Assisted living offers seniors a comfortable and welcoming space to live safely during their golden years while maintaining their independence and receiving assistance with basic activities as needed, such as eating, grooming and light housekeeping. In Grand Rapids, this type of care costs residents about $4,696 per month, which is higher than the U.S. average of $4,459 and Michigan’s $4,111, making it a slightly pricier option than in other nearby cities.
AssistedLiving.org spent dozens of hours researching the top assisted living communities in the Grand Rapids area to allow seniors and their families to find the community that’s right for them. Click through the facilities listed below to read in-depth reviews, what residents are saying, and details such as base pricing, room types, and more.
Clark at Franklin is centrally located in Grand Rapid's bustling Easton neighborhood near Fisk Lake and the…
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In order to find the top assisted living communities in the Grand Rapids area, our team of researchers:
Sorted through 47 communities using our unique methodology
Spent over 16 hours researching assisted living communities in Grand Rapids
Read more than 130 reviews left by residents and their family members
After filtering out facilities that didn’t meet our high standards, we were left with 10 assisted living communities that earned our seal of approval. Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Grand Rapids is $4,240, which is higher than the state average of $4,000 and the national average of $4,051.
Jonathan Frank
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner
Jonathan Frank
Licensed Social Worker and Certified Dementia Practitioner
Jonathan Frank is a Licensed Social Worker with over 10 years experience working with the geriatric population in a variety of different settings. He received his Masters degree from Rutgers University with a certificate in Aging and Gerontological Services. Additionally, he is a Certified Dementia Practitioner accredited by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Jonathan also has Bachelors degree in psychology and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician for 14 years. His passion lies with the elderly and ensuring they age with dignity.
Read on for in-depth information about the top assisted living facilities in Grand Rapids, a brief dive into our methodology for determining the best assisted living communities, and a searchable directory of 47 communities in the Grand Rapids area.
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MI
Determining how to finance assisted living often starts with the question, “What’s the cost?” In today’s economy, where inflation plays a significant role, having current data is crucial for senior living financial planning. AssistedLiving.org has gathered cost information from its expansive network of over 75,000 senior living providers. This data offers a glimpse into the average expenses for assisted living in Grand Rapids and 89 additional cities within Michigan.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MI
To ensure that assisted living remains a viable long-term care option, it is advisable for seniors to anticipate rising costs before choosing a provider. Between 2022 and 2023, prices in Grand Rapids reached $4,696 per month, a 10% difference that matches the average U.S. increase but stays below Michigan’s 12.5%. Cities where costs grew at a similar 10% rate include Detroit and Ann Arbor, where residents pay $4,177 and $4,707, respectively. For 2024, projections suggest that average fees for assisted living in Grand Rapids will increase to $5,057 and to a close $5,179 in the nearby city of Lansing.
Location
2022 Cost (Historical)
2023 Cost (Current)
2024 Cost (Estimated)
Grand Rapids
$4,286
$4,696
$5,057
U.S. Average
$4,070
$4,459
$4,802
Michigan
$3,668
$4,111
$4,577
Detroit
$3,812
$4,177
$4,498
Ann Arbor
$4,296
$4,707
$5,069
Lansing
$4,389
$4,809
$5,179
Assisted Living vs. Other Types of Care in Grand Rapids, MI
Independent living, costing on average $3,039, is designed for active, self-sufficient seniors who want access to recreational amenities and other nonmedical services. Assisted living providers tend to charge higher fees, around $4,696 in Grand Rapids, due to the additional personalized care and support provided for daily activities. Memory care communities, which manage the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments, offer intensive care, safety measures and tailored programs, contributing to its monthly cost of $6,633.
Care Type
Cost
Assisted Living
$4,696
Memory Care
$6,633
Independent Living
$3,039
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MI
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Grand Rapids, MI
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:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Michigan.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources for Seniors in Grand Rapids, MI
Numerous resources are available in Grand Rapids, MI to support seniors during their retirement. AssistedLiving.org has gathered data on local groups, initiatives, and agencies, and organized them according to care categories for convenient access.
For details about resources across the state and in neighboring cities, please visit the Michigan state page on assistedliving.org.
Area Agency on Aging
Your local Grand Rapids Area Agency on Aging is a valuable resource for retirees, offering guidance on financial aid, in-home care, and long-term care planning. They also link seniors and caregivers to community resources.
Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan provide a range of services to seniors, ensuring they can enjoy a fulfilling and enriching life. These agencies connect seniors with local programs that cater to their needs, such as nutritional assistance, transportation services, support groups, and health and wellness activities. Additionally, the agencies actively advocate for older adults by participating in committees and councils that work towards legislation protecting seniors from elder abuse and fraud. Seniors and caregivers can also benefit from educational classes and events organized by the AAAs, which provide valuable information on health and wellness.
Financial Assistance for Senior Care and Senior Living
Seniors in Grand Rapids, whether residing independently or in a senior living facility, have access to various local financial aid options. These entities assist in offsetting certain in-home or long-term care expenses and link them to beneficial community resources.
The MI Choice Waiver Program in Michigan offers eligible seniors the option to receive care in the comfort of their own homes or in an assisted living community, as an alternative to a nursing home. Its primary goal is to delay or prevent the need for institutional care.
The MI Choice Waiver Program in Michigan offers eligible seniors the option to receive care in the comfort of their own homes or in an assisted living community, as an alternative to a nursing home. Its primary goal is to delay or prevent the need for institutional care.
Food Assistance Programs
In Grand Rapids, various local initiatives are dedicated to promoting senior health through balanced nutrition. They offer services like meal delivery, communal dining, and food banks, ensuring elderly residents have access to affordable, nutritious food.
The Downtown Food Pantry in Grand Rapids, MI offers emergency assistance to older adults in need of food. Seniors residing in the Heartside neighborhood can visit the pantry once a month for a distribution of nonperishable food that can last for three to five days. The pantry is open on Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and provides a variety of canned fruits and vegetables, beans, soup, pasta, rice, cereal, and personal care items.
Free Used Medical Equipment
In Grand Rapids, numerous groups are addressing the steep expense of new medical equipment. They gather gently used items like wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, providing them to local seniors and individuals in need.
Renew Mobility in Grand Rapids offers West Michigan seniors the opportunity to recycle used medical equipment and receive it at low or no cost. They provide a range of items, including walkers, wheelchairs, knee scooters, transfer benches, and raised toilet seats. Seniors with documented disabilities and financial need can qualify for free equipment.
Home Repair and Modifications
In Grand Rapids, numerous programs are available to aid seniors and individuals with disabilities in financing home modifications and repairs. These programs, offering grants or loans, have diverse eligibility requirements specifically designed for retirees.
The Section 504 Home Repair Program offers grants to eligible low-income seniors for the purpose of addressing health and safety hazards in their homes. These grants, with a maximum amount of $10,000, are specifically designed to assist seniors residing in program-covered areas.
The Weatherization Assistance Program is designed to assist low-income homeowners and renters in reducing their utility bills by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. Through the collaboration of Community Action Agencies and nonprofit organizations, eligible individuals can access free services such as home insulation and ventilation. These measures aim to enhance the overall energy efficiency of homes, helping residents save money on their utility expenses.
Senior Centers
In Grand Rapids, senior centers serve as a hub for older adults, providing recreational activities, events, and valuable resources. These centers also offer wellness programs, nutritional guidance, and assistance with senior-related concerns.
The local senior center provides a variety of engaging activities for older adults to connect and interact with others in their age group. These activities include Wii bowling, pool games, and Bible study groups.
Senior Engagement
In Grand Rapids, a variety of programs and resources are available for seniors to stay engaged and active. These include wellness initiatives, volunteering options, and support networks, all aimed at fostering community involvement and enhancing life quality.
The Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers an array of services and programs designed to support seniors and their caregivers. Alongside our 24-hour helpline, we provide social engagement programs and professional training curriculums. Our dedicated care counselors are skilled in creating person-centered long-term care plans for individuals with memory loss and cognitive challenges. We also offer support groups via Zoom for seniors experiencing early-stage or young-onset symptoms, as well as support groups specifically for Spanish speakers.
Social Security Offices
In Grand Rapids, Social Security offices provide essential services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer guidance on retirement benefits, disability allowances, and Supplemental Security Income.
Social Security serves as a financial resource for individuals who have reached retirement age or are unable to work due to a disability. The funding for Social Security is derived from a payroll tax imposed on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, beneficiaries are entitled to receive monthly payments based on their previous earnings.
Veteran’s Services
Veteran services in Grand Rapids offer invaluable assistance to retired military personnel. These local entities guide veterans in utilizing their rightful benefits and provide counsel on diverse matters.
The Grand Rapids Vet Center extends its support to veterans, service members, and their families by providing free and confidential counseling services. Our team of licensed counselors specializes in addressing mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We employ evidence-based therapies, including prolonged exposure, acceptance and commitment therapy, adaptive disclosure, meditation, and sound therapy. Our group therapy sessions encompass various topics such as readjustment, wellness, whole health, and guided imagery. We offer counseling in individual, group, family, and couples sessions to cater to diverse needs. Additionally, we ensure accessibility through telehealth appointments, allowing care to be delivered conveniently via video and phone.
Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Grand Rapids, MI
Assisted Living Communities in Grand Rapids are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. 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.
Our Methodology
It’s not what we research, but the way we research that makes AssistedLiving.org stand out. We start by identifying problems and challenges in the senior care industry by gaining insight from conversations with industry professionals, older adults, and those that care for them. Next, our research team led by industry experts apply our data-driven research techniques to understand the magnitude of the challenge and how to overcome it. Finally, we present our findings in easy-to-understand guides and studies and share our actionable results with influencers and caregivers, as well as the general public.
Facility Features (40%)
Facility Health Services Graded on health services provided on the facility including, but not limited to, on-site nursing, pharmacy, skilled nursing, medicine administration, etc
Facility Amenities Graded on the available amenities.
Affordability Financial assistance acceptance and overall costs and value.
Residential Quality (40%)
Resident Satisfaction Polling & survey of overall facility satisfaction.
Facility Complaint and Violations Number of complaints and violations the facility had. Taking into account improvement over time.
Location-Based Benefits Including, but not limited to, proximity to hospitals, ambulance response times, senior resources available, and state and city financial assistance.
Location Quality Local crime rates, incidents against older adults, air quality, climate.
