Help Breaking Down the Cost of Care
According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care survey, the average cost of senior living in the United States is $5,350 per month for an Assisted Living facility. This figure will vary depending on the type of care you need and where you live.
Continue reading to break down the different types of care available. Let’s also explore where to find the most and least expensive areas for Assisted Living.
How much does Independent Living cost per month?
Assisted Living is a type of housing designed for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The average cost of Assisted Living in the United States is $5,350 per month.
Most Independent Living communities range from under $1,000 per month to over $6,000 per month. The location and services offered by the community will influence the cost.
How much does Assisted Living cost per month?
Assisted Living is a type of housing designed for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, and eating. The average cost of Assisted Living in the United States is $4,500 per month.
The location of the community will also impact the cost of living. Expect prices to range anywhere from $99 to $230 per day.
Assisted Living residents get to live in a resort-style hotel with personalized care services at a more reasonable cost. The monthly cost includes:
- A private or shared living space
- Individual care plans
- Daily meals in a dining room
- Social and wellness activities
- Special events and entertainment
- Transportation
- Housekeeping and laundry services
Paying for Assisted Living can seem daunting. Many Civitas Senior Living residents use financial assistance to pay for their long-term care:
- Veterans benefits
- Bridge loans
- Real estate
- Estate planning
- Long-term care insurance
- Life settlements
- Home Equity
- Expert financial advice from ElderLife
How much does Memory Care cost per month?
Memory Care is a type of housing designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. The average cost of Memory Care in the United States is around $6,297 per month.
People with memory loss often require specialized team members and higher levels of supervision. These needs result in a higher monthly cost than Assisted Living.
How much do other forms of senior care cost?
According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey:
- The average cost for nursing home care is $9,733 per month or $116,796 per year.
- Skilled nursing/home health aides cost an average of $6,292 per month or $75,504 per year.*
- Adult day health care costs an average of $2,058 per month or $24,696 per year.
- Homemaker services cost an average of $5,720 per month or $68,640 per year.*
As you can see from the data above, nursing home care is the most expensive type of senior care—but it’s also the most comprehensive in terms of services offered.
About 90 percent of seniors wish to age in place at home. That is a great option, but the costs can sometimes be a disadvantage. Making a home more accessible for changing mobility needs can be thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Consider your needs and budget if you or your loved one are considering a move to a senior living community. Nursing homes are generally temporary senior housing for rehabilitation purposes. Senior living communities offer long-term care.
*Cost calculated at 44 hours of service per week.
The Most Expensive Places for Senior Living
The top three most expensive places for senior living are:
- District of Columbia
- Alaska
- Rhode Island
Retirees looking for an excuse to move can consider states with pricing structures that are more cost-effective.
Retirees looking for an excuse to move can consider states with pricing structures that are more cost-effective.
The Least Expensive Places for Senior Living
The three least expensive areas for senior living include:
- Missouri
- South Dakota
- North Dakota
The cost of living in specific areas will usually dictate the senior living costs. Many times rural areas offer more cost-effective options than nearby larger cities.
The Average Cost of Assisted Living in Civitas Senior Living Communities
Civitas Senior Living owns and operates senior living communities in six states. Many communities offer Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care. The average monthly cost of Assisted Living in these states is:
- Arizona: $5,500 per month
- Colorado: $5,073 per month
- Florida: $4,750 per month
- Kentucky: $4,335 per month
- Oklahoma: $4,888 per month
- Texas: $4,915 per month
Find Assisted Living and Find Value
Moving into a senior living community can be a fantastic choice for older adults, offering numerous benefits and a more carefree lifestyle. Here are many Civitas Senior Living residents’ favorite values.
No property taxes
As an older adult moving into a senior living community, you will not be responsible for property taxes. This financial relief can be significant as property taxes can often be a substantial burden, especially for those on a fixed income.
Instead of worrying about property tax bills, you can focus on enjoying your retirement years without this added financial stress.
No lawn maintenance
One of the perks of senior living is that you won’t need to worry about maintaining a yard or garden. The community’s team will oversee all the lawn maintenance and landscaping tasks. This advantage means no more mowing, weeding, or pruning for you. You can say goodbye to the physical strain and expenses associated with yard work, allowing you to enjoy your time doing things you love or simply relaxing.
No home maintenance
When you live in a senior living community, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of home maintenance. The community’s maintenance team will handle repairs, upkeep, and general home maintenance tasks for you. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a faulty light fixture, or any other household issue, you can leave it to the professionals and focus on enjoying your retirement.
How to Determine the Right Type of Senior Living for You or Your Loved One
With so many choices for senior living, it can be challenging to decide what’s best for you or your loved one. Should you opt for Independent Living? What about Assisted Living or Memory Care? Finding the perfect level of support is ideal.
To determine which type of senior living is right for you or your loved one, consider factors such as independence level, health needs, and cognitive abilities.
Let’s explore the three main types of senior living and help determine which one is right for you or your loved one.
Independent Living: Ideal for Seniors Who are Mobile and Need Little Assistance
Seniors who want to stay social and give up daily hassles like chores will love the freedom of Independent Living. This living type is designed for mobile older adults who need little assistance.
Independent Living communities offer a wide range of amenities, including social activities, transportation services, and occasional help with things like laundry and household chores.
If you or your loved one is relatively active, Independent Living could be the right choice.
Assisted Living: Perfect for Seniors Who Need Help with ADLs
Assisted Living is a type of senior living designed for seniors who need help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medications. The opportunity to connect with like-minded people is also a significant appeal.
These communities offer 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily activities, social activities, and transportation services. Weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping and laundry are available.
Assisted Living could be the right choice if you or your loved one needs some help with daily activities but wants to maintain as much independence as possible.
Memory Care: Relief for Dementia or Alzheimer’s
Memory Care is a type of senior living explicitly designed for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Memory Care communities offer 24-hour supervision and assistance with all activities of daily living.
Specialized programs and therapies help residents maintain their cognitive abilities.
Memory Care is the best option if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Visit The Cottage at a Civitas community near you to see the relief available to your family.
Determine the cost of senior living near you: Visit a community!
When it comes to finding affordable senior care, there are a few things to consider.
First, you’ll need to decide what type of care you need. Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care have different price points.
Second, you’ll need to think about where you want to live. The cost of care varies significantly from state to state (and even from city to city).
By doing your research and knowing what you’re looking for ahead of time, you can make sure you find the best possible option at a price that fits your budget.
Once you’ve determined the advice above, visit senior living communities in the area of your choice. Remember to bring a list of questions with you to the tour. Ask about specific care needs for you or a loved one.
Talk To A Senior Living Expert
Contact a Civitas Senior Living community near you when you or a loved one is ready for senior living. Our Senior Living experts can’t wait to show you the value of your new home.