Senior Living Options for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

A 2024 Guide to Senior Living for Those With Hearing Loss

Sarah Goldy-Brown Writer & Researcher

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Hearing problems can strike at any age. However, 25 percent of those between 65 and 74 years old have disabling hearing loss.1 The percentage increases to 50 percent for adults age 75 and older. Hearing loss can change your loved one’s communication needs and make once-routine tasks, such as running errands or driving, more difficult.

Fortunately, senior living communities exist that support those with severe hearing loss and help them age as safely as possible. Below, we’ll take a look at deaf senior living options as well as the cost and tips for finding the right place for your loved one.

FYI:

FYI: As you search for senior living options, you’ll come across a lot of different terms. Check out our article on types of senior living and levels of senior care to make sense of your senior living options.

Deaf-Friendly Living Options for Seniors and Average Costs of Care

There are several types of deaf-friendly communities for older adults that offer services ranging from part-time to full-time care for the deaf and hard of hearing. The ultimate cost of care will depend on the facility’s location, the level of care provided, and any special considerations that your loved one needs.

assisted living community

 

Care options for the deaf and hard of hearing include:

  • Deaf independent living communities: Retirement communities, 55+ communities, active adult communities, and continuing care retirement communities allow older adults to enjoy their independence without worrying about lawn maintenance, snow removal, or other homeownership chores. Community events, clubs, and shared amenities like gyms and pools make retirement fun! You can find options at varying price points.
  • Deaf assisted living facilities: Assisted living facilities (ALFs) provide help with activities of daily living, meals, and social and educational opportunities. An ALF catering to deaf older adults will typically offer activities in American Sign Language (ASL), provide interpreters, and feature helpful technology in resident rooms. The median cost for this type of care was $59,007 annually in 2024.2
  • Deaf skilled nursing centers: Older adults may need to stay in a nursing home or skilled nursing center for short-term care following a hospital stay or illness. Others require long-term nursing home care to manage chronic conditions. Some nursing homes offer a deaf wing with interpreters and staff trained in ASL. Median annual costs for a nursing home were $103,700 for a semiprivate room and $118,457 for a private room in 2024.2
  • Hospice care: Hospice provides end-of-life care for terminal individuals — in their current homes or a designated hospice center. Hospice care for deaf seniors and those with hearing loss uses ASL as the primary language. Hospice costs are often covered by insurance.
  • Adult day care: Adult day care programs keep seniors engaged and supervised for several hours a day, giving primary caregivers time to work, relax, and avoid caregiver burnout. In 2024, the median cost was $22,161 for 260 full days of adult day care.
  • Veterans housing for seniors: Veterans and their spouses might qualify for senior living options contracted through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, care homes, respite care, and home health services. Speak to your VA case manager or visit the VA’s Geriatrics and Extended Care website for more information.
  • Home health aides/personal home care aides: Older adults who’d rather age in their own homes might prefer a home health aide. Home health aides assist with activities of daily living, transportation, shopping, light house cleaning, and other tasks that get more difficult with age. Some home health aide agencies train staff in ASL or offer interpreters. This type of care costs $65,004 annually for 44 care hours each week.2
Did You Know?

Did You Know? The majority of older adults with hearing loss don’t use a hearing aid.3 Why? Cost is a major factor. Fortunately, you can find cheap hearing aids that get the job done without breaking the bank.

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What to Look for When Choosing a Deaf-Friendly Senior Living Community

Before you search for a senior living community, get your loved one’s input. Older adults who are still moderately independent may prefer to stay at home and receive in-home care. Some individuals with hearing loss or total deafness may prefer a specialized facility that caters to deaf individuals, while others may prefer a mixed group.

If you’re interested in home care, you likely already have the communication equipment in place and know what kind of caregiver you need. However, choosing a deaf living community can be more challenging. It’s best to tour every facility in person and evaluate it against the key essentials of a good deaf-friendly senior community.

Awareness and Staff Training

Try to determine how well the staff will address the challenges of surpassing linguistic barriers for deaf and hard-of-hearing residents.

  • What skill sets and special training do staff members have concerning the unique needs of the deaf and hard of hearing?
  • Is there a professional sign language interpreter on duty at all times?
  • How many staff members understand basic sign skills or know how to use a communication board?

Deaf-Friendly Buildings and Rooms

Find out what technology and accessibility features the facility offers.

  • Do the facility’s sleeping quarters and common areas feature light-up emergency alarms, doorbells, and phones?
  • Is there an alternative alarm that will vibrate beds or activate high-powered strobe lights for sleeping patients in case of an emergency?

These features are must-haves in any facility or private home with deaf or hard-of-hearing residents.

Communication Technology for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing Seniors

Doctors examining ear

Modern technology makes it easier than ever for seniors with hearing difficulties to communicate with others and vice versa.

  • Are rooms wired with a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), such as a Teletype (TYY), to allow residents to participate in phone and video calls?
  • Is closed captioning available on communal televisions?
  • Is assistive listening equipment available and able to put seniors in touch with staff right away?
  • Are staff familiar with hearing aids and able to assist residents who need help charging, cleaning, or connecting their hearing aids?
Pro Tip:

Pro Tip: The best hearing aids are the ones that you’ll actually use. Take a look at some of the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss to see what options are out there.

Engaging Activities for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Request an events calendar to see what activities, clubs, and other opportunities the facility offers. Make sure your loved one won’t feel left out of events, games, and social gatherings.

  • Are there social activities and engagements designed to empower deaf community members by having sign language interpreters or TDD options?
  • Can residents influence the events calendar by starting clubs or suggesting new events?
  • Could ASL be offered to other residents and staff interested in learning the language to better communicate with deaf and hard-of-hearing residents?

Paying for Deaf Assisted Living

There are many ways in which families and seniors can opt to pay for deaf senior care.

  • Medicare coverage: Medicare only covers medical expenses related to elder care. It doesn’t cover expenses related to boarding or personal needs. However, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) might help.4 It’s a partnership between Medicare and Medicaid that offers financial assistance for the deaf and hard of hearing.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid benefits typically cover some senior care expenses for deaf older adults (not room and board at an assisted living facility, though). You retain the option of either in-home or facility care centers. Visit your state’s Medicaid website or contact a Medicaid representative in your state for specifics.
  • Health Insurance and long-term care insurance: Certain health insurance policies may cover some or all of deaf assisted living or nursing home expenses. However, your best bet is a supplemental long-term care insurance (LTCI) policy. Coverage varies between policies, but most LTCI policies cover a large portion of qualifying senior care expenses.
  • Veterans benefits: There are senior care facilities for veterans in many major cities, and most offer services for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. However, your benefits also give you options for in-home care if you qualify for assisted living or nursing home coverage. Read our complete veterans care guide for more details.
  • Private pay: Many seniors privately pay for care, especially for independent living and assisted living. You can sell assets, get a reverse mortgage, cash out a retirement account, or use savings. Some older adults rely on family members to help cover costs.
FYI:

FYI: Long-term care insurance greatly helps with the cost of senior living and senior care. The trick is getting a policy early so that it’s affordable and ready when you need it.

Speak With a Senior Living Consultant

Our team of senior living advisors provide free guidance to help you find the right housing option for your needs and budget.

How to Find Deaf Assisted Living Options

Finding the right fit for your deaf or hard-of-hearing loved one will require some extra effort. While you can find assisted living, nursing homes, and other senior care homes that cater to deaf and hard-of-hearing seniors, you won’t find those options in every town.

Here are a few tips to help as you start your search:

Visit the National Association of the Deaf’s Senior Resource Website

The National Association of the Deaf created a list of nursing homes, assisted living communities, hospice companies, and other community resources that cater to the deaf and hard-of-hearing.

Here are a few to give you an idea of what’s out there:

  • New England Homes for the Deaf in Danvers, MA: This life plan community offers independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, senior centers, short-term rehab, respite care services, and hospice care for deaf and hard-of-hearing seniors. Employees are educated in ASL and Deaf Culture.
  • Alder Springs Deaf and Blind Community in Morganton, NC: Alder Springs is a nonprofit independent living community that caters to deaf, blind, and hard-of-hearing seniors. Seniors live independently, but private interpreters and support services are available.
  • California Home for the Adult Deaf in Riverside, CA: Seniors who primarily communicate in ASL can live at this residential care home. In-house staff provide individualized care, three meals and two snacks per day, and assistance with laundry, shopping, and transportation.

Speak to Your Loved One’s Care Providers

Reach out to whoever provides medical care or hearing care to your loved one. It could be an audiologist or an ENT. Ask if they’re familiar with any local resources or senior care communities with experience caring for deaf and hard-of-hearing older adults. These professionals likely know others in similar situations and might have advice to offer.

Use Our Senior Living Directory

If you’d rather search for your future home or care team by location, use our senior living search tool. Just type in a ZIP code and answer a few questions. Then, the tool will gather a list of local facilities. You can reach out online, in person, or over the phone to ask about their experience working with seniors who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Citations
  1. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. (2021, Mar 25). Quick Statistics About Hearing.

  2. Genworth. (2022, Jun 22). Cost of Care Survey.

  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss.

  4. Medicare.gov. (2023). PACE.

Written By:
Sarah Goldy-Brown
Writer & Researcher
Sarah covers a range of senior lifestyle topics, from reviews of walk-in tubs and hearing aids to overviews of Medicare and Medicaid. Her close relationship with her grandparents gave her a firsthand look at the evolving life needs of older… Learn More About Sarah Goldy-Brown
Reviewed By:
Matthew Clem
Expert
Matt graduated from Bellarmine University’s School of Nursing and Clinical Sciences in 2011 and began his career in Louisville, Kentucky, as a registered nurse. He quickly realized his passion for the senior population, focusing on the long-term care of chronically… Learn More About Matthew Clem
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