Christian Assisted Living

Various studies and polls have estimated that around 75% of American adults identify themselves as Christians, with a predominance of respondents reporting practicing faiths directly related to Evangelical or Mainline Protestantism or as members of the Catholic church. With millions of dedicated followers and practicers nationwide, it is certain that interest in assisted living facilities for Christians will rise along with the elderly population.

Fortunately, for those who consider faith-based senior living essential, there is no shortage of options ranging from long-term Christian assisted living arrangements to temporary situations. Of course there are also facilities with Christian principles that cater to seniors with specialty needs such as memory care, severe disabilities and end-of-life care.

Christian Senior Care Centers Versus Non-Faith Based Facilities

Concerning the quality of care that can be expected, non-faith and faced based facilities tend to provide similar experiences. However, Christian senior living facilities are designed to center on the core values of Christianity such as love, compassion and devotion to God and Biblical principles. Assisted living facilities for Christians help seniors feel more hopeful and optimistic through providing opportunities for meaningful engagement with like-minded peers in a faith-based focused environment.

Spirituality is often considered an invaluable aspect of many senior’s lives, particularly those struggling with physical pain, depression, chronic illnesses or who are nearing the end of their earthly days. Beyond ensuring that prospective facilities meet your loved one’s physical needs, read on to explore some considerations to help ensure the provider can also meet their spiritual and emotional needs.

Choosing the Right Christian Assisted Living Care Facility

Many Christians believe that their faith beckons them to serve God and also be of service to others in order to set a good example. For this reason most Christian assisted living facilities incorporate activities and engagements that promote and support this belief system. This often includes volunteer opportunities, social gatherings and various recreations that are faith-based. Some questions to ask of potential Christian senior living facilities include:

• What kind of religious services and instruction are offered?
• How are different denominations accommodated for?
• Are services held in a chapel on-site, or is transportation provided to particular congregations?
• Are there ministers/chaplains/clergy on-site at all times for patient’s spiritual needs?
• How are meal and beverage preferences handled?
• Are prayer groups, faith sharing services, spiritual guidance counseling and bible studies available regularly?

However, what may be most important in deciding which place is right for you or your loved one is determining how comfortable they feel within the environment. It’s essential to take more than one tour of prospective facilities, and it may be wise to ‘drop-in’ once or twice just to get an ‘unofficial’ feel of the place and observe the residents. Faith-based facilities will also likely welcome you with open arms to attend a spiritual service with current clients who also share your faith. Participating in services and engaging with existing community members is one of the best ways to find the perfect Christian senior facility to call home that will offer all the benefits associated with faith-based care.

The Benefits of Faith-Based Assisted Living for Seniors

Decades of research studies and polls indicate that seniors often experience a vast range of physical, emotional and spiritual benefits from faith-based assisted living amid a community of like-minded individuals. Seniors who are strong in their faith seem to have greater coping skills overall and a stronger ability to deal with the challenges often faced in the golden years. With daily inspiration surrounding them, some residents seem to show noticeable reductions in the progression of diagnosed memory disorders. Essentially, evidence strongly suggests that seniors of faith tend to live longer, happier lives as their religion helps them understand their purpose in life. These individuals also report less fear of dying, as they know that their assisted living facility will cater to their spiritual needs as they transition.

Who Operates Christian Senior Care Facilities?

One of the greatest appeals to many seniors beyond the quality of care these organizations provide is the fact that most Christian senior care facilities are operated by non-profit organizations. Not-for-profit faith based facilities typically have a board of directors that is likely to have several members of local clergy participating to ensure that resident’s spiritual needs are strongly represented when it comes to budgeting and management issues. After all, these organizations take any profits they see and utilize them to improve and operate the facility, so many Christians seek out non-profit care options.

How Much Does Christian Senior Living Cost?

The national average of senior living facilities is $7500 per month, but the cost of care will depend upon a few factors: location, specialized care needs and one’s preference of amenities. However, there are typically no additional costs associated with faith-based living arrangements. In fact, because many are operated by non-profit organizations, the costs can actually be lower than some types of traditional care in for-profit facilities. Community and church organizations often make donations to Christian senior living programs to subsidize costs to residents.

Paying for Christian Assisted Living

Many individuals subsidize the cost of Christian senior living facilities through self payments using savings, investments and by cashing in annuities. Some have prepared for retirement home expenses by having long-term insurance policies. Medicare policies aren’t generally designed for long-term care and only provide for medical costs accrued in senior living facilities. However, Medicare is an excellent option for those seeking short-term sub-acute care or for those seeking hospice or palliative services. For those who qualify for state-provided Medicaid can also use those funds for faith-based assisted living, and veterans may also qualify for government benefits to cover senior care expenses.

Where Can I Find Christian-Based Senior Care

Assisted Living Directory is designed to help you find the best care arrangements for you or your loved one. Simply type the location of your desired facility in the search bar to begin exploring Christian senior living options near you, or speak to one of our representatives directly by calling 1-800-278-9122.