Find a Life Care Center location near you.


Life Care operates more than 200 skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, retirement living communities, home care services, and Alzheimer's centers.

Services - Retirement

How to Choose

Making a life-changing decision is never easy, but the following guidelines can help you select the retirement center best suited to your needs.

Determine your needs

  • Discuss the extent of services you desire. Many American Lifestyles retirement centers have several different service plans to choose from. These plans range from complete independence, with no housekeeping assistance or meals provided, to medium-level plans that include light housekeeping and one meal a day, to high-level plans that offer full housekeeping, three meals a day and room service. You and your family should decide which plan would best fit your lifestyle and personality.
  • Obtain a list of retirement centers in your area from your doctor, a social worker or case manager. You can also get recommendations from friends, neighbors and your church or temple.

Ask the right questions

  • Call the retirement communities on your list and schedule a tour with the directors of marketing. During the tour, evaluate each director's helpfulness and friendliness as he or she responds to your questions. Some suggested questions are:
    • What is the cost to live in this community?
    • What services and amenities does this price include?
    • What are the apartment floor plans I can choose from?
    • Are there different service plans I can choose from?
    • Are there planned activities?
    • Is transportation available?
    • Can I bring my car?
    • What is the cost for an additional person to live in the apartment with me?
    • Does this community allow pets in the apartments?
    • How often are housekeeping services performed?
    • How many meals are served a day?
  • Talk to the residents of the community. If you do not know any of them personally, ask the director of marketing for names and numbers or ask to attend a resident council meeting to understand more about the community.
  • Consult with ministers who visit the center on a regular basis.
  • Find out what health care services are available, such as home care, assisted living and skilled nursing care.