Find the right fit to stay safe, social, and independent—at home or in a community.
Quick Decision Guide
Share a home with support: Best if you want to stay in a house setting, reduce costs, and get help with daily tasks.
Hire a live-in caregiver: Best if you want to remain at home with 1:1 support and can budget for paid care.
Independent living (congregate housing): Best if you want maintenance‑free living, social activities, meals, and light support—but not daily hands‑on care.
Assisted living: Best if you want apartment living plus licensed help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medications) on site.
Option 1: Sharing a Home or Hiring a Live‑in Caregiver
What it is
Homeshare: An older adult and another person (e.g., student, young couple, or family member) share a home. In exchange for reduced rent or free room, the housemate provides companionship and agreed‑upon support.
Paid live‑in caregiver: A caregiver lives in the home and is paid (plus room and board) to provide daily support.
Who it’s best for
You want to age in place.
You prefer familiar surroundings and personalized routines.
You need some regular help but not 24/7 medical care.
Benefits
Comfort of home and continuity of community.
Consistent, personalized support.
May be cost‑effective compared with full‑service communities.
Important considerations
Licensing and screening vary by state—especially when care services are included.
Background checks, references, and trial periods are essential.
Clarify duties, schedules, privacy, overnight hours, and time off.
Plan backup coverage for caregiver illness or time away.
Define payroll/taxes (e.g., W‑2 vs. 1099), overtime rules, and workers’ compensation where applicable.
Typical costs
Homeshare: Can range from low‑cost rent to room‑and‑board exchange for chores/companionship.
Paid live‑in caregiver: Hourly or flat daily rates plus room/board; agency placements may cost more but include screening and backups.
Funding: Private pay is most common; public benefits may be limited for live‑in arrangements.
How to start (simple steps)
Write a role profile
tasks, hours, skills, and boundaries.
Decide hiring path
family/friend, homeshare program, registry, or licensed home care agency.
care plan, house rules, pay, time off, privacy, and termination terms.
Set safety routines
medication list, emergency contacts, and a backup caregiver plan.
Safety and screening checklist
Government ID and background check
Two to three professional references
Current certifications (e.g., CNA, HHA), if needed
Proof of eligibility to work
Clear, signed care agreement and house rules
Emergency plan posted and shared with family
Option 2: Independent Living (Congregate Housing)
What it is
Apartment, condo, or cottage living for active older adults who want fewer household chores and more connection. These communities focus on convenience and security rather than hands‑on daily care.
What’s typically included
Dining: One to three meals per day; restaurant‑style seating; special event dinners; private dining rooms for family gatherings.
Housekeeping and linen service: Weekly or biweekly cleaning; flat linen changes.
Transportation: Scheduled rides to shopping, appointments, and events.
Maintenance:Professional building, appliance, and grounds care.
Security: Controlled access, staff on site, and emergency alert features.
Activities and wellness: Fitness classes, social clubs, cultural and educational programs, game nights, and spiritual services.
Apartment features: Studios, 1‑ and 2‑bedroom layouts; kitchen/kitchenette; private bath; climate control; cable/internet availability; balconies/patios where available; laundry options.
Health and care support
Onsite staff can respond to emergency alerts but do not provide daily hands‑on care.
Many communities allow outside home health or personal care services to visit your apartment.
Some communities have licensed assisted living or memory care on the same campus so you can “age in place.”
Costs and contracts
Most are rental communities; some require entry fees or offer buy‑in options (condo/cottage).
Pricing varies widely by location, unit size, and meal/service packages. Many communities range from approximately 1,500to4,000+ per month for studio or one‑bedroom options (shared or private), with higher prices for larger units and premium amenities.
Some offer fee‑for‑service add‑ons (meals, extra housekeeping, parking, storage).
Limited subsidized apartments may be available; waiting lists are common. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Who it’s best for
You are mostly independent and want worry‑free living, social life, and security.
You want flexible access to light support (e.g., housekeeping, meals) and optional home health visits.
Questions to ask on a tour
What services are included vs. optional fees?
How many meals are included? What dietary options are available?
Are outside caregivers allowed? Any extra fees?
What’s the emergency response process?
Are there waitlists, deposits, or move‑in specials?
Is there a plan to transition to assisted living or memory care if needs increase?
Option 3: Assisted Living (At‑a‑Glance)
Licensed to provide help with activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, and medication support.
Looks similar to independent living apartments but includes care staff and service plans.
Often chosen by seniors who want the independence of apartment living plus built‑in care, without needing to move again as needs increase.
Activities and Amenities Highlights (examples)
Dining and social events: Restaurant‑style meals, hospitality bars, themed dinners, potlucks, holiday events.
Fitness and wellness: Exercise classes, tai chi, walking groups, lap pools or indoor tracks where available, water exercise.
Hobbies and clubs: Arts and crafts, ceramics, weaving, stained glass, gardening/horticulture.
Faith and reflection: Vespers services and study groups where offered.
Games and recreation: Bridge, card clubs, bingo, bowling, pickleball, ping pong, indoor lawn bowling.
Lifelong learning and creativity: Writer circles, computer clubs, chorus/hand‑bell/band ensembles, cultural and educational talks.
Community features: Lounges, libraries, game/craft rooms, salons, guest suites, patios/walking paths, laundry rooms, and parking.
Memory changes and support
Early memory loss may be manageable in independent living with added home health support.
As needs grow (e.g., wandering, sundowning, behavioral changes), dedicated memory care or assisted living with memory support is often a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “congregate housing”?
Another name for independent living—communities designed for older adults who want maintenance‑free living, social connection, and security, but not full‑time hands‑on care.
How is independent living different from assisted living?
Independent living focuses on lifestyle and convenience. Assisted living adds licensed daily care (help with bathing, dressing, toileting, mobility, and medications).
Can I bring in a caregiver to independent living?
In many communities, yes. You can hire outside home health or personal care aides to visit your apartment. Ask about any required approvals or fees.
How much does independent living cost?
Costs vary widely by location, unit size, and services. Many communities start around $1,500 per month for basic studio options and rise with added space, meals, and amenities.
Are subsidies available?
Some communities offer income‑based units with waitlists. Your local Area Agency on Aging can explain eligibility and openings.
What screening should I do for a live‑in caregiver?
Verify identity, run background checks, confirm training/certifications if needed, check multiple references, and start with a trial period. Use a written agreement.
