Senior Housing & Care Guide 
There are many senior living & care options to choose from. This guide will help you understand the various types of senior housing, the services they provide and the current average cost. At Patriarch Placement, we help your family to find the BEST option!


1.  INDEPENDENT LIVING
You may want to consider Independent living if:
  • You are needing little or no assistance with activities of daily living.
  • You would like a place that does not require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.
  • You are ready to downsize and want to live in a safe community with  .
Benefits of Independent Living Communities
Here are some of the things older adults like most about independent living communities:
  • No maintenance or repairs: No more worries about snow shoveling, mowing the lawn, or fixing the dishwasher! A move to independent living comes with a maintenance-free lifestyle.
  • Amenities and conveniences: Depending on the community you chose, you’ll find a host of amenities and conveniences. Housekeeping, transportation, trash removal, a beauty/barber shop, and meal plans are a few standard services. Some communities even have a concierge to help you make arrangements for theater tickets, dry cleaning, travel plans, and more.
  • Socialization: Independent living communities offer meaningful ways to connect with friends and neighbors each day. It might be a quick cup of coffee in the dining room before heading over to morning devotionals or an afternoon of spirited game playing. Socialization opportunities are a primary reason seniors move to independent living.
  • 24-hour security: Independent living communities provide a safe and secure environment for older adults. From having staff onsite around the clock to fire suppression systems and an emergency call system, seniors can feel safe living alone. 
  • Assistance: Some independent living communities also have programs in place to offer assistance with personal care. This allows an older adult to remain independent longer.


Options include: 
  • Apartments  
  • Senior high rises
  • Condos 
  • Patio homes and town houses
In general, the housing is friendlier to older adults—it’s more compact, easier to navigate, and includes help with outside maintenance. Sometimes recreational centers or clubhouses are also available on site.  You must be 55+ or older at most communities. 

Pricing & Payment: 

Private and Public Pay
  • $400.00+  and up per month
  • Private pay rates vary from one community to another based on size of apartment and what they have to offer. Some include utilities some do not.
  • There are senior apartments for those on a fixed income.  Seniors must be age 62 or disabled and meet the set income guidelines.  The rent is then usually about 30% of the seniors income.  


2.  RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
You may want to consider a Retirement Community if:
  • You are needing minor assistance with activities of daily living but home maintenance is becoming a challenge.
  • You would like a place that does not require a lot of upkeep and is easy to get around.
  • You like the idea of socializing with peers and having activities offered to you. 
  • You would like meals and transportation services.


Retirement Living Communities are a good fit for seniors who are ready to simplify their lifestyle and may now feel that cooking and cleaning has started to become a challenge.  This is an excellent option for someone who still wants their independence but likes the idea of having friends and activities available to them in a safe and secure enviornment.  


Services Provided:
  • Chef-prepared meals 
  • Weekly housekeeping and linen service
  • Activity coordinators that plan numerous events for the community
  • Local transportation
  • Units  that include kitchenettes or even full kitchens
  • Live-in management and/or 24-hour security
  • Chapel services
  • On-site barber shops and beauty salons
  • Concierge service
  • Most offer personal care services through outside vendors at an additional cost to allow for aging in place 

Pricing & Payment:

Private Pay
  • $1800-$3500+ per month
  • utilities, meals, most activities and above services included in rates.


3.  PERSONAL CARE & ASSISTED LIVING
You may want to consider a Personal Care or Assisted Community if:
  • You now are needing help with one or more of your activities of daily living (the things we normally do) :  help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing, driving.
  • You have a decline in your mobility and are feeling unsteady on your feet.  Stairs and getting in out of the shower are now becoming a challenge.
  • You are feeling a little more forgetful and having a hard time remembering to take your medication and manage your finances.
  • You would like the peace of mind knowing there is help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  You will not be alone.
  • Your doctor, family and friends are concerned about you being alone.


Personal Care and Assisted Living Communities are great options for seniors who now need extra support on a regular basis. The goal of an personal care and assisted living community is to offer the support you need as you age but to respect your independence and help keep you safe and thriving. There are may different communities in our region.  Some communities can provide a higher level of care for their residents than others so it is important to evaluate what your current and future needs may be before deciding.  Most communities offer different size units with kitchenettes ranging in size from a studio to  2 bedrooms. Many communities also offer shared room rates for those needing a more cost effective option. 


Services Provided:
  • Staff available 24/7 to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs.
  • Care overseen by RN and certified care givers to assist with all activities of daily living as needed
  • 24/7 security and emergency response systems 
  • Chef prepared meals & snacks in community dining room
  • Weekly housekeeping & linen services provided
  • Laundry service provided
  • Pharmacy, visiting physicians, podiatrist, physical therapy services, exercise and wellness programs offered on-site at most communities.
  • Local transportation 
  • Communities are well-designed to meet your needs and most have walk in showers, handrails , elevators and non skid flooring to keep you safe 
  • Activity coordinators that plan daily programs and special events  
  • Chapel services
  • On-site barber shops, beauty salons and other common areas like cafe', theaters, libraries, fitness centers, and community gardens 
  • Concierge service

Pricing & Payment:

Private Pay*
  • $2000-$5000+ per month
  • Currently the average starting cost for a private room in an Personal Care and Assisted Living Community is about $3500 per month.  
  • Cost is determined by the following:
                           1. size of unit you choose
                           2. amount of help you need 
  • At most communities there are fees for the different levels of care be sure to ask about this
  • Room rates include all utilities, meals, snacks, housekeeping and laundry services .        

5.  ALZHEIMER & SECURE MEMORY CARE
You may want to consider Alzheimer & Secure Memory Care if:
  • You or your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's  disease or dementia
  • You now are needing help with one or more of your activities of daily living (the things we normally do) :  help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing , driving
  • You now need reminding and direction to eat, bathe, dress
  • You are now at risk of wandering or getting lost 
  • You have started to "sundown" and have lost all sense of time.  Your needs have now progressed to round the clock care
  • Doctor recommends you not be left alone 



Alzheimer & Secure Memory Care Communities provide secure specialized care for those who suffer from dementia & Alzheimer's disease.   This option provides a safe and secure environment in a supportive community.  They provide focused programming and cognitive activities by trained care givers who specialize in helping each resident through all stages of the disease.  

Services Provided:
  • Secured, alarmed and locked community 24/7
  • Staff available 24/7 to meet scheduled and unscheduled needs and trained with specialized Alzheimer and dementia care
  • Care overseen by RN and certified care givers to assist with all activities of daily living and medication management
  • Specialized in redirection and reminding techniques. 
  • Chef prepared meals , snacks, special diets such as pureed
  • Weekly housekeeping & linen services provided
  • Laundry service provided
  • Pharmacy, visiting physicians, podiatrist, physical therapy services, exercise and wellness programs offered on-site at most communities.
  • Local transportation 
  • Communities are well-designed to meet the needs of memory residents with secured outdoor courtyards and walkways, quite rooms, furnishing, flooring and paint all taken into consideration for those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 
  • Activity coordinators that plan numerous cognitive activities ,programs and events to help keep residents stimulated, encourage independence and engagement throughout the day
  • Chapel services
  • On-site barber shops, beauty salons and other common interactive areas that are safe and secure

Pricing & Payment:

Private Pay*
  • $5000+ per month
  • Most Alzheimer's and Secure Memory Care Communities are all inclusive in pricing.  This means that there are no level of care charges. Rates include room, meals,utilities, and all services provided 
  • Some communities do charge for level of care. They usually are comparable in price


6.  NURSING HOMES
You may want to consider a nursing home if:
  • You now are needing help with all of your activities of daily living (the things we normally do) :  help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing, driving, have a medical need and you need your care overseen by a doctor and nurses daily
  • You are in need of rehabilitation from surgery or illness
  • Your doctor has recommended this level of care



Nursing Homes also known as , Long-Term Skilled Nursing Homes offer the highest level of care outside of a hospital.  Many seniors will go to a nursing home for short-term rehabilitation stay after surgery or illness. Nursing Homes provide 24 hours nursing and medical care for those with chronic long term illnesses. Regular medical supervision is necessary for the resident. 


Services Provided:
  • 24/7 round the clock nursing staff
  • A licensed physician supervises each patient’s care 
  • Room, board, meals and activities on site
  • Occupational therapists on site
  • Physical therapists on site
  • Speech therapy on site
  • Other medically necessary care such as wound care, infection control, respiratory therapy, IV treatments, special diets, hospice care and more at most homes 


Pricing & Payment:

Private Pay, Medicare, Medicaid and Private Insurance*
  • $8000.00+ per month
  • Medicare only covers limited stays in nursing homes. Skilled nursing or rehabilitation services are covered for a period of about 100 days after a hospitalization. 
  • If your income and assets are limited, you may qualify for Medical Assistance know as Medicaid.


7.  CCRC-Continuum of Care Retirement Community
You may want to consider a CCRC if:
  • You are ready to downsize and want to live in a safe community with people your own age
  • You desires a community that offers a progression in care when needed so you can age in place 
  • You are looking for a carefree lifestyle that does not require a lot of maintenance and offers a variety of services and amenities

CCRC communities are excellent options for those who are retired and are looking for a worry free lifestyle as they age. CCRC communities offer all of the senior housing options all on one campus.  Most campus communities offer a large variety of housing options from independent living apartments, patio homes and town homes to assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care.


Services Provided:
  • All the services of retirement communities, personal care and assisted living homes and skilled nursing care on one campus


Pricing & Payment:

Private and Public Pay*
  • CCRC communities offer a variety of options for payment.  Most communities require a "buy in fee or endowment " to enter the community.   Some communities do offer month -to- month options
  • It is best to speak directly with the community you are interested in to learn more about the  buy in fees and/or entrance fees as well as monthly rates to reside at the community.  These fees vary greatly from one community to another.


8. HOME CARE 
You may want to consider Home Care if:
  • You now are needing help with one or more of your activities of daily living (the things we normally do) :  help with meals, housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing, driving.
  • You would like some companionship and peace of mind knowing someone is stopping in to help out 

Home Care Agencies provide help and support in your own home. This is a great option for those who do not want to move and their homes are still safe for them to navigate.  Agencies provide certified, insured and bonded care givers to come to your home to help. 


Services Provided:
  • Companionship
  • Medication management
  • Help with meals
  • Errands
  • Light housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Personal care


Pricing & Payment:

Private Pay*
  • $18-$25 per hour
  • Most agencies require 3-4 hour minimum  each time they come out
  • You can contract as many days and/or hours as you see fit

*There are  resources to help fund the cost of care.   Please give us a call and we will be glad to go over THE funding options that MAY
  be AVAILABLE TO YOU.   We are here to help direct you to options 
that will fit your budget and needs. 

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Call Today!
We connect aging adults and their loved ones to appropriate care providers at no cost to them. Our service is free 
because at times we receive compensation for the referrals to the many communities and care providers who value the services we provide to you.