Not worrying about home maintenance or housekeeping: As older adults age, maintaining a home, garden, and other responsibilities can become stressful and expensive. Residential care eliminates these burdens, allowing them to focus on their well-being.

Nutrition and meals: Most residential facilities provide nutritious meals, relieving older adults of the need to plan, shop, and cook. This ensures they maintain proper nutrition and avoid unhealthy weight loss.

Social and emotional well-being: One of the biggest advantages of residential care is the social environment, where older adults can build friendships and engage in activities that boost cognitive and emotional health. This is especially beneficial for those who might otherwise live alone and could be an opportunity to help an older adult reconnect with friends who are already living in these communities.

Streamlined access to care as an older adult's needs change: In case of a health event, transitioning to higher levels of care is simpler in a facility. The environment remains consistent while the facility adjusts the care needed, reducing stress for both the resident and family members. A great option for both the present and future.

Relief for family caregivers: Residential care provides peace of mind for family caregivers, ensuring loved ones are safe and cared for. This is particularly important for caregivers juggling work, children, and aging parents, helping prevent burnout as care demands increase.

Residential care can be quite costly: While residential care can be expensive, as an older adult's care needs increase, it can become more cost-effective than hiring full-time in-home caregivers. The facility environment may also be more efficient in providing care.

Moving is hard, period: Downsizing or moving into residential care can be emotionally difficult, especially for someone who has lived in their home for a long time. It may feel like a loss of independence, so approaching the transition with patience and empathy is essential, and discussions may take time to unfold.

Independent living communities: $1,700 to $4,600 per month

Adult family homes: $2,700 to $7,500 per month

Assisted living communities: $3,800 to $9,600 per month

Memory care units: $4,000 to $9,000 per month

Nursing homes: $5,300 to $15,000 per month for a semi-private room; $6,500 to $16,600 per month for a private room

Hospice care: Often covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance; out-of-pocket costs can vary but are generally lower because hospice care focuses on comfort rather than curative treatment.

Medicare: Medicare Part A covers nursing facility care on a short-term basis at an approved facility with a qualifying inpatient hospital stay. It also covers ongoing conditions requiring skilled nursing care.

Medicaid: Medicaid-certified nursing homes that provide skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or long-term care are covered by Medicaid. Facilities are required to provide dietary, personal hygiene, room maintenance, and other services in addition to medical care.

Long-term care insurance: This coverage varies widely, but often can help pay for assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes, including both skilled and non-skilled care. If you have LTCI (as it's commonly referred), take a look at your policy and contact your insurance company to learn more about your coverage.

Self-pay: Families use a combination of retirement income, personal savings, stock investments, or funds from selling a home or other assets to cover the costs of residential care. They may also receive financial help from relatives to contribute to these expenses.