Residence Options

A wide variety of residence options are available for seniors in California and throughout the continental United States. At retirement age, many people decide to simplify and downscale their households and relocate from large homes and apartments. Other seniors need specialized care. Retirement residence and non medical care facilities are available to meet all levels of a senior's living and care needs. Types of facilities and average costs follow:

Retirement Communities for Independent Seniors
($1200 to $3500 or more monthly)

Retirement communities, sometimes called independent living facilities, are a sensible solution for independent seniors with no medical problems who feel the need for companionship, social activities and the desire to live independently among retirees with similar backgrounds and interests. Most retirement communities provide accommodations for about 75 to 250 seniors.

Many of these residences offer a secured environment and a wide range of services, including meals, scheduled medical appointment transportation, shopping transportation, field trips, tours and housekeeping services. Some facilities also offer assisted living services for seniors who need help with everyday living activities.

Assisted Living Facilities
($1400 to $6000 or more monthly)

Assisted living facilities are designed for seniors who don't need 24 hour nursing care, but who do need help with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, dressing, incontinence care and supervisory care for their safety. Residents may live in their own private apartments which may be equipped with some kitchen features. Other services available include assistance with medications, housekeeping, laundry and three meals a day. Some facilities may provide limited nursing supervision.

Many of these communities offer social activities and transportation for shopping, medical appointments and personal service needs.

Most facilities provide housing for about 50 to 300 or more residents. Some assisted living residences have a secured Alzheimer's "special care unit" for residents with cognitive impairment.

To Top

Residential Board and Care Homes
($1400 to $6100 or more monthly)

Residential care homes for elders are often referred to as board and care homes or group homes. Most are small residences, housing from two to six or more seniors, where residents live together under one roof and receive care and meals from live-in caregivers. The residences are licensed and regulated by a state's Department of Social Services or similar agency. These homes are not medical facilities, however they do provide custodial care to residents who need assistance. In most states they provide 24-hour supervision for residents, three meals a day plus snacks, special diets for diabetics, assistance with medications, limited social activities, laundry and housekeeping services and help with bathing, grooming and dressing. Some facilities provide assistance for elders with bladder and bowel incontinence, oxygen use and close supervision for seniors in wheel chairs or who ambulate with canes or walkers.

To Top

Alzheimer's Residences
($2000 to $8000 or more monthly)

There is a growing number of senior residences available that specialize in providing care for people suffering Alzheimer's and related symptoms of dementia. These facilities usually employ staff with either training or work experience in caring for seniors impaired with chronic memory loss. Twenty-four hour supervision is provided, along with security systems to safeguard the residents. California and some other states require that an Alzheimer's facility obtain a "dementia waiver" from the licensing agency before accepting individuals diagnosed by a physician with Alzheimer's or other dementia. Some assisted living and skilled nursing facilities have a "special care unit" which provides care for seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementia.

To Top

Skilled Nursing Facilities
($4000 to $9000 or more monthly)

Skilled nursing facilities, commonly called nursing homes or convalescent hospitals, offer services to patients who require 24-hour nursing care. Patients may be confined to bed all or most of each day. These facilities usually employ nurses, occupational, speech and physical therapists, dietitians and social service specialists to assist in patient rehabilitation. Following therapy, patients either return to their homes, or transfer to a long term care unit in a skilled nursing facility or reside in a small residential care residence or assisted living facility.

To Top

Multi Level Care Communities
($3000 to $9000 or more monthly)

These facilities, offering opportunities to "age in place" for seniors, typically provide an apartment or a small free standing home in a community for independent seniors who are in good health. These retirees often travel, entertain, pursue common interests with neighbors and become part of a community in a campus like setting. For married couples, when either spouse requires some assistance due to illness, cognitive impairment or infirmity, they move into an assisted care or skilled nursing unit located on the grounds. The other spouse can stay put in the couple's home and maintain a close relationship with their loved one. Many multilevel communities include facilities for independent living, assisted living (including Alzheimer's care) and 24-hour-a-day nursing care.

To Top