Faith-Based Senior Care and Assisted Living

Studies show that older generations, particularly seniors, are more likely to identify with a particular faith or religion and participate in activities that help strengthen their faith.1 Additionally, older adults who align themselves with their faith can help improve their overall quality of life.2 If religion is important to you, finding a community and care that aligns with your beliefs can contribute to your overall well-being and happiness.

A faith-based senior living community is ideal for older adults who view religion as an important part of their daily lives. In addition to offering compassionate care, a religious-based senior care facility focuses on providing faith-based services for residents. These include amenities like on-site chapel services, Bible studies, or spiritual guidance from a pastor. These spiritual amenities help older residents stay connected to their faith and receive the personalized care they’re looking for.

In this guide, we'll talk about the benefits of joining a close-knit senior community that upholds and honors people of all faiths. We'll also explore what faith-based communities may offer.

What Is a Faith-Based Retirement Community?

A religious or faith-based senior living community provides many of the same services and amenities you’d find at a non-faith-based community. These include personal care, 24/7 supervision, and access to amenities such as dining services and transportation.

Faith-based senior communities differ from traditional senior living, as they go a step further by offering religious and spiritual care. For example, a Christian assisted living community may provide an on-site chaplain. They may also have a chapel for residents to practice their faith, and the chance to participate in Bible studies or prayer circles with other residents. Additionally, living in a faith-based facility allows residents to build community with other older adults who share their beliefs and values.

Here are some of the common amenities and religious services these facilities may offer:

• On-site chapels
• Bible (or other religious text) studies
• Mass or worship services
• Observance of important religious holidays
• Exercise groups
• Pool and lounge areas
• Social events
• Community library
• Yard and building grounds maintenance
• Free utilities (electricity, gas)
• Customized wellness plans
• 24/7 supervision from trained staff
• Weekly laundry
• Transportation
• Assistance with activities of daily living
• Memory care

Keep in mind that services will vary by community, so it's best to reach out to individual facilities to learn more about the amenities and care offered.

Benefits of Faith-Based Senior Living

There are many benefits to living in a faith-based senior community. For example, it may be easier for seniors to share and express their faith with residents who share similar values and traditions. Practicing their faith can help seniors strengthen their purpose and give them activities to look forward to. It can also be a great opportunity to help older adults get involved in their community. Many facilities offer volunteer activities or fun events with other residents. Whether it’s prayer circles, a church choir, or singing hymns, a senior can participate in many religious activities on campus.

Additional benefits of living in a faith-based community include the following:

• Enhanced mental and physical health
• Reduced feelings of isolation or seclusion
• Close-knit community with a shared faith
• Sense of purpose
• Opportunities to get involved in recreational and spiritual activities
• Can help seniors grappling with illness or loss

Typically, religious senior living communities are open to all faiths and backgrounds. You don’t have to belong to a certain faith to be admitted to a faith-based senior living community; all faiths are welcome. Just know that if you choose a faith-based community, there will be religious events and services offered. Many residents will likely share the same faith. Some communities even offer amenities for multiple faiths. For instance, a Catholic senior living community might also offer kosher meals and transportation to local synagogues for Jewish residents.