SeniorLiving.wiki: a reference guide to senior living
SeniorLiving.wiki is a free, neutral reference that explains the types of senior living, what they cost and how to pay for them, using figures from government agencies and published surveys such as the National Institute on Aging, Medicare.gov and the CareScout Cost of Care Survey.[1][2][3] Every page opens with a direct answer, cites its sources inline and shows when it was last reviewed.
Key facts
- Someone turning 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing long-term care services.[4]
- U.S. median costs in 2025: assisted living $6,200 per month; nursing home semi-private room $9,581 per month; non-medical home caregiver $35 per hour.[3]
- Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care; in 2026 it charges $217 per day for skilled nursing facility days 21–100.[2][5]
- About 63 million Americans were family caregivers in 2025.[6]
- California licenses assisted living as Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly and inspects each one annually.[7][8]
Types of senior living
- Comparison tableAll options side by side
- Independent livingHousing with no personal care
- Assisted livingHelp with daily care, 24-hour staff
- Memory careDementia-specific care and security
- Skilled nursingNursing homes and Medicare SNF rules
- CCRCs / life plan communitiesSeveral levels of care on one campus
- Residential care homesBoard and care homes and RCFEs
- Respite careShort-term relief for caregivers
- Home careHome care vs home health
Costs and paying for care
- Cost of senior living2025 U.S., California and San Diego medians
- Paying for senior livingSavings, insurance, benefits
- Medicare vs Medicaid / Medi-CalWhat each covers in 2026
- VA Aid and AttendanceEligibility and 2026 rates
Making a decision
- How to chooseChecklist, tour questions, inspection reports
- Signs it’s timeWhen more help may be needed
- Caregiver guideSupport for family caregivers
California and San Diego
- California RCFE licensingHow assisted living is licensed and inspected
- Senior living in San DiegoLocal costs, resources and how to compare
Reference
Glossary · FAQ · Sources and methodology · Editorial policy and disclosures
About this site
SeniorLiving.wiki is published by Local Blitz, a digital marketing agency based in San Diego and Indianapolis.[9] The site does not rank communities or publish “best of” lists. Where a community with a business relationship to the publisher is mentioned, a disclosure appears next to it. Read the editorial policy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between assisted living and a nursing home?
Assisted living provides housing, meals, personal care and 24-hour supervision for people who need help with daily activities; nursing homes provide nursing care and 24-hour supervision for people with greater medical needs.[1]
Does Medicare pay for senior living?
Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care or assisted living. It can cover short-term skilled nursing facility care after a qualifying hospital stay.[2][5]
Where can I find local help for an older adult?
The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) connects people to local aging services anywhere in the U.S.; in San Diego County, call Aging & Independence Services at 800-339-4661.[10][11]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Facilities: Assisted Living, Nursing Homes, and Other Residential Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Long-term care (coverage page)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
- ^ "Cost of Care Survey 2025: national median costs". CareScout (formerly the Genworth Cost of Care Survey). Survey fielded July–November 2025.
- ^ "How Much Care Will You Need?". LongTermCare.gov, Administration for Community Living. Page last modified 02/18/2020.
- ^ "Skilled nursing facility care (coverage page; 2026 cost-sharing amounts)". Medicare.gov, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 2026 amounts.
- ^ "Caregiving in the US 2025". AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. Published July 24, 2025; doi:10.26419/ppi.00373.001.
- ^ "Resources for Residents and Families (Senior Care Licensing)". California Department of Social Services.
- ^ "California Health and Safety Code §1569.33 (inspections of RCFEs)". California Legislative Information.
- ^ "About Local Blitz". Local Blitz.
- ^ "Eldercare Locator". Administration for Community Living.
- ^ "About Aging & Independence Services". County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.