The senior housing industry has become a cornerstone of care for millions of older adults. The landscape of housing types encompasses everything from independent living communities to specialized memory care facilities.
Today’s leading senior housing companies have transformed the concept of senior housing from basic shelter to active lifestyle communities that prioritize wellness, engagement, and dignity. With many available housing options, exploring communities can take a bit of time; however, with the help of online search tools, narrowing down your list can take just minutes.
Let's explore 10 of the largest senior housing companies in America, each managing a minimum of 10,000 rental units and setting the standard for excellence in serving the housing needs of the senior population.
1. Brookdale Senior Living
- Units: 90,000+
- Communities: 675
- Headquarters: Brentwood, Tennessee
Brookdale is the giant among senior living companies, operating more than 675 retirement communities in over 40 states. Brookdale offers a range of senior living solutions, including independent living, assisted living, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), and memory care. Brookdale also offers home health services, extending their reach beyond traditional community walls.
2. Atria Senior Living, Inc.
- Units: 20,000+
- Communities: 400+
- Headquarters: Louisville, KY
Atria provides assisted living and memory care in more than 30 states and seven Canadian provinces. They’re known for their sustainability efforts and are LEED and Energy Star certified. Atria Senior Living is also a member of IREM and the U.S. Green Building Council. Their communities typically feature resort-style amenities including fitness centers, swimming pools, libraries, and art studios.
3. Life Care Services
- Units: 28,000+
- Communities: 470
- Headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa
Life Care Services, an LCS company, operates senior living communities nationwide. Senior living facilities include independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and continuing care. Covering the full spectrum of senior living options, Life Care Services has a business model that allows residents to transition between care levels without leaving the community.
4. Five Star Senior Living
- Units: 26,000+
- Communities: 280
- Headquarters: Newton, Massachusetts
Five Star is a large provider with senior-living communities across 28 states. It is part of AlerisLife, a company that also offers Ageility, a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient therapy for older adults living in senior communities. Five Star operates one of the most diverse portfolios in the senior housing industry, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities.
5. Erickson Senior Living
- Units: 20,000+
- Communities: 25
- Headquarters: Baltimore, Maryland
Erickson mainly provides independent living, though its communities also offer in-home care, on-site medical centers, and continuing care. Erickson has communities in 11 states, with a large concentration along the East Coast. Erickson Senior Living uses a continuum of care model, allowing residents to remain in the same community as their needs change over time.
6. Sunrise Senior Living
- Units: 23,000+
- Communities: 200+
- Headquarters: McLean, Virginia
Founded in 1981, Sunrise Senior Living prioritizes a holistic approach to senior living, with an emphasis on quality of life. Sunrise communities are very pet-friendly, and a large number of communities allow pets to live onsite full-time. Many pets in the community are adopted from local animal shelters.
7. Senior Lifestyle
- Units: 18,400+
- Communities: 80+
- Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois
Senior Lifestyle has communities in over 20 states. Senior Lifestyle focuses on creating a vibrant, healthy mode of living, and they highlight nutrition, health and wellness, as well as social connections. The company's approach centers on creating residential environments that combine high-end accommodations with professional care services.
8. Discovery Senior Living
- Units: 15,000+
- Communities: 352
- Headquarters: Bonita Springs, FL
Discovery Senior Living, which has been nationally recognized for its innovative memory care program, has communities across nearly 40 states. Committed to providing comprehensive care and services to residents and their families, Discovery’s communities feature resort-style amenities and focus on creating lifestyle-driven experiences for residents.
9. Holiday by Atria
- Units: 31,000+
- Communities: 262
- Headquarters: Winter Park, FL
Holiday has built its reputation on creating a sense of belonging and connectivity with its residents for more than 50 years. Acquired by Atria Management Company in 2021, Holiday Retirement was rebranded as Holiday by Atria. Residents can expect to enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle, including meals, transportation, and housekeeping.
10. Sonida Senior Living
- Units: 12,000+
- Communities: 129
- Headquarters: Dallas, TX
Sonida offers a range of housing options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, and respite care. Formerly known as Capital Senior Living, the brand was acquired by Conversant Capital in 2021 and rebranded to reflect its exciting new direction, with a strong focus on enhancing the resident experience. Under the Sonida name, the company is dedicated to providing resident comfort, personal enrichment, and a sense of community.
Senior Housing: More Than Just a Place to Live
Choosing the right senior housing is a significant decision for individuals and families, one that extends beyond weighing physical location and amenities. At its core, the purpose of senior housing is to provide a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where older adults can maintain their independence and dignity.
The role of any senior housing management company is to foster a community that actively promotes well-being in all its forms. This involves more than just providing three meals a day; it requires a demonstrated commitment to holistic wellness that addresses the physical, social, and emotional needs of its residents, empowering seniors to lead fulfilling, active lives.
Ready to explore senior housing options? On Apartments.com, simply enter a location, then change your search results by selecting senior as the specialty housing type. From there, you can add additional filters to refine your results by specifying factors such as desired price range, amenities, and bedroom count. Start your search today to find the perfect community for you or your loved one.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What services do senior housing companies typically offer?
Senior housing companies typically offer a range of services, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. These services often include meal preparation, housekeeping, transportation, wellness programs, and social activities. Some companies also provide skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.
2. What is the difference between independent living and assisted living?
Independent living is designed for seniors who are active and self-sufficient but want the convenience of a community setting with amenities like dining and social activities. Assisted living, on the other hand, provides additional support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and medication management while still promoting independence.
3. What should families consider when choosing a senior housing community?
Families should consider factors such as the level of care needed, location, cost, amenities, staff qualifications, and the community's reputation. Visiting the community, speaking with staff and residents, and reading online reviews can also help in making an informed decision.
