What Is Catholic Assisted Living? What to Look for and Where to Find It

Catholic assisted living, a type of Christian assisted living, provides personal care services in a faith-centered manner. While most assisted living communities offer similar services in terms of providing assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as help with bathing or dressing oneself as well as medical assessment when needed, a religious assisted living community ensures that your faith is respected. It can be a relief to know that a loved one is being taken care of by someone who treats their beliefs with the dignity and kindness that Catholicism is based upon.

Additionally, Catholic assisted living communities may offer important services for the faith such as the following:

• Daily Mass and Communion
• Confession
• Prayer groups
• Spiritual guidance and mentoring
• Ability to meet with a priest
• Hymn groups
• Celebration of Catholic holidays

In some communities, Alexa-enabled devices may be available to access religious podcasts or other religious materials through audio.

Are there requirements for entry into Catholic assisted living?

Typically, you do not need to be Catholic to live in a Catholic assisted living community, though faith is incorporated into the values of these communities. However, there may be age requirements involved, such as being over the age of 60, so it’s best to check this early while researching communities.

Let our care assessment guide you

Exploring options and finding the best fit for a loved one can be a time-consuming task. However, there are a few key aspects to look for that will help narrow the search considerably.

Comfort and trust

Finding a community that’s reliable and comfortable is one of the most essential aspects of any search. Word of mouth from fellow Catholics can be a key resource in finding a Catholic assisted living community that prioritizes faith. Additionally, using an agency can be helpful in narrowing down your search and ensuring that the community is well-regarded.

When you’re visiting a community, here are some important steps to take:

• Talk to the staff at length to ensure you and your loved one feel comfortable with them.
• As for details about the faith-based aspects of their community.
• Attend a Mass or prayer group, if possible.

For seniors with physical limitations, on-site services, such as daily Mass, may be particularly important. Some facilities may have their own priest associated, so you could ask to meet with them as well.

Comfortable living conditions

From meal offerings that are nutritious and offer adequate options for diverse dietary needs to consistent upkeep of the property and grounds, there are many aspects to consider when choosing a place to live.

Always ask to see a private room when you’re touring the community. Look for these features:

• An up-to-date emergency call system that’s easy to use
• Access to natural lighting, ideally in both residents’ rooms and common areas
• Mobility equipment, such as handrails in the bathroom and in other areas where it may be hard to maneuver

Consider bringing APFM’s Touring Checklist with you to ensure you’ve addressed everything your parent may need.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

While prices vary based on location and specific services needed by each resident, the cost of a Catholic assisted living community likely won’t be much higher or lower than a nonreligious community. According to Genworth’s most recent Cost of Care survey, the median cost for an assisted living facility is around $4,500 a month.^[01]

Paying for care can be a burden, so it’s important to know what help may be available. In addition to some health insurance plans that offer long-term care coverage, consider looking into Medicare and veterans benefits to help pay for care.

Read more:Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living?

As you begin your search for a comfortable, faith-filled home for a loved one, remember to talk to trusted members of their church, such as their priest, who may have suggestions for nearby Catholic communities. However, you’ll likely still have questions about the cost, how the facility addresses residents’ needs, and more.

A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors can offer resources, set up tours, and compare prices — all at no cost to your family. With in-depth knowledge about communities and senior living resources, our advisors can guide you to a Catholic assisted living community that fits the needs of your loved one’s faith and care.

Catholic assisted living communities to consider

Below is a list of Catholic assisted living communities in A Place for Mom’s network. This is not a comprehensive list, but it’s a great way to begin your search.

Ascension Living Providence Village in Waco, Texas, is a continuing care retirement community that offers independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. They have roots in Catholicism and adhere to the Ascension Living Mission of embracing Catholic values.

Benedictine Windermere Way in Shakopee, Minnesota, is a faith-based, not-for-profit community focused on advancing the life-enhancing senior care ministry of the Benedictine Sisters of Duluth, Minnesota.

Grace House in Silver Spring, Maryland, is managed by Victory Housing, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington.

MainStreet Lodge and RiverVillage East in Minneapolis, Minnesota, are managed by Catholic Eldercare, a nonprofit senior living provider. Both communities offer on-site chapels, devotional activities, and visits from local chaplains or priests.

Marian Village in Homer Glen, Illinois, is managed by Franciscan Communities, a Catholic organization that believes in nourishing the spirit alongside the body. They have a gorgeous on-site chapel and visits from local chaplains and priests, and they welcome residents of all faiths.

Mercy Circle Senior Living in Chicago has an on-site chapel that offers Catholic services throughout the week. They also provide convenient access to Advocate Christ Medical Center and other popular Chicago destinations.

Milwaukee Catholic Home in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a continuing care retirement community that offers on-site devotional activities and transportation to religious activities and faith-based intergenerational programs.

St. Martha Villa in Downingtown, Pennsylvania, provides the conveniences and care of senior living in a Catholic faith-centered environment. Their on-site chapel hosts daily Mass.

St. Mary Villa in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, is a Catholic-based senior living community that provides continuing care. They offer on-site devotional activities and services, as well as community service opportunities aligned with the Catholic mission.

Please note that these communities are listed for illustrative purposes only and A Place for Mom does not recommend or endorse any of these communities.