Assisted Living in Michigan
Michigan is home to 9.9 million people, and the U.S. Census Bureau reports that about 17.2% of Michiganders are aged 65 or older. By 2030, one in four Michigan residents will be 60 or older, an increase of 32% from 2012. With its moderate cost of living, abundance of health care facilities and four-season climate, Michigan can be a good option for seniors seeking an affordable place to spend their retirement years.
According to Genworth Financial's 2019 Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities in Michigan cost an average of $4,000 per month. This is slightly lower than the national average of $4,051 per month.
This guide provides in-depth information on senior care costs in Michigan and compares assisted living costs in the state to those of neighboring states. It also provides information about government programs and services for seniors, as well as an overview of the laws and standards for assisted living care in Michigan.
SeniorAdvice's Guide to Assisted Living in Michigan
Michigan has a SeniorScore of 72%, which is on par with the national average. This means that about half of all states have a higher SeniorScore, and half have a lower score. Over 100 factors, such as access to health care facilities, crime statistics, affordability, weather and population density, are used to determine the SeniorScore of cities and states nationwide.
SeniorScore™ for Michigan
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Michigan's SeniorScore™ of 72 is the same as the national average of 72.
- Michigan has high access to Medicare registered healthcare providers.
- Michigan has a high number of hospitals within the state.
- Michigan has a high number of senior living facilities within the state.
- Michigan has a high number of home healthcare providers operating in the state.
- The average life expectancy in Michigan is 78.2, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- Michigan has an average overall property crime rate compared to national averages.
- Michigan has a high overall violent crime rate compared to national averages.
- 31% of the population in Michigan are seniors, compared to 29% nationally.
- Michigan has 818 golf courses in the state.
- Michigan has an average number of municipal parks throughout the state.
- Michigan has 3,624 churches in the state.
- The property taxes average 3.81% of total income in Michigan, which is significantly higher than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 1.61% of property value in Michigan, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.09%.
- The average sales tax in Michigan is 6.00%, which is significantly lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- The average state income tax in Michigan is 3.91%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 3.38%.
- The mean household income in Michigan is $64,538, which is lower than the national average of $64,580.
- Michigan's median household income is $51,500, which is lower than the national average of $51,560.
- The average per capita income in Michigan is $25,537, which is lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs in Michigan average $34,326 per year, which are significantly lower than the national average of $42,700.
- Nursing home costs in Michigan average $100,418 per year, which are higher than the national average of $92,481.
- Costs for adult daycare in Michigan average $19,088 per year, which are higher than the national average of $17,931.
- Costs for home healthcare in Michigan average $45,509 per year, which are lower than the national average of $46,197.
- The unemployment rate is about 12.60% in Michigan, which is significantly higher than then national rate of 8.26%.
- The overall cost of living in Michigan is average compared to national averages.
- 0.71% of the senior population in Michigan are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Michigan receives an average of 32.8 inches of rain per year.
- Michigan has an average annual temperature of 46.3 degrees fahrenheit.
- Michigan has an average low temperature of 36.1 degrees fahrenheit.
- Michigan has an average high temperature of 55.5 degrees fahrenheit.
- Michigan has an average population density of 678 people per square mile.
- Michigan has a low public school quality ranking.
- Michigan has a low public school safety ranking.
- Michigan has an average graduation rate of 88.29%.
With a SeniorScore of 72%, the overall quality of life in Michigan is comparable to conditions in neighboring Indiana, which also has a SeniorScore of 72%, while Ohio has a slightly higher score at 74%.
In terms of health and safety, the property and violent crime rates in Michigan are similar to the national averages. Seniors in Michigan can readily access Medicare-registered health care providers, and there are more hospitals per capita than there are in many other states. The average life expectancy in Michigan, 78.2 years, is slightly below the national average of 78.6 years.
Other factors that impact Michigan's SeniorScore are property taxes, which are significantly higher than the national average. Income tax in the state is also higher than the national average, although retail sales tax in Michigan is less than what is charged in many other states.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Michigan
Heartland Health Care Center - Sterling Heights is located at 38200 Schoenherr Rd in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It is a 120 room nursing care facility. With around 34,000 individuals living in the zip code of 48312, the neighboring ...
Marycrest Manor is a 55 bed senior community located near by the The Eye neighborhood of Livonia, Michigan. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with an average household income of $74,073. With around 40,000 individuals ...
Imperial Healthcare Centre is a 265 unit skilled nursing facility situated in Dearborn Heights, Michigan. With around 22,000 people residing in the 48125 zip code, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a generally middle income area, ...
Located at 2372 Fifteen Mile Rd in Sterling Heights, Michigan, Cherrywood Nursing and Living Center is a 180 room nursing home facility. With about 44,000 residents in the 48310 zip code, the surrounding area has a dense population. ...
Four Chaplains Nursing Care Center is a 103 room nursing home facility situated in Westland, Michigan. With roughly 49,000 residents in the zip code of 48185, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a generally middle class ...
Heartland Health Care Center - Grosse Pointe Woods is an 80 bed skilled nursing facility. It is situated nearby the Regent Park area of Grosse Pointe, Michigan. With about 32,000 individuals living in the zip code of 48236, ...
Located at 46100 Schoenherr Rd in Shelby Township, Michigan, Shelby Nursing Center is a 180 unit nursing facility. With an average household income of $79,231, the facility is in a primarily well-to-do area. It has a dense population, ...
Heartland-West Bloomfield is located at 6950 Farmington Rd in West Bloomfield, Michigan. It is a 140 unit senior care community. The surrounding area has a dense population, with about 32,000 poeple living in the zip code of 48322. ...
Situated near the Greensbriar area of Center Line, Michigan, Father Murray Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre is a 231 bed nursing home facility. The neighboring area has an average population density, with roughly 9,000 people residing in the zip code ...
Evergreen Health and Living Center is located at 19933 West Thirteen Mile Rd in Southfield, Michigan. It is a 151 unit nursing facility. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 26,000 people residing in the zip ...
The Lakeland Center is a 91 room senior housing community situated in Southfield, Michigan. With about 14,000 poeple living in the 48034 zip code, the neighboring area has an average population density. It is a primarily middle class ...
Heartland Health Care Center-Bloomfield Hills is located at 2975 N Adams Rd in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It is a 159 unit nursing care facility. With roughly 17,000 people residing in the zip code of 48304, the encompassing area ...
ShorePointe Nursing Center is a 200 unit nursing facility. It is located at 26001 East Jefferson Ave in St Clair Shores, Michigan. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 22,000 individuals living in the 48081 zip code. ...
Evangelical Home - Saline is a 215 bed senior community situated in Saline, Michigan. The neighboring area has a dense population, with around 22,000 poeple living in the zip code of 48176. It is a largely middle income ...
Located at 39312 Woodward in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, Woodward Hills Nursing Center is a 190 bed nursing facility. The encompassing area has an average population density, with around 17,000 individuals living in the 48304 zip code. With an ...
Advantage Living Center - Roseville is situated near the Regent Park neighborhood of Roseville, Michigan. It is a 169 bed senior housing facility. The encompassing area has a dense population, with approximately 48,000 residents in the zip code ...
Caretel Inns of Brighton is located at 1014 E Grand River in Brighton, Michigan. It is a 60 room senior care facility. The community is in a generally wealthier area, with a median per-family income of $78,388. ...
West Bloomfield Nursing and Conv is a 172 unit skilled nursing facility. It is located at 6445 W Maple in West Bloomfield, Michigan. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with approximately 32,000 residents in the 48322 zip code. ...
Located at 3900 Niles Rd in St Joseph, Michigan, Caretel Inns of Lakeland is a 32 unit senior care facility. The facility is in a largely middle class area, with an average per-family income of $59,949. It is ...
Boulevard Health Center is located at 3500 West South Blvd in Rochester Hills, Michigan. It is a 186 bed nursing care facility. The surrounding area is densely populated, with around 30,000 residents in the zip code of 48309. ...
The Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan
At a statewide average of $4,000, assisted living costs in Michigan are slightly lower than the national average of $4,051. Costs in neighboring states are higher by $51 to $450 per month. In Indiana, assisted living costs an average of $4,100 per month, while costs are higher in Ohio and Wisconsin at $4,339 and $4,350, respectively.
- Michigan: $4,000
- United States: $4,051
- Indiana: $4,100
- Ohio: $4,339
- Illinois: $4,170
- Wisconsin: $4,350
The Cost of Assisted Living in Michigan's Top Cities
With a statewide population of nearly 10 million, Michigan ranks as the 10th most populous state in the nation. Average assisted living costs vary depending on the location and range from a high of $5,300 per month in Monroe to a low of $3,000 per month in Jackson. In general, local assisted living costs reflect the local cost of living.
- Detroit: $4,625
- Grand Rapids: $4,240
- Lansing: $4,000
- Ann Arbor: $5,049
- Saginaw: $4,200
- Kalamazoo: $3,600
- Battle Creek: $3,500
- Monroe: $5,300
- Muskegon: $3,350
- Jackson: $3,000
Senior Care Cost Comparison in Michigan
As with most other states, in Michigan, there are five basic types of senior care. Adult day care is the most affordable option at $1,685 per month. In-home care and home health care cost $4,385 and $4,481 per month, respectively. Assisted living costs slightly less than in-home care at an average of $4,000 per month, while nursing home care is the most expensive option at $8,373 per month.
- Assisted Living: $4,000
- In-Home Care: $4,385
- Home Health Care: $4,481
- Adult Day Care: $1,685
- Nursing Home Care: $8,373
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Michigan
Michigan Choice Elderly and Disabled Waiver
Phone Number: (517) 241-3740
Website: michigan.gov/mdhhs
Also known as the MI Choice Waiver Program, the Michigan Choice Elderly and Disabled Waiver is a statewide Medicaid waiver that provides eligible seniors with enhanced services designed to delay or prevent institutionalization. These services may be delivered in an assisted living facility.
To qualify for MI Choice services, seniors must be at least 65 years old, need at least two of the services provided under the waiver and meet the financial criteria for long-term Medicaid. Applicants can earn no more than $2,349 per month and own no more than $2,000 worth of countable assets, such as cash, stocks and investments. One personal vehicle and a home in which the applicant lives is exempt, as long as the home is valued at $595,000 or less.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
Phone Number: N/A
Website: michigan.gov/mdhhs
The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a nursing home diversion program that provides participants with a wide array of medical and nonmedical services, such as personal care, social services and transportation to medical appointments. Participants can receive services in an assisted living facility. Although the PACE program does not cover the room and board portion of assisted living costs, most care costs are covered.
PACE participants need to reside within a PACE service area, be aged 55 or older and be able to live safely in a non-nursing facility with the services and supports available through PACE. Seniors who are currently enrolled in a Health Maintenance Organization (MHO) or the Medicaid MIChoices waiver are ineligible for the PACE program. There are 20 PACE centers located throughout Michigan. For more information, seniors can contact their local PACE provider or visit their nearest Area Agency on Aging.
VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound
Phone Number: (844) 698-2311
Website: va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound
Aid and Attendance and Housebound are two VA pension top up programs that provide eligible veterans, their spouses and survivors with cash benefits that can be used towards the cost of assisted living care in Michigan. To qualify for either of these programs, applicants must be eligible for the regular VA pension.
For Housebound benefits, applicants need to have a disability that restricts the applicant to their home, which may be an assisted living facility. Applicants must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Be bedridden due to chronic illness or disability
- Live in a nursing home
- Have a severe visual impairment
- Need assistance with one or more activities of daily living
Michigan Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities in Michigan that provide personal care, three daily meals and 24/7 supervision are known as Adult Foster Care Homes or Homes for the Aged. Depending on the level of care and the number of residents, these facilities may need to be licensed by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Licensed Homes for the Aged and Adult Foster Care facilities are subject to regulation and licensing under the Department of Health and Human Services.
Scope of Care | Homes for the aged are nonmedical facilities that provide supervised care to 21 or more residents aged 60 and older. These facilities may provide care to people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia upon providing the Department with a written outline of the program philosophy, services, additional fees and the admission and discharge criteria. Homes for the aged must provide supervised personal care services that include direct assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating, toileting and bathing. |
Care Plan Requirements | Residents who are under the care of a regulated health care professional, such as a physician, must be provided with a written care plan prior to admission to a care facility. This plan must be prepared in consultation with the resident and their representative, and the care plan must take into account personal preferences regarding activities, diet and socialization. |
Medication Management Requirements | All licensed adult foster care homes and homes for the aged must provide medication supervision and administration. This includes prompting residents to self-administer their prescription medications and administering medications directly. Staff who administer over-the-counter and prescription medications must be trained in proper handling procedures by their employer. |
Staff Requirements | Every facility must have a designated administrator who is responsible for the operation of the home. Additionally, a resident care supervisor who is responsible for ensuring all residents are provided with respectful, appropriate care must be on-site at all times. There are no minimum staffing ratios in Michigan. |
Staff Training Requirements | The administrator is responsible for developing and delivering a staff training program that effectively addresses the training needs of staff employed in the facility. This can include training on personal care procedures, medication administration, resident rights and infectious disease control. |
Medicaid Coverage | Michigan Medicaid covers the cost of care services delivered in an assisted living facility for seniors, but residents are responsible for the room and board portion of their monthly care costs. Qualified seniors may be eligible for enrollment in the MI Choice Waiver program, a Medicaid waiver for those who require the level of care normally provided in a nursing home setting. |
Reporting Abuse | Seniors, family members or staff who suspect abuse or neglect of an assisted living facility resident in Michigan must report their concerns to the appropriate authorities. This may mean calling emergency services (9-1-1), filing a report with local law enforcement agencies, or contacting the long-term care ombudsman by calling (866) 485-9393. |
Free Assisted Living Resources in Michigan
Michigan seniors who need help navigating their health insurance options can contact the MMAP, Michigan's free health insurance counseling program. Trained volunteers and MMAP staff provide accurate, up-to-date information on Medicare and Medicaid programs. MMAP also operates Michigan's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), a Medicare fraud-prevention program.
MMAP works through regional Area Agencies on Aging to provide statewide, unbiased health insurance counseling.
Contact: To reach an MMAP counselor, call (800) 803-7174.
Michigan's LTC ombudsman works to improve the quality of care provided in licensed long-term care facilities throughout the state by advocating for residents, educating seniors about their rights in long-term care and investigating complaints regarding noncompliance with relevant laws and regulations. The ombudsman program is nonpartisan and funded by the state and federal governments.
Contact: Call (866) 485-9393 or (517) 827-8040.
Michigan Agencies
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
Aging and Adult Services Agency
Address: 333 South Grand Avenue, 4th Floor, Lansing, MI 48933
Phone Number: (517) 241-4100
Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs
Michigan's Aging and Adult Services Agency is a state agency that supports seniors and people living with disabilities. The Agency operates under the federal Older Americans Act and works to ensure older Michiganders have access to the services they need to thrive while aging.
The agency does not directly administer programs or services, but rather delegates programs to the statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging.
Area Agencies on Aging in Michigan
Area Agencies on Aging are federally-mandated, nonprofit agencies that work to improve the health, wellness and independence of seniors. There are 16 AAAs in Michigan that provide seniors, family members and caregivers with information on local, state and federal resources, including Medicaid, long-term care and financial assistance programs for older adults.
AAA service areas are county-specific. To locate the nearest AAA, use the online AAA directory.
Veteran Affairs Offices in Michigan
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs administers a number of programs and services for veterans, survivors and dependents, including the Aid and Attendance and Housebound VA pension top up programs, which can help with assisted living costs. The VA also provides health care and burial benefits to eligible vets.
To locate a VA service center in Michigan, call VA311 at (844) 698-2311. Vets and their families can also dial (800) 642-4838 to contact the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
Social Security Offices in Michigan
The United States Social Security Administration oversees disbursement of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit, a monthly cash benefit for low-income seniors and adults with qualifying disabilities.
Michigan seniors who are eligible for SSI can receive monthly payments that can be used to cover the cost of assisted living care. For more information, call the SSA at (800) 772-1213 or contact the nearest Social Security office through the SSA office online locator tool.
Other Cities in Michigan