With its low cost of living and cultural amenities, Grand Rapids has been ranked as the best place to retire in Michigan. Many retirees already call the city home, with those 65 years and older making up about 12.4% of the city’s population of 198,917. These seniors have a vast array of local parks, outdoor activities, restaurants, museums and theaters available to explore.
For seniors who need a little extra assistance with life’s daily tasks but don’t require nursing care, assisted living communities can provide help while also promoting independence. Common services offered by assisted living facilities include help with personal care, meals, housekeeping, transportation and laundry services. Many assisted living facilities also offer social and recreational activities for residents. In Grand Rapids, seniors pay an average of $4,828 per month for assisted living care, which is only slightly higher than the national average of $4,500.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about assisted living in Grand Rapids. We’ll cover important information about how to pay for assisted living and help you to learn about free local resources available to seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Michigan. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Assisted living facilities in Grand Rapids cost about $4,828 per month, which is 7.29% more than the national average and 13.6% more than the Michigan state average.
The cost of assisted living facilities varies throughout the state of Michigan. Some of the highest rates are found in southeastern Michigan, in cities such as Ann Arbor ($6,093) and Monroe ($5,050). Meanwhile, Grand Rapids’ ($4,828) cost is close to the state average. Cities with more affordable assisted living care include Battle Creek ($3,400), Detroit ($4,215), Saginaw ($4,225), Lansing ($4,313), Kalamazoo ($4,350) and Flint ($4,375).
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Michigan.
Resource |
Contact |
Service |
(616) 456-5664 |
The Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan provides free information and assistance to seniors. It helps them to access local programs and services that provide housing, legal assistance and transportation. | |
(616) 245-9451 or toll-free at (866) 485-9393 |
The Kent County Long Term Care Ombudsman advocates for the rights of assisted living facility residents. Ombudsmen can help residents of assisted living facilities to understand assisted living rules, file complaints and resolve any concerns. All services provided by the ombudsmen are free and confidential. | |
(616) 719-4729 |
The Retired Senior Volunteer Program connects persons 55 years of age and older to community volunteer opportunities. | |
(616) 632-2430 |
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Aquinas College offers continuing education classes and more to members 50 and older. | |
(616) 285-5795 |
Grand Rapids Vet Center offers free readjustment counseling to combat veterans. Services include individual, marital and family counseling. The center also helps eligible veterans to apply for Department of Veterans Affairs’ benefits. | |
(616) 774-1288 or toll-free at (866) 425-3848 |
Transportation is available to Kent County residents 60 and older through Kent County Senior Millage RideLink and Interurban Transit. Before calling to schedule a ride, participants must register. This ride service is free with a suggested donation. | |
(616) 459-3040 |
Grand Rapids Senior Center offers activities that foster friendships among older adults. Activities include day trips, talent shows and book club discussions. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Grand Rapids area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.