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Nicknamed “K-Zoo” by locals, Kalamazoo, Michigan, is located halfway between Detroit and Chicago. The small city is home to an estimated 76,200 people, and nearly one in ten are seniors. With a cost of living 20.4% below the national average, Kalamazoo ranks among the most affordable cities in America, making it a great place for seniors who want to stretch their retirement savings.
Kalamazoo is home to several assisted living facilities. These facilities may be a good option if you need help with daily tasks but don’t require medical monitoring and skilled nursing services. Assisted living communities provide meals and snacks, recreational programming and time-saving services such as housekeeping and linen care. Many also have on-site amenities such as fitness centers and libraries. In general, assisted living residents in Kalamazoo pay $4,350 for services, which is higher than Michigan’s average cost but below the U.S. average.
This guide outlines assisted living resources in Kalamazoo and ways to pay for services.
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.
Residents in Kalamazoo pay an average of $4,350 monthly for assisted living.
In Kalamazoo, you can expect to pay $4,350 per month for assisted living. This is $100 higher than the Michigan average of $4,250. However, it provides a monthly savings of $150 over the national average of $4,500.
Assisted living communities in Kalamazoo charge $4,350 per month for long-term care and housing, about $1,000 more than care costs in Battle Creek ($3,400). In Muskegon, care costs come in a few hundred dollars below Kalamazoo’s average, and in Saginaw, rates are comparable at $4,225. Seniors in Midland pay $4,460 for monthly care, about $100 more than in Kalamazoo. In Ann Arbor, rates are the highest in the state ($6,093), over $1,700 above the average in Kalamazoo.
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.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging Region IIIA | (269) 373-5173 | Kalamazoo County’s Area Agency on Aging offers many resources to support local seniors. The AAA helps seniors access community programs and other services. It also offers free classes that help seniors learn to prevent falls or cope with their chronic health conditions. |
| Kalamazoo County Veterans Service Office | (269) 373-5361 | Veterans can visit this office for help accessing the county, state or federal benefits they’re entitled to. These benefits include medical treatment, VA disability benefits, and emergency financial assistance through the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund. |
| Senior Services of Southwest Michigan | (269) 382-0515 | Since 1963, this nonprofit organization has provided supportive services to seniors. Its nursing facility transition program helps seniors move into assisted living or other community settings. The Coover Center provides opportunities for fun and socialization, including yoga classes and weekday lunches. Seniors can also contact the organization for Medicare or Medicaid counseling. |
| Shepherd’s Center of Kalamazoo | (269) 383-1122 | This interfaith organization offers a low-cost transportation service. Volunteers provide one-on-one transportation to medical and nonmedical appointments. A donation of $10 per round trip is suggested, but seniors who can’t donate won’t be turned away. |
| Legal Aid of Western Michigan | (269) 344-8113 | Serving 17 counties in western Michigan, this nonprofit law firm provides free legal services to low-income people, including seniors. Eligible seniors can receive assistance with a wide range of civil matters, including SSI appeals and Medicaid hearings and appeals. |
| Kalamazoo Valley Community College | (269) 488-4281 | Lifelong learners may benefit from Kalamazoo Valley Community College’s senior tuition waiver. Through this program, seniors can receive free tuition, space permitting. They’re responsible for any additional course fees, including books and materials. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Kalamazoo 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.
