full kitchens. Most retirement communities offer 1-2 meals a day in a dining room or restaurant style setting, weekly housekeeping, social activities and transportation to shopping and doctor appointments.
Payment Options: Mostly Private Pay; Some Government Funded
Average Monthly Cost: $1500-3500

Residential Care Home
Residential Care Homes provide personal assistance to residents in a smaller homelike environment. Most are operated by their owners and offer help with meals, medications, bathing, dressing and social activities. The number of residents varies, but most are less than 10 residents.
Payment Options: Mostly Private Pay; Some Accept Medicaid
Average Monthly Cost: $1500-3000

Senior Apartment
Senior Apartments are designed specifically for independent seniors 55 years or older who desire maintenance free living. Most do not offer meals, housekeeping, transportation or medical assistance. Many senior apartments are subsidized and offer lower monthly rates.
Payment Options: Mostly Private Pay; Some Government Funded
Average Monthly Cost: $750-1500

Nursing Home/Skilled Nursing Facility
Nursing Homes are designed for seniors who require medical attention 24/7 in a hospital like setting. Typical services involve managing complex medical problems such as infections, wound care, IV therapy and coma care. Most facilities offer short term and long term care options. They may be stand alone facilities or part of a retirement community.
Payment Options: Private Pay; Medicaid; Medicare
Average Monthly Cost: $5000-9000

Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) provide a continuum of care from independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing all in one location. Amenities typically include daily activities, meals, transportation, housekeeping and laundry. Traditionally, most CCRCs required a buy-in or membership fee, but now many offer month-to-month leasing.
Payment Options: Private Pay; Most Require Buy-In
Average Monthly Cost: $2000-6000

Home Care
Home Care services help individuals with activities of daily living including medications, bathing, dressing, housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation and more. Most are private pay and based on an hourly rate. Home care services are provided in all types of settings including private residences, assisted livings, retirement communities or wherever the client resides.
Payment Options: Mostly Private Pay
Average Hourly Cost: $14-30

For more information, click here Senior Housing Types.