The senior care guide

Every type of senior care, side by side.

From independent living to skilled nursing - compare what each option costs, who it's for, and how to know which one fits. Real communities. Real pricing. No cold calls.

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The spectrum

From most independent to most supported

Care types differ by how much day-to-day support you need. Pick the level that fits today - most communities can flex up as needs change.

Cost at a glance

What each care type typically costs

National monthly ranges. Actual pricing varies by city, apartment size, and level of care.

Care typeTypical monthly cost
Assisted Living$3,500 – $7,500 / month (varies widely by city and level of care).Details →
Memory Care$5,500 – $9,500 / month. Memory care typically costs $1,000–$2,500 more than assisted living in the same market.Details →
Independent Living$2,000 – $5,500 / month for rentals; buy-in communities have entrance fees $100k–$500k+.Details →
Skilled Nursing$8,000 – $12,000 / month for long-term. Short-term rehab is typically covered by Medicare Part A after a qualifying hospital stay.Details →
In-Home Care$28 – $40 / hour, or $5,000 – $9,000 / month for full-time care.Details →
Recently added on GrowingOlder

New communities in the network

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Decision guide

Which type of care fits your situation?

A short decision flow. If you'd rather answer a few questions instead, take the guided quiz.

  1. Is help with daily activities needed?
    No → Independent Living. Yes → continue.
  2. Is memory loss or dementia part of the picture?
    Yes, with safety concerns → Memory Care.
  3. Are there 24/7 medical needs, IVs, wounds, or rehab?
    Yes → Skilled Nursing.
  4. Is staying at home the priority?
    Yes → In-Home Care. No → Assisted Living.
Deep dives

Explore each care type

Assisted Living

Help with daily life in a residential community.

Assisted living is for older adults who want their independence but need a hand with day-to-day activities - meals, medication, bathing, dressing, transportation. Staff are on-site 24/7, and residents live in private apartments inside a larger community.

Read the Assisted Living guide →
Memory Care

Specialized support for Alzheimer's and dementia.

Memory care is a secure, structured environment designed specifically for people living with Alzheimer's, dementia, or other cognitive conditions. Staff are trained in dementia care, and every part of the day - from the layout of the building to meal times to activities - is designed to reduce confusion and keep residents engaged.

Read the Memory Care guide →
Independent Living

An active, maintenance-free retirement community.

Independent living is for older adults who are still fully independent but want to be done with home maintenance, yardwork, and cooking every meal. Residents live in their own apartment or cottage inside a community with restaurants, fitness centers, activities, and neighbors close by.

Read the Independent Living guide →
Skilled Nursing

Round-the-clock medical care and rehabilitation.

Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs, sometimes called nursing homes) provide 24-hour medical care from licensed nurses. Care can be short-term - rehabilitation after a hospital stay - or long-term for people with complex, ongoing medical needs.

Read the Skilled Nursing guide →
In-Home Care

Care that comes to you, in the home you love.

In-home care lets older adults stay in their own home while getting help with the things that have become harder. Care can range from a few hours a week of companionship to 24/7 live-in support. It's the most flexible option - and often the first step families consider.

Read the In-Home Care guide →
Life inside

What a regular week can look like

Meals, movement, music, faith, and friendship. Every community mixes them differently - here's the vocabulary.

Dining
Fitness
Transportation
Salon
Live music
Gardening
Pet friendly
Faith services
Housekeeping
Medication help

Not sure where to start?

Answer a few questions and we'll match you with the right care type and real communities near you. You control who hears from you.