Month: July 2025

Finding the right retirement home is a difficult process, especially with the time, effort, and money needed to ensure that needs and preferences are met. One of the most crucial factors in choosing the right retirement home is the financial considerations, especially with assisted living communities averaging at $6,077 monthly and independent living communities at around $3,000 per month. To optimize costs without sacrificing quality, it is better to understand pricing models, possible discounts, and financial aids available. 

Pricing Models

Retirement communities utilize different pricing models, varying in flexibility and fees covered. Knowing pricing models may help solidify long-term financial planning.

A La Carte or Fee For Service

This pricing model offers a fixed monthly rent but requires additional charges for extra services. These services often include personal care assistance, like bathing and dressing, medication management, and other amenities. It is ideal for those not need as much assistance in their daily lives, since they can choose the services they need. However, this model tends to be unpredictable, especially when the need for care increases. 

All Inclusive 

Unlike a la carte pricing model, this model offers a monthly fee that covers the rent and other services that may be needed, including medication management, personal care support, and use of provided amenities. Older adults and families may benefit from this model’s single flat fee, and plan accordingly. However, this pricing model may have a higher initial cost. It is also highly suggested that older adults and families clarify what services are included to avoid additional fees. 

Tiered Pricing

This model offers different pricing points for various levels of care, ensuring older adults and families pay for the care they need. The higher the level of care needed, the higher the costs are. For the lowest tier of care needed, fees often include limited personal care support. Most communities conduct assessments to identify older adults’ needs and provide the right care and pricing. This pricing model allows older adults to stay in the community even when the need for care increases. 

Low-Income Subsidies

Some retirement communities offer subsidies for those with low incomes, in the form of congregate care housing, local housing agencies, and funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Older adults must meet certain requirements to be eligible. 

With housing subsidies, older adults may find more affordable options for independent living. To supplement this, older adults and families may apply for Medicare, Medicaid, and other government assistance for their healthcare needs. 

Discounts and Special Offers

With a better understanding of pricing models, it is also beneficial to know promos and special offers from various communities. These offers and promotions may help offset costs and ensure affordability without sacrificing quality. 

Direct Community Promotions

Move-in offers

• Some communities may offer limited-time offers to fill vacant rooms and attract potential residents. These offers may include waiving entrance of community fees, a one-month free rent, and moving assistance.  
• However, these offers may have various conditions, such as moving in on specific dates. 
• For example, The Watermark at Rosewood Gardens in Livermore, CA, offered a free rent for the first month for assisted living, provided financial possession was taken by July 31, 2025. Additionally, Sonrisa Senior Living in Roseville, CA, promoted “Special Savings” of up to $17,500 for assisted living, as long as older adults moved in before July 31, 2025.

Holiday offers and seasonal trends

• Holidays and seasons also provide various discounts and offers for retirement, often including financial benefits, reduced rates for a certain time, and other special amenity packages. Grabbing these offers may help reduce costs, so it is better to check potential communities for better planning. 
• Some communities also promote a referral program, providing resident bonuses for referring the community to friends. 

Since most direct community promotions are limited-time offers, older adults and families might feel a sense of urgency, surpassing their necessities. Hence, it is better to get to know the community and, if it suits the needs and preferences, to avoid wasting money. It is also better to have a list of potential communities and check their offers from time to time to optimize promos while ensuring quality. 

Membership-Based Savings

Being a member of senior-related organizations provides plenty of benefits and discounts. For instance, with a $15 to $79 membership fee for the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), older adults are entitled to various discounts, including dining, travel, theme parks, car rentals, cruises, flights, and health and wellness products. These discounts may provide a significant reduction in expenses, allowing older adults to enjoy retirement. 

Financial Aids 

Another way to offset retirement expenses is to find and optimize available financial aid. These include:

• Medicaid: Varying by state, Medicaid waivers can cover some services, though board and room are rarely covered. Medicaid fully covers nursing home care for eligible low-income older adults.
• Medicare: Covers short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after a hospital stay of up to 100 days. 
• Veterans Benefits: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides Aid and Attendance benefits to help eligible veterans and spouses cover senior living expenses.
  • Aside from the Aid and Attendance Benefit, some communities offer special discounts for Veterans and surviving spouses. For example, Ciel Senior Living offers a $150 off rent monthly for those eligible Veterans. 
  • Armed Forces Retirement Benefits (AFRH) provides veterans and surviving spouses with affordable assisted living options that are generally affordable compared to private communities. 
  • Military-Only Senior Living Communities, often operated by non-profit organizations, provide Veterans and surviving spouses with relatively affordable rates. 
  • VA Home Loans provide those looking to live in a Continuing Care Retirement Community with favorable loan terms, including no down payment, no private mortgage insurance, and limited closing costs. 
• HUD Programs: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers subsidized housing options for low-income older adults for affordable housing and some independent living communities. 
• Other aid programs:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – monthly financial stipends for food. 
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – assistance with home heating and cooling costs.
  • Weatherization Assistance Program – provides assistance with energy bills of up to $300 annually. 

Understanding pricing models allows older adults and families to plan accordingly and ensure their prospective communities can cater to their needs and budgets. Moreover, older adults and families can optimize their budgets with special discounts and promos, especially if plans are made accordingly. Aside from discounts and special offers, organization memberships and financial aid may help ease financial burdens and allow them to enjoy retirement better. 

Finding the right senior living community requires proper research and rigorous planning to optimize budgets without sacrificing quality. When looking for the right senior living community for oneself or loved ones, there are various qualities that one can take into consideration. These include food quality, service level, and medical facilities. Top-notch standards in these qualities guarantee a comfortable living in retirement. 

Culinary Delights and Top-Notch Food Quality

Nutritious meals are crucial for older adults’ well-being, as well as happiness and social engagement. Hence, senior living communities strive to provide top-tier culinary delights that satisfy older adults’ dietary needs and preferences. 

Compliance with Food Safety and Regulations

Senior living communities are expected to adhere to food safety and handling guidelines, ensuring older adults’ safety and satisfaction. Additionally, proper handling is necessary to prevent foodborne illnesses. When visiting a prospective community to spend retirement, ensure the kitchen is clean and the team follows proper hygiene. Older adults and families should also ensure that the community has updated health inspection reports, as proof of their strict adherence to food safety and regulations. 

Nutritional Standards

It is important for older adults to consume meals that can meet their nutritional needs and accommodate their dietary preferences. Hence, having a registered dietitian on the team can be a huge plus. An option for personalized meal plans will also be beneficial for those needing to follow strict diets. 

Resident Satisfaction

Aside from meeting dietary needs, older adults and families can also take into consideration whether the community can satisfy their preferences. Senior living communities with multiple dining options that adhere to residents’ input can be a good candidate.

Dining Environment

Upon visiting a retirement community, older adults and families should observe whether its environment can promote social interactions while having the ability to accommodate its residents’ requests. Cleanliness, flexible dining hours, and a blissful setting should also be evident. 

Culinary Innovation

Mealtimes are experiences; hence, communities that approach dining options in a creative manner should be looked at. Through unique dining programs, older adults can be encouraged to enjoy mealtimes. Additionally, recognition for culinary excellence is also something to take into consideration, ensuring older adults have a delightful dining experience. 

Beyond the ability to meet standards in food quality and adhere to regulations, the community should also have the ability to provide its residents with a unique dining experience. Aside from proper preparation and handling of food, the community’s kitchen team can enhance older adults’ dining experience. 

Exceptional Service Levels

Senior living communities offer different levels of care, ranging from independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and respite care. Each level of care focuses on older adults’ various needs, striving to meet their healthcare needs. To ensure older adults spend their retirement comfortably, a community should be able to provide exceptional services with its team and programs. 

Compassionate and Trained Team and Sufficient Caregiver-to-Resident Ratios

States have various regulations in terms of the caregiver-to-resident ratio to ensure older adults receive proper care. Aside from sufficient numbers of caregivers, a community should provide continuous training for its caregivers to maintain quality services. Moreover, diversity and inclusivity are also something to consider to enhance older adults’ living experiences. 

Social Engagement and Activity Programming

A good retirement community not only meets older adults’ healthcare needs but also promotes social engagement. To combat loneliness brought upon by ageing, fun recreational activities and enriching programs should be conducted. Additionally, keeping older adults happy and active also helps maintain their well-being. When looking for a community, check out their programs for leisure and wellness. Most memory care communities also provide stimulating programs to improve the cognition of those with memory-related needs. 

Communication Channels with Residents’ Families

Aside from social events, it is vital for older adults to remain connected with their families. Hence, transparent communication channels are important to keep family members updated about their loved ones’ health and encourage them to actively participate in creating care plans. Additionally, industry organizations like Argentum provide initiatives like “Measure What Matters” to highlight the importance of trust in communities. 

Good communities not only focus on older adults’ healthcare needs but with their holistic well-being, conducting programs that cater to their interests and strengths. A team that is well taken care of is a good sign of a pleasant environment, reflecting the community’ nurturing environment. 

Standards in Medical Facilities and Health Oversight

Exceptional medical oversight is at the core of senior living, aiming to ease older adults’ discomfort and alleviate pain. 

Proactive Health Assessments and Adaptive Care Planning

Health and medical assessments are usually taken during the admission process, ensuring older adults receive the right care for their needs. To keep older adults in good health throughout their stay, consistent health monitoring should be conducted. Through these assessments and monitoring, older adults receive personalized care plans. 

Safety Measures, Infection Control, and Fall Prevention

A clean and safe environment is crucial to mitigate health risks and prevent accidents. A community should strictly follow infection control protocols and provide safety measures, including fire sprinklers, smoke detectors, and handrails throughout its campus. Additionally, communities should have sufficient emergency supplies for disasters. Fall prevention programs are also crucial to prevent further complications due to injuries. Older adults and families should check the community’s hospitalization rates and safety protocols to prevent mishaps. 

Accreditation and Industry Standard Measures

To ensure the quality of a senior living community, older adults and families may check industry accreditations and seals. 

CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System

For those looking for a nursing home, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provides an overview of a nursing home’s quality through ratings from health inspections, staffing levels, and quality measures. The system ratings range from 1 to 5, with five being the highest and indicating an “above average quality”.

The Joint Commission (ALC Measures)

Focusing on accreditation for assisted living communities, the Joint Commission provides a standardized performance tracking through evaluation of a community’s off-label antipsychotic drug use, resident falls, goals of care, and staff stability. 

CARF Accreditation

The Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) provides a “seal of excellence” for continuing care retirement communities, combining peer review, commitment to high standards, business practices, and resident outcomes. CARF utilizes a voluntary accreditation, reflecting the community’s dedication to providing the best care and quality services. 

When looking for a retirement community, older adults and families take a lot of things into consideration. These include food quality, exceptional services, and medical oversight. Hence, various industry standards in terms of these qualities are available to ensure older adults and families can find the right community that can meet their needs and preferences. A quality retirement home is vital for older adults’ well-being in their golden years, so top-notch services, not only for their medical needs, but also for their leisure and dietary preferences, should be looked at to ensure a holistic experience. 

Loneliness and the lack of purpose affect the well-being of older adults, which may increase the risks of other conditions, including heart disease, depression, and dementia. Hence, one of the key qualities to look for in a retirement community is its ability to promote social interactions and foster a sense of belonging to avoid loneliness. Retirement communities often encourage older adults to participate in social activities and group events. Additionally, resident satisfaction, sense of comfort, and enrichment are emphasized by the U.S. News & World Report in ranking the best senior living communities. 

To prevent loneliness, retirement communities promote recreation and an active lifestyle through fun activities and supportive care. Here are some communities that stand out across the United States with their programs that foster social connection and happiness. 

American Senior Communities 

This senior living community has 79 locations nationwide and focuses on fostering positive connections within the local community. Through its exclusive “THRIVE” program, residents are encouraged to live actively. THRIVE stands for thought, health, recreation, interaction, vocation, and expression, which summarizes the community’s dedication to providing residents with an enriched lifestyle. 

Carillon Memory Care

Specializing in memory care, the community collaborates with Lifeloop and utilizes the iN2L Engagement System to improve residents’ living experiences.  Through this program, the community fosters enrichment and nurtures social connections through meaningful experiences. Those with memory-related needs can feel a sense of belonging during their stay. 

Pine Haven Christian Communities

Dedicated to promoting social connections and strengthening family bonds, this faith-based community utilizes innovation and technology. The community also conducts plenty of recreational activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor trips, and fitness classes, to enhance residents’ well-being. Photo-sharing and digital calendars are also utilized to ensure family members are up to date about their loved ones. 

WellQuest of Granite Bay 

Adhering to its Meaningful, Active, Personalized, and Safe (MAPS) Philosophy, the community promotes a nurturing environment where residents can live with a sense of purpose. Utilizing innovation and technology, the community ensures that residents gain meaningful experiences tailored to their capabilities and interests. Residents are encouraged to live actively at their own pace. 

The Willows at Harrodsburg

This continuing care retirement community utilizes visual displays and activity documentation to improve the quality of life of its residents, especially those with cognitive and visual conditions. Promoting social interactions and comfort, the community strives to maintain familial connections between residents and their families.   

These communities are among LifeLoop’s Communities That Shine, allowing older adults to live happily and find their purpose. Having a sense of purpose allows older adults to look at life positively. Additionally, this sense of purpose is crucial to older adults’ well-being, ensuring they lead a life with meaning and preventing loneliness. With an enriched lifestyle, older adults can remain active and do the things they love, further reducing the risks of chronic conditions. Every community has its way of promoting wellness through recreational activities and social programs, encouraging older adults to live actively and maintain social connections. When looking for a retirement home to spend your golden years in, take a look at its offered programs for enrichment to ensure older adults can feel a sense of belonging even when they are away from home. 

Transition to assisted living is a difficult choice, even for adult children looking out for their parents. Despite the clear signs of the need for assisted living, others may ignore it due to guilt and other factors. However, further delaying the transition to assisted care may increase the risks to safety and well-being.  This decision requires careful consideration and proper planning to ensure the comfort and safety of their loved ones. 

Here are 8 red flags that show a parent is in need of assisted living

1. Health Decline

Most older adults experience a decline in health and experience chronic conditions, like hypertension, arthritis, cancer, and others.  According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), around 93% of people aged 65 and older have at least one chronic condition, while around 79% have two or more. These chronic conditions increase the need for medical assistance and at least support for taking medication. Dealing with complex health needs, alongside managing household chores, may be taxing for older adults and their family members. Hence, 24-hour care in assisted living communities or caregivers can be helpful in keeping parents well, while allowing family members to keep their peace of mind. Do not wait until the chronic condition gets worse to act and provide care for your loved ones. 

2. Memory loss

Forgetting is part of ageing; however, dementia-related memory loss and other cognitive impairments may cause further risks for health and safety. Parents, especially those who are living alone, may have difficulty managing and performing their daily tasks. Frequent forgetfulness and memory lapses that put them in danger should not be ignored. Sometimes it is better for assisted living communities, especially those specializing in memory care, may be helpful to improve older adults’ living conditions and cognition. 

3. Difficulty in performing activities of daily living (ADLs)

ADLs, including bathing, dressing, and feeding, can be a challenging task for parents, especially those with chronic conditions. Based on the data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 2023, around 13.4% of those 75+ need personal care. Sometimes older adults may forget their hygiene due to several factors, like memory issues and difficulty in moving. 

In this case, assisted living communities provide discreet assistance with ADLs, so parents can remain clean and comfortable. A pattern of self-neglect and poor hygiene is a clear red flag that should not be ignored. 

4. Neglected home maintenance

Household chores and maintenance can be a burden for older adults and their families, especially when they are dealing with worsening chronic conditions. Additionally, parents who are living alone may also forget to pay the bills and handle the utilities. An unkept home and forgotten bills can make the home unsafe for older adults, and may increase the risk of accidents. If your parents’ house is often disorganized and bills are usually unpaid, it may be beneficial to opt for assisted living.

5. Frequent falls and safety risks

Falls can lead to frequent hospitalization and can pose greater health and safety risks when ignored. Falls may be caused by mobility issues, including struggling with stairs and unstable walking. Aside from physical concerns, parents might also forget to take their medication and forget to turn off burners and other hazardous appliances. These instances are clear red flags that need immediate attention to prevent further risks. 

6. Poor nutrition 

Meals are important to keep older adults healthy, especially to make up for the nutrients they need. When a parent starts losing weight and is not able to prepare meals according to their dietary needs, that is a clear red flag. Due to mobility issues or cognitive issues, older adults may be unable to prepare meals to remain healthy. Poor nutrition may lead to further complications that can endanger your parents’ well-being. 

7. Isolation and loneliness

Older adults are prone to isolation that may lead to loneliness, and in worse cases, depression. When parents begin isolating themselves and avoiding social interactions, that is a clear sign of withdrawal that should not be ignored. Assisted living communities may be beneficial for parents, especially when they get to live with people of their age and may share the same experiences with them. 

8. Family caregiver/s need rest

Adult children or family caregivers who are taking care of their parents may experience burnout, especially with how physically and emotionally taxing caring for someone can be. It is not wrong for family members or older adults to feel tired when taking care of their parents. In times like these, respite care from assisted living communities may be helpful to give them and their parents time to recuperate.

These are only some of the red flags that can be addressed by transitioning to assisted living. While adult children may feel guilty about this decision, they can take their time to weigh the benefits and consequences of this choice. However, this should not take long, as delaying further may increase the safety and health risks to their parents. In deciding, it is better to have a good discussion with parents to avoid misunderstanding and ensure they are on the same page. It is also important to take into consideration their parents’ opinions and feelings regarding the matter for their comfort. This is a difficult journey for everyone involved; hence, proper planning and careful considerations should be in place. 

When it comes to wellness, we often think in terms of step counts, workout classes, or fitness apps. But what if the secret to feeling better is hiding in plain sight—right on your town’s Main Street? Our recent survey of 3,000+ Americans revealed the most walkable and “feel-good” streets in the country.

And once we dug into the full list, a few patterns stood out.

Key Findings

The word “Main” really means something

For over half the list, most walkable streets are literally named “Main Street”—a testament to the enduring charm and centrality of these hubs. Whether it’s Wickford Village in Rhode Island or Deadwood, South Dakota, “Main Street” still signals community, character, and foot traffic.

Northeast nostalgia is strong

New England streets are over-indexed in the rankings. Massachusetts alone claims four spots (Chatham, Concord, Stockbridge, and the surprising dark horse, Main Street in tiny Shelbyville), while Vermont, Connecticut, and New Hampshire each have multiple entries.

Turns out, cobblestones and clapboard still tug on the heartstrings – and the hamstrings.

Alaska quietly dominates

Not one but three Alaskan streets made the top 50: Nome, Skagway, and Homer. That’s more per capita than any other state.

While Alaska may not be the first place you think of for strolls, locals clearly value walks that come with a sea breeze and a backdrop of mountains and memories.

Walkability isn’t just about the coast

While beach towns like Santa Barbara and Fort Lauderdale made the top 10, so did inland gems like Dahlonega, Georgia, and Bozeman, Montana.

People love to walk where there’s character, not just coastline.

South of the Mason-Dixon, hospitality leads the way

Streets in South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, and Tennessee scored high, not for urban walkability, but for warmth, street life, and sensory overload.

Gatlinburg’s Parkway and Charleston’s King Street both turned walking into something soulful, social, and slightly slow—and people love them for it.

Elevation doesn’t deter – it motivates

High-altitude towns like Breckenridge, CO, and Park City, UT, still ranked highly, despite the physical challenge.

In fact, that slight exertion seems to add to the wellness factor. If the air’s fresh and the view’s good, a bit of incline isn’t a dealbreaker—it’s a feature.

More than half the streets listed feature water

Whether it’s lakefront (Lake Placid, NY), riverside (Eureka Springs, AR), ocean-adjacent (Bar Harbor, ME), or harbor-based (Sag Harbor, NY), there’s something about walking near water that clearly boosts appeal.

It’s not just scenic—it’s calming, grounding, and good for your pace.

Walkability feels local, not urban

Very few large cities made the list. The focus was on smaller towns and mid-sized communities, where you’re more likely to make eye contact with strangers or recognize your barista. It’s walkability as a human scale, not infrastructure.

Final Thoughts

This list isn’t just a collection of pretty towns—it’s a quiet argument for designing places where walking is natural, not forced.

Where exercise feels more like leisure, and wellness sneaks up on you between coffee stops and gallery windows.

If we want to encourage healthier lifestyles, maybe we need more tree-lined sidewalks with a bookstore at one end and a bakery at the other.

Methodology

Online panel survey of 3,007 respondents based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.

Respondents are carefully chosen from a geographically representative online panel of double opt-in members. This selection is further tailored to meet the precise criteria required for each unique survey. Throughout the survey, we design questions to carefully screen and authenticate respondents, guaranteeing the alignment of the survey with the ideal participants.

To ensure the integrity of our data collection, we employ an array of data quality methods. Alongside conventional measures like digital fingerprinting, bot checks, geo-verification, and speeding detection, etc. each response undergoes a thorough review by a dedicated team member to ensure quality and contextual accuracy. Our commitment extends to open-ended responses, subjecting them to scrutiny for gibberish answers and plagiarism detection.