Everything you need to know about senior living options, from independent living to skilled nursing care. Find the right community for your loved one's needs and budget.
Senior living refers to residential communities and housing options designed specifically for older adults, typically age 55 and older. These communities provide varying levels of care, services, and amenities to support aging adults' changing needs, from active independent living to 24/7 skilled nursing care.
As of 2026, approximately 1.2 million seniors live in senior living communities across the United States, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC). Senior living encompasses five main types of care: independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs).
Senior living communities are categorized by the level of care and services provided. Each type serves different needs, from fully independent seniors to those requiring 24/7 medical care.
| Type | Best For | Care Level | Average Cost (2026) | Medicare Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | Active seniors who don't need daily care | No medical care | $2,500-4,500/month | No |
| Assisted Living | Need help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, meals) | Personal care assistance | $4,500-6,500/month | No |
| Memory Care | Alzheimer's, dementia, cognitive impairment | Specialized dementia care | $5,500-8,500/month | No |
| Skilled Nursing | Complex medical needs, post-surgery recovery | 24/7 medical care | $7,500-10,000/month | Yes (short-term) |
| Continuing Care (CCRC) | Want full continuum of care on one campus | All levels available | $3,000-6,000/month + entrance fee | Varies by care level |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2026, National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care
Independent living communities are designed for active seniors age 55+ who can live on their own but want a maintenance-free lifestyle with social opportunities and amenities.
Assisted living provides personal care support for seniors who need help with daily activities but don't require 24/7 medical care. It's the most common type of senior living in the U.S.
Memory care communities provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other forms of cognitive impairment in secure, structured environments.
Skilled nursing facilities (also called nursing homes) provide 24/7 medical care for individuals with serious medical conditions, chronic illness, or those recovering from surgery or hospitalization.
Senior living costs vary significantly by care type, location, and level of services needed. As of 2026, here are national average costs for each type of senior living community.
| Care Type | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Independent Living | $3,200 | $38,400 | $2,500 - $4,500 |
| Assisted Living | $5,200 | $62,400 | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| Memory Care | $6,800 | $81,600 | $5,000 - $9,000 |
| Skilled Nursing | $8,700 | $104,400 | $7,000 - $11,000 |
Source: Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2026
Choosing a senior living community is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your loved one. Follow these steps to find the right fit for their needs, preferences, and budget.
Evaluate your loved one's current health status and anticipate how needs might change in the next 3-5 years. Consider:
Calculate how much you can afford monthly, including potential care level increases. Consider:
Create a shortlist of 5-8 communities that match your criteria. Compare:
Visit at least 3-5 communities in person. Schedule tours during different times of day, including meal times.
Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions during tours. Important topics include:
Before signing, have an attorney or trusted advisor review the contract. Pay attention to:
Many senior living communities are operated by national or regional companies. Browsing by operator can help you compare communities with similar care philosophies, programs, and quality standards.
Senior living operators are companies that own, manage, or operate multiple senior living communities. Large operators may have dozens or even hundreds of communities across multiple states, while regional operators typically serve specific geographic areas.
Choosing a community from a well-established operator often provides consistency in care quality, staff training, amenities, and programming. Many operators also offer the ability to transfer to another community within their network if you relocate.
Browse communities by major operators like Brookdale, Atria, Sunrise, and more. Compare their care models, amenities, and locations.
Browse All OperatorsMost senior living communities require residents to be at least 55, 62, or 65 years old, depending on the community type and state regulations. Independent living communities typically have a minimum age of 55 or 62, while assisted living and other care-focused communities may require residents to be 65 or older.
Some communities allow younger residents if they meet specific care criteria or if they're the spouse of a qualifying resident. Check with individual communities for their specific age requirements.
No, Medicare does not cover the cost of living in senior living communities, including independent living, assisted living, or memory care. Medicare only covers short-term skilled nursing care (up to 100 days) in a nursing facility following a qualifying hospital stay of at least 3 days.
However, Medicare may cover certain medical services provided to residents in senior living communities:
For senior living costs, families typically use long-term care insurance, Medicaid (for those who qualify), VA benefits, or private pay sources like savings and home sale proceeds.
Many senior living communities are pet-friendly and allow residents to bring cats, small dogs, birds, or fish. Pet policies vary by community and typically include:
Memory care and skilled nursing facilities may have more restrictions due to safety and health regulations. Always ask about pet policies early in your search, as this can be a deciding factor for many families.
"Senior living" is an umbrella term that includes various residential options for older adults, from independent living to nursing homes. A nursing home (skilled nursing facility) is one specific type of senior living that provides the highest level of medical care.
Key differences:
Consider senior living when you notice these warning signs:
Start conversations about senior living before a crisis occurs. Involve your parent in the decision-making process and tour communities together. Early planning allows for a smoother transition and better outcomes.
Help with daily activities, meals, and personal care in a residential setting.
Browse assisted living communities →Specialized care for Alzheimer's and dementia in secure communities.
Browse memory care communities →Maintenance-free living with amenities and social activities for active seniors.
Browse independent living communities →24/7 medical care and rehabilitation for serious health conditions.
Browse skilled nursing facilities →Full continuum of care from independent living to skilled nursing on one campus.
Browse CCRCs →Age-restricted affordable housing for seniors 55 and older.
Browse senior apartments →Answer a few questions about your loved one's care needs, budget, and preferences to receive customized recommendations for senior living communities in your area.
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