A Guide to Faith-Based Senior Living

Choosing a senior living community where you feel safe and comfortable is crucial. For some seniors, that means finding a community aligning with their religious beliefs. As people age and deal with health challenges, memory complications or losing loved ones, they may seek solace in their faith or others with similar religious views. In this case, meeting your spiritual needs becomes just as important as your physical, emotional and mental needs.

Most of the current senior population considers themselves religious. According to a study by Pew Research Center, about 65% of adults aged 65 and older believe religion is very important in their lives. Although they practice various religions, the feeling of being in an inclusive space to meet like-minded peers and build a sense of community is consistent. A faith-based community can provide that type of environment.

This guide covers the ins and outs of faith-based senior living, how it can be a beneficial long-term care option and what financial assistance is available to pay for care.

Faith-based communities provide the same services and amenities as standard communities, including personal care assistance, housing, meals and transportation, but they also offer religious and spiritual care. Some faith-based communities follow a specific religion, while others are more broad. By some estimates, they reach 70% of the American population.

Common amenities found at faith-based communities include on-site places of worship, Bibles or other religious texts and religious services. The community will also typically observe important religious holidays and may hold special services or activities to celebrate them.

There are many benefits of choosing a faith-based assisted living community. For example, it may be easier for seniors to connect with those who share similar religious views, traditions and values. It can also help older adults find religious activities they enjoy, such as prayer circles or church choirs, which may not be available in standard communities. Additional benefits include:

• A built-in support system
• Opportunities to get involved in spiritual activities
• A sense of purpose and belonging
• Enhanced physical and mental health
• Reduced feelings of isolation
• Easier access to religious services
• Help when coping with difficult emotions or situations

When you’re looking for a faith-based community, it’s important to find one that provides the level of care you need along with the religious activities you desire. It may take some time and effort to pinpoint a community that meets these needs, but the following tips may make the process easier:

• Obtain referrals to faith-based senior communities: Ask local religious leaders. They often provide services to spiritual communities and will likely have recommendations.
• Ask your health care provider: Your doctor may be familiar with faith-based communities that offer your needed level of care. Medical professionals typically have knowledge on different care options to better assist their patients.
• Reach out to a local place of worship: Speak with the person responsible for locating community-based spiritual services. They may have suggestions for faith-based communities.
• Attend local health fairs and events: Many senior living communities set up booths, and you may find a few that are faith-based.
• Ask a nurse or medical assistant: They may have previously worked in senior living and can share their knowledge of faith-based assisted living.

It can be difficult to know what to look for in a good faith-based senior living community. The following checklist can provide guidance during your search.

Faith-based senior living costs are usually comparable to standard communities. However, some specific communities may cost slightly more if they offer specialized programming or have faith leaders on staff. Prices will also vary, depending on a facility’s type and location as well as the source of their funding.

According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national monthly average for an assisted living community is $4,500, while nursing homes cost about $7,908 per month. Here are a few cost examples for cities nationwide:

There are a few financial assistance options available, including Medicare/Medicaid, VA benefits and private insurance. However, most senior living options outside nursing homes aren’t usually covered by Medicare or insurance plans because they’re considered elective and not essential for medical reasons. Faith-based communities are typically viewed the same as standard communities for insurance purposes, but you may be able to access funding through faith-specific charities. The following table breaks down financial assistance options based on the type of senior living community.

• Guide to Christian/Catholic Senior Living
• Guide to Jewish Senior Living
• Guide to Muslim Senior Living
• A Guide to Lutheran Assisted Living
• Presbyterian Assisted Living and Senior Care Guide
• Buddhist Assisted Living and Senior Care Guide
• Seventh-day Adventist Assisted Living and Senior Care Guide
• Methodist Assisted Living and Senior Care Guide
• Quaker Assisted Living and Senior Care Guide