Guide to Catholic Assisted Living in 2024
What Is Catholic Assisted Living?
Catholic assisted living communities help seniors incorporate spiritual values into their care. In a Catholic assisted living facility, residents can participate in various church celebrations and other spiritual and religious activities, such as Bible studies and rosary prayers.
Common values of a Catholic assisted living facility include compassion, dignity, justice, and integrity with the overarching mission of providing quality care to all — including those who are most vulnerable.
Pro Tip: To learn more about assisted living, read our assisted living guide.
How Are Catholic Assisted Living Communities Different?
Catholic assisted living communities provide similar offerings and amenities to nondenominational assisted living communities, but they differ in that they offer faith-based care such as an onsite chaplain and chapel and access to daily mass and church celebrations. Some facilities offer pastoral counseling and a chat with a chaplain for emotional and spiritual support.
You don’t have to be Catholic to enroll in a Catholic assisted living community, but many faith-based facilities have age minimum restrictions in place, such as age 60 or 62.
Who Runs Catholic Assisted Living and Nursing Homes?
Most Catholic assisted living nursing homes are run by leading Catholic health-care providers or nonprofit organizations, and they are affiliated with Archdioceses. There is usually a management team and board of directors under the leadership of an Archbishop and Auxiliary Bishop.
How Much Does Catholic Assisted Living Cost?
Catholic assisted living facilities vary in cost depending on a variety of factors, such as level of care, location, and amenities. According to national monthly estimates by Genworth, a traditional assisted living facility costs an average of $5,665 per month. Catholic communities often cost less.
A Catholic assisted living facility in California may charge $500 to $3,000 per month, depending on care levels and a physician assessment. Other requests, such as medication management and diabetic insulin management, may cost $300 to $500 per month on top of assisted living costs. A Catholic assisted living facility in Florida may cost slightly lower, at $3,711 for a private suite. There are many Catholic organizations that offer low-income assisted living options for seniors.
Our Favorite Catholic Assisted Living
Catholic Health Services (Lauderdale Lakes, Florida)
As one of the leading Catholic health-care providers in Florida, Catholic Health Services provides assisted living options in several locations in addition to a variety of other care options for seniors. The amenities of this community include 24-hour supervision, personal care assistance, recreation and exercise facilities, wellness programs, chapel access, and housekeeping and laundry services.
Catholic Health Services is committed to offering faith-based care to seniors in a homelike setting, while providing pastoral care for residents. Residents can request a prayer or speak privately with a chaplain for spiritual wellness and guidance. For seniors who are looking for affordable, faith-based assisted living, Catholic Health Services may be a good option.
Milwaukee Catholic Home (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Founded nearly a century ago by a group of Catholic women, Milwaukee Catholic Home is committed to upholding Catholic traditions and providing continuing care services for seniors. The facility has 23 assisted living suites and 107 skilled nursing beds with personalized care plans for seniors. Milwaukee Catholic Home provides recreational activities such as fitness classes, gardening, and fine dining with food prepared fresh from the home’s organic farm.
Other assisted living campus amenities include wellness services, therapy, a movie theater, a library, and a spacious courtyard. Residents also have access to two chapels on campus, with mass six days a week and daily rosary and devotions.
Catholic Eldercare (Minneapolis)
As a nonprofit organization that respects Catholic traditions, Catholic Eldercare is welcome to seniors of all faiths. The organization offers assisted living and a full spectrum of other care services, ranging from memory care to skilled nursing. The assisted living facility is open to residents over age 62 and features weekly housekeeping, daily safety checks, and creative programs. It also offers optional services such as home care, medication management, and personal care at an additional cost. For older adults who want to incorporate spiritual wellness into their care, there is the option to visit the on-site chapel and communicate with the chaplain.
St. Dominic Village (Houston)
As a Catholic assisted living community, St. Dominic Village is all about “caring for elders with the compassion of Christ.” In addition to assisted living, St. Dominic Village offers independent living, rehabilitation care, skilled nursing care, and respite care for caregivers. At St. Dominic Village, residents have access to weekly housekeeping and laundry, transportation assistance to doctor’s appointments, daily mass, and 24-hour security and nursing care.
Other amenities include rosary, social events such as Bingo, exercise classes, and educational and recreational activities. Residents can choose from different assisted living floor plans, including an independent living studio, an independent living suite, and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.
Providence Emilie Court Assisted Living (Spokane, Washington)
Providence Emilie Court Assisted Living is the only Catholic-sponsored assisted living facility in Spokane, Washington. This faith-based assisted living facility consists of 60 apartment units, and it offers residents the chance to participate in daily mass and various church celebrations. The facility’s amenities include access to an on-site nurse, prepared meals, laundry services, and various social and recreational activities. Medicaid and private insurance are accepted, and rate levels vary depending on the level of care needed.
How to Find Catholic Assisted Living
You can find a Catholic assisted living community near you by Googling “Catholic assisted living.” You can also look into Catholic-led health-care organizations or nonprofits to find a faith-based assisted living facility in your area.
To learn more about assisted living options, check out our guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can non-Catholics live in Catholic assisted living?
Yes, a Catholic assisted living facility is open to senior residents of all faiths.
-
What makes Catholic assisted living different?
A Catholic assisted living facility is a faith-based facility that provides an opportunity for residents to incorporate their spirituality and wellness into their daily care. Some of the amenities and features may include mass, church celebrations, Bible studies, and an on-site chapel.
-
How can I find Catholic assisted living?
You can find a Catholic assisted living facility by reaching out to your local Catholic church or by searching for “Catholic assisted living” on Google.