8 Assisted Living Alternatives: Your Care Options Explained

Independent living communities cater to seniors who are self-sufficient and can live on their own. These age-restricted communities (usually 55+) typically offer senior-friendly apartments along with perks like organized activities, meal services, and transportation. Designed for seniors who are independent and want to live among people their age, independent living communities sometimes also offer limited care services.

Independent living is probably not an ideal fit for someone who requires a high level of care, but it could be paired with another service, like home care or adult day care, to provide an additional layer of support. However, if you’re concerned about your loved one safely doing household chores, independent living may be a good solution. They offer maintenance-free living for residents. It may also be a good options for seniors looking to downsize.

Read more:40+ Independent Living Activities: Promoting a Healthy, Fulfilling Retirement

Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, provide a continuum of care, offering residents the peace of mind that as their needs progress, they’ll never have to leave the community. For example, a senior can move into an independent living apartment where they have access to activities, events, and social opportunities. If they need more support as they age, they can receive assisted living or memory care services while remaining in the same community among their friends and neighbors.

While a CCRC is not exactly an alternative to assisted living, for a senior who does not want to live in a facility, it does offer a broader range of living options and provides the benefit of complete care. Keep in mind, compared to the cost of most assisted living communities, the cost of CCRCs may be prohibitive for families on a tight budget.

Residential care homes offer a similar level of care and support as assisted living, but in a residential home. It’s a good fit for seniors who would enjoy a more intimate environment. Residents can receive support with activities of daily living, home-cooked meals, and 24-hour care. Residential care homes are a great option for seniors who value daily support but prefer a tight-knit community on a smaller scale.

However, the smaller setting of residential care homes may not be for everyone. Compared to assisted living facilities, residential care homes typically provide fewer amenities. Plus, while assisted living generally offers private rooms and apartments, many residential care homes only have shared accommodations.

Also, most care homes aren’t wheelchair accessible. Because care homes are houses, it’s rare to find one that’s modified for a wheelchair user. Access to various levels of assisted living care may be limited, so be sure to do thorough research to see if a residential care home is right for you and your loved one’s needs.

Is assisted living the right fit?

Adult day care takes place at a center, similar to a youth day camp or a senior center, where seniors can go while their primary caregiver is working or taking a break from providing care. These centers usually offer a range of care services in addition to engaging activities and events. Plus, most offer transportation services to and from seniors’ homes.

While adult day care may not replace the around-the-clock support of assisted living, it could be paired with other services, such as home care, to create a combination that fulfills the needs of both the family caregiver and their loved one.

Similar to adult day care, respite care provides services outside of a senior’s home. Typically, respite care consists of a short-term stay at an assisted living community, where care services are similar to what full-time residents receive. For example, a senior can expect support with meal preparation and activities of daily living, like bathing and dressing. In addition, someone staying in respite care can participate in the community’s daily activities and events.

Respite care is an ideal option for family caregivers who need a break from caring for a loved one. For seniors who live with family, it can be an opportunity for a temporary change. If a family has been considering assisted living, respite care could be a good chance for their loved one to sample what it’s like to live in an assisted living community without committing to making the move.

Home care is a great alternative to assisted living for seniors who would prefer to age at home. Offering companionship, transportation, and assistance with daily activities, home care services are provided to seniors in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. In addition, home care can offer family caregivers a break, especially if they are also working or have other obligations.

Home care is easy to customize based on a senior’s needs and lifestyle. For example, if your loved one is social, regular transportation to events and activities can be organized as part of the caregiver’s routine. For individuals who prefer to stay in, caregivers can offer companionship by having conversations, playing games, or helping to cook meals.

The level of care provided will vary based on an individual’s needs, but it’s important to note that nursing care isn’t included in home care. This is where assisted living and home care can differ — many assisted living facilities have health care professionals on staff or on call. Home health care can be ordered by a doctor, but it is a different service from home care.

According to A Place for Mom’s cost of long-term care and senior living report, the median cost of home care in 2024 is $30 per hour. The nationwide median cost of assisted living is $4,995 per month. When comparing what you’ll pay, it’s important to consider how many hours of care your loved one needs. At $30 per hour, having 24/7 care at home comes out to $21,900 per month. You’ll also want to consider what other expenses will cost. The price of assisted living usually includes rent, meals, and many other amenities and services. However, the price tag for home care can seem much higher when adding basic living costs — such as mortgage payments or rent, groceries, and transportation — to the cost of care services.

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If you or another member of your family have an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), otherwise known as an in-law apartment, this may provide the perfect solution for your loved one. A basement or floor that has everything your loved one needs means you can both have privacy when you want it while still offering your loved one support. Depending on family dynamics, an ADU may not be necessary — a bedroom may work just as well.

For a senior, moving in with family is another alternative to assisted living that provides familiarity, security, and companionship. Family members can offer support with activities of daily living, transportation, and social interaction.

It’s important to note that challenges may arise for a busy family whose members regularly work or have other obligations outside of the home. This could leave a loved one feeling isolated. However, there are several beneficial ways to organize and configure care for a senior loved one who shares your home. Incorporating social opportunities or additional care options — through home care services, respite care, or adult day care — may create healthy boundaries and help meet the needs of the entire family.

Read more:7 Essential Questions to Consider Before Becoming Your Parent's Caregiver

While elderly monitoring devices cannot replace the care and supervision offered in an assisted living community, they can provide some peace of mind for caregivers. Thanks to advancing technology, these wearable devices can help caregivers monitor their loved one remotely. In addition to the ability to track vital signs, many devices are also equipped with GPS tracking and alert systems that can notify loved ones or medical professionals of an emergency.

Elderly monitoring devices can be a good option for seniors who live independently or with family. Combined with services such as home care, respite care, or adult day care, these devices can be an integral part of a loved one’s care plan and together can form another potential alternative to assisted living.

There are several factors that seniors and their families should consider before choosing an alternative to assisted living:

• Be realistic about care needs. Does your loved one need occasional help with simple tasks like cooking and cleaning, or do they need daily support with dressing, bathing, or mobility?
• Understand the requirements of caring for a loved one within your home. Does your family have the time, energy, and financial capacity necessary to support your loved one’s needs?
• Consider the potential health implications of a senior living alone. Explore alternatives to assisted living that incorporate social activities or companionship.

Taking the time to research all senior living possibilities, including assisted living options, will help you create a plan that works for you and your loved one. When it comes to exploring the best fit for you and your family, Senior Living Advisors at A Place for Mom are available to help you navigate the various options for support.

Assisted living reviews from residents and families