Grand Rapids Assisted Living - Senior Care Options

In the state of Michigan, the Department of Human Services is responsible for licensing, regulating and inspecting all senior living communities. Among the care choices on this page, you'll find facilities referred to as assisted living, nursing homes, adult foster care (AFC) and homes for the aged (HFA). The term "assisted living" is a marketing term used by both licensed and unlicensed facilities while Michigan law defines and licenses AFCs and HFAs. When searching for assisted living facilities in Grand Rapids, make sure they are licensed.

According to DHS, an "HFA provides care to persons who are aged (over the age of 60) while an adult foster care (AFC) home can provide care to any adult in need of adult foster care services. Additionally, Public Act 218 prohibits the licensure of new AFC's for more than 20 persons, while homes for the aged are licensed for 21 or more persons, unless they are operated as part of a nursing home." For more information, go to DHS's website. Here you'll also find licensing information and inspection reports for facilities in Grand Rapids.

For Grand Rapids retirees, the financial picture is a mixed bag. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Grand Rapids' overall cost of living is 4% below the national average. Social Security and pension income are not currently taxed, but beginning in 2012, the state will add a flat-rate income tax of 4.35%. Long-term care costs for assisted living are relatively low; nursing homes are higher than average. For example, a private, one-bedroom in a Grand Rapids assisted living facility averages $2,640 a month, according to a recent Genworth Financial survey on long-term care. The state average is $3,000. A private room in a nursing home averages $262 a day on--a semi-private averages $239. These averages are about 18% above national averages for nursing homes.

To increase the listings for Grand Rapids assisted living facilities, go to the bottom and click on "expand the list." You'll get 90 of the closest listings in the area. If you have further questions, send us an email using the form at the top.