Senior Living Placement

Assisted living typically costs $3,000 to $7,000 per month depending on location, level of care, and amenities. Memory care is usually $1,000 to $2,000 per month more. These costs are generally not covered by Medicare. Medicaid may cover some costs depending on your state. Long-term care insurance often covers assisted living — review your policy carefully before ruling out any options.

Medicare does not cover assisted living. Medicare only covers skilled medical care — nursing, therapy — in specific settings. Medicaid may cover assisted living in some states for eligible individuals, though coverage varies widely. Long-term care insurance is the most common way families fund assisted living. A financial advisor or elder law attorney can help you understand what funding options apply to your situation.

This is an important question to ask directly. A trustworthy advisor will tell you upfront how they're compensated and confirm it doesn't influence their recommendations. Ask whether they'll include communities that don't pay referral fees — some excellent communities operate outside these arrangements. Ask how many communities they've personally visited. Advisors with genuine local knowledge and a reputation to protect tend to give more honest guidance.

As early as possible. The best communities have waitlists, and starting the search before a crisis gives you more options and better decision-making conditions. Even if a move isn't imminent, understanding what's available, what it costs, and what your loved one qualifies for takes time. Many families who start early make a much smoother transition than those forced to decide under pressure.

Visit more than once — including an unannounced visit if possible. Observe how staff interact with residents, whether the environment feels warm or institutional, and whether the activities and social programming match your loved one's interests. Ask about staff turnover, the ratio of aides to residents, and how the community handles medical emergencies. Talk to family members of current residents if you can.

Assisted living provides support for daily activities — meals, bathing, medication management — in a residential setting, with staff available but not always in sight. Memory care is a more structured, secured environment designed specifically for people with dementia or Alzheimer's. Memory care units typically have higher staff ratios, secured exits to prevent wandering, and programming tailored to cognitive decline.

The transition period — the first 60 to 90 days — is the most important. Ask your placement advisor whether they follow up after the move, and ask the community what their onboarding process looks like. Stay involved: visit regularly, attend care conferences, and speak up early if something doesn't seem right. Most challenges in the first months are solvable if caught early.