Finding an assisted living community can be an overwhelming process, as you consider elements including cost, location, and an elder's specific needs. Take a closer look at the key details of the largest assisted living companies in the U.S., along with some resources to help you find the best home for your loved one.
11 Largest Assisted Living Providers
The average cost of senior living can depend on factors like location, apartment style, amenities, and level of care. Also, keep in mind that on top of the charge for base rent, other fees such as admission fees and fees for apartment preparation may be added. These extra charges can range from $500 to $6500. There are various types of senior living including:
- Independent living - typically designed for seniors age 55 and older who need minimal assistance.
- Assisted living - provides help with the activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, grooming, dispensing of medication, housekeeping, laundry, assistance with mobility, and more.
- Memory care - provides specialized services for individuals with Alzheimer's or another type of dementia or memory impairment. Staff members are specially trained and programs are developed to help each person function to the best of their ability.
- Temporary stay, or respite care - a short-term stay (a few days to a few weeks) in a community with access to all available amenities and services. This is an option for seniors who need a temporary stay in a caregiver's absence, are recovering from an illness or injury, or just want to try out a community before moving in permanently.
- Skilled nursing - transitional or rehabilitative care that might follow an illness or surgery, such as joint replacement.
- Home care - provides a wide range of services in the person's home, such as nursing, physical therapy and personal care.
Listed below are 11 of the largest senior living providers, ranked from largest to smallest in terms of number of units or senior apartments available. General information about each one is also included.
Brookdale Senior Living
Brooksdale Senior Living is the largest senior living community in the United States. They have more than 980 properties in the U.S., and a total of more than 90,500 units. Brookdale's headquarters are in Brentwood, Tennessee. They provide assisted living, independent living, and memory care-based units. Ranges of costs of living at Brookdale are:
- Independent living - $870 - $7,545
- Assisted Living - $800 - $7,725
- Memory Care Cost - $2,795 - $10,030
Brookdale Senior Living offers skilled nursing, home health care, hospice, and at-home care. Their amenities include spots for recreation, dining, and socializing, as well as exercise classes, educational classes, and social gatherings.
Life Care Services
Life Care Services (LCS) ranks as the second-largest senior living community and has a total of 135 communities in the U.S., with over 35,300 units. Depending on the facility, there may be skilled nursing, memory care, assisted living, and independent living. They are headquartered in Des Moines, IA.
Amenities offered include a fitness center, community activities, and housekeeping and in-home linen services.
Holiday Retirement
Holiday Retirement is a private company headquartered in Winter Park, Florida that has over 260 properties in the U.S. and over 31,000 units. They are the largest with regard to independent living, but they also offer options for assisted living and memory care.
Holiday Retirement offers many affordable amenities to accommodate an active lifestyle. The community also has ambassadors within their community, residents who speak with prospective residents and answer questions about what it is like to live there.
Atria Senior Living
Atria Senior Living is a private company that owns 184 communities, with a total of 25,000 units across 27 states in the U.S. and seven provinces in Canada. They provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, as well as short-term, respite stays. Their headquarters are in Louisville, Kentucky.
Amenities at Atria Senior Living include a calendar full of educational, social, and cultural activities, dining with table service, and scheduled transportation to local appointments, errands, and outings.
Five Star Senior Living
Five Star Senior Living is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, and has 249 properties with over 24,300 units. They provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays. They also provide extensive rehabilitation services, along with wellness amenities that allow residents to thrive.
Sunrise Senior Living
Sunrise Senior Living has 268 communities in the U.S. with over 24,000 units. They provide independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term living, and skilled nursing. In addition to various programs and activities (learning, art), every community has a resident cat or dog, and residents are welcome to bring their own pet to stay with them.
Erickson Living
There are 19 Erikson Living communities with over 22,300 units. They are headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and have been providing housing needs for seniors for over 34 years. They also have their own resident insurance program called Erickson Advantage.
Erickson Living's monthly service package can range from $1,950 per month for an efficiency apartment to $3,800 per month for a luxury two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a sunroom and/or den. Amenities may include a library and theatre room in addition to a fitness center, classrooms, and complimentary transportation.
Senior Lifestyle Corporation
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, there are 179 Senior Lifestyle communities across the U.S., with over 17,200 units. They offer independent living, assisted living, memory care, short-term living arrangements, and skilled nursing. They provide affordable housing in welcoming and pet-friendly communities, complete with social activities.
ALG Senior
Affinity Living Group, now known as ALG Senior, has 155 communities in the U.S., with over 12,800 units. They operate assisted living, independent living, and memory care units in eight states. Their headquarters are in Hickory, North Carolina.
Capital Senior Living
Capital Senior Living has over 120 communities in the U.S., with over 12,300 units. They specialize in assisted and independent living; and they also provide memory care and temporary stays. They are headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
Most of their communities do accept small pets, and they have a wide range of amenities such as libraries, computer rooms, game rooms, and fitness centers. Most communities offer temporary stays as well. Costs range from $2,000 to $7,000 per month.
Watermark Retirement Communities
Watermark Retirement Communities have 64 communities in the U.S., and over 10,500 units. They have been recognized for their award-winning programs, collectively called Watermark University, that teach seniors about different aspects of wellness. Their headquarters are in Tucson, Arizona, and they offer independent, assisted, and memory care living.
Assisted Living Resources
A few quality resources for finding and selecting an assisted living facility for a loved one can help turn a difficult process into an informed decision-making process. The following sites are a good start for gathering information and advice regarding residential care for the elderly:
The laws, permits, and operations guidelines that assisted living companies follow vary from state to state. Take a close look at your own state's rules and regulations so you know what is expected and required of every facility offering care to the elderly. This can help ease your mind about senior living, as well as keep you informed so you can voice concerns if they arise.
Find Comfort in Preparation
Locating the right living community for your parent or loved one can be a daunting process. Factors to consider when looking for a senior living community include location, size, services, cost, culture, and ability to transition to higher levels of care within the same community. Start by prioritizing the needs of your loved one and your family when considering the various options available.
