Your parents have lived together for nearly their entire lives. From late teenage years through early wedded days, beginning and raising a family, and becoming empty nesters, they’ve shared a space for decades.

Unfortunately, if the time is approaching to move your loved one(s) into assisted living, the thought of separating a senior couple can be daunting. Is assisted living for couples an option? From our guide, you’ll learn:

That assisted living communities often allow married couples to live together in the same unit, even if only one spouse requires assistance.
Various living arrangements for couples, including shared units and separate units within the same community, which is ideal when spouses have different care needs (e.g., Assisted Living vs. Memory Care).
Five key benefits of aging in place with your spouse, such as continued companionship, emotional support, reduced family stress, and potential cost savings.

Can Couples Live Together in Assisted Living?

Some assisted living facilities allow senior couples to go into care together and live together, depending on their individual needs. Generally, it’s allowed for senior couples to live together in a shared unit or an adjacent unit within the same facility.

Depending on the senior living community you choose, a handful of living options may be available:

Shared units: These are typically apartment-style units designed for couples, accommodating both of their needs.
Separate units, same community: This option allows couples to live in two different settings that are available on the same campus so they are nearby and can enjoy amenities together, but they each get the specific care they need from their facility.

There are also options available for couples where one spouse requires care and the other does not, so married couples can continue to live out their years together.

Determining the Cost of Assisted Living for Couples

Senior living costs for couples differ greatly depending on the type of living setting they require and the level of care each spouse needs.

According to the 2023 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national median cost for a private, one-bedroom apartment in assisted living was $5,350 per month (around $64,200 per year).

Many factors may affect this figure, including:

Amenities
Location
Type of care community
Level of care required for each spouse
Lifestyle requirements

Conduct your research and compare benefits, offerings, care settings, and more to find a trusted senior living community that fits your budget while ensuring the best care and lifestyle for your loved one’s needs.

5 Benefits of Assisted Living With Your Spouse

#1: Companionship

The greatest benefit of living with your spouse in assisted living is that you get to continue living together in this next chapter of life. Not only do you have a companion in a new and unfamiliar place, but that companion is your spouse, who likely understands you best.

You get to share meals, activities, and events, helping to foster a sense of connection and reducing feelings of loneliness.

#2: Emotional and Physical Support

If spouses choose to separate when the time comes to move into assisted living, one or both partners might begin to experience stress, depression, or loneliness.

Studies have shown that loneliness and social isolation can increase the risk of dementia by 31%, proving that staying together in assisted living can be beneficial both emotionally and medically.

#3: Potential Monetary Savings

Couples who live in assisted living can save money on a mortgage and the unwritten costs of homeownership, potentially allowing for more savings down the road. You’ll also have access to amenities you might pay extra for outside of assisted living, like a housekeeper, meals three times a day, and medical assistance.

#4: Extra Care

Not only will you and your spouse have access to top-level care in assisted living, but you’ll have each other to look after one another.

#5: Less Family Stress

Married couples can enjoy peace of mind knowing they won’t have to worry about one another when it comes to safety and support. This thought can also be comforting for the loved ones (children, siblings, grandchildren, etc.) at home.

Assisted Living for Senior Couples with Different Needs

Many senior living communities offer a range of care options within the same facility, which could be a great option for senior couples with different care levels who want to stay close together.

What Happens When a Spouse’s Level of Care Changes?

When the needs of one spouse change, there are many things to consider. To do this, an assessment with the Executive Director and Director of Wellness will be completed again to determine the new needs of each spouse.

For example:

Jack and Jill have moved into assisted living together, but now Jack requires memory care and Jill’s needs are more suited for her to stay in assisted living. What are their options?

Jack and Jill might choose to move to separate units within the same community so Jack can benefit from the services and amenities in memory care while Jill is still nearby and can see him daily. Should Jill’s needs change in the future, another meeting will take place to place Jill in the appropriate level of care.