The question of how many life care centers are there in the US is not a simple one, as the term can be interpreted in several ways. The most specific answer refers to a single company, Life Care Centers of America. A broader interpretation includes various long-term care facilities that provide similar services.
Life Care Centers of America: A Specific Company
Life Care Centers of America is a privately held company that owns and manages a network of healthcare facilities across the United States. According to the company's website and other sources, Life Care and its affiliates operate or manage more than 200 skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and senior living campuses in over two dozen states. Wikipedia, citing Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, specifies that the company operates 254 nursing homes. The company's offerings range from short-term rehabilitation to long-term residential and Alzheimer's care.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
Another common interpretation of a "life care center" is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), often called a "life plan community." These facilities offer residents a comprehensive package of housing, services, and amenities, providing a continuum of care as their needs change.
According to Newsweek, there are approximately 2,000 CCRCs in the U.S., with that number expected to grow. These communities can be for-profit or non-profit, with the majority being operated by non-profit organizations. CCRCs are designed for seniors seeking stability, offering a progression of care in one location, from independent living to assisted living and skilled nursing.
Where are CCRCs most concentrated?
- Midwest: The region has a significant number, particularly in states like Illinois, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
- Northeast: Pennsylvania, where CCRCs originated, has nearly 200 communities alone.
- Southeast: States along the coast, especially Florida, have a high concentration.
- West: This region has fewer communities compared to the East Coast and Midwest.
Broader Long-Term Care Statistics
For a more comprehensive view of the entire long-term care landscape, it is helpful to look at the total number of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities. The term "life care center" can be used to refer to any of these, depending on who is using the phrase.
- Nursing Homes: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 15,300 nursing homes in the United States in 2020, with 70.3% being for-profit. CMS data from July 2022 indicates over 15,000 certified nursing homes, housing approximately 1.2 million residents.
- Assisted Living Communities: The American Health Care Association (AHCA)/National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) reports that there are over 30,000 assisted living communities with nearly 1.2 million licensed beds nationwide. These facilities provide support with daily activities for individuals who do not require the high level of medical care found in nursing homes.
- Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs): As of August 2025, Definitive Healthcare tracks over 16,600 active skilled nursing facilities. These facilities provide round-the-clock medical care for patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery.
Comparison of Facility Types
| Facility Type | Services Provided | Payment Model | Typical Length of Stay | Common Terminology | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Care Centers of America | Skilled nursing, rehab, memory care, independent & assisted living | Varies by service; private, Medicare, Medicaid | Varies widely from short-term rehab to permanent residency | Senior living, skilled nursing, rehab center | A single, specific corporate entity with multiple facility types under its brand |
| Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) | Continuum of care: independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing | Large entrance fee plus monthly fees | Typically long-term, through different stages of life | Life plan community | Offers multiple levels of care in one location; requires a substantial entry investment |
| Nursing Home | 24-hour medical care, assistance with daily activities | Medicaid, Medicare (for short-term), private pay | Long-term or short-term post-acute care | Skilled nursing facility (SNF), nursing care facility | Primary focus is high-level medical care, more intensive than assisted living |
| Assisted Living Community | Help with daily living activities (bathing, dressing), medication management | Private pay, some long-term care insurance | Typically long-term | Residential care community | Designed for people who need some assistance but not 24-hour medical supervision |
Conclusion
There is no single numerical answer to how many life care centers are there in the US. When searching for care, it is crucial to clarify what kind of facility is needed. If you are looking for locations of the specific company, Life Care Centers of America operates over 200 facilities. If you are looking for Continuing Care Retirement Communities, the number is around 2,000. However, if you are looking for general long-term care options, the number is much higher, with tens of thousands of assisted living facilities and nursing homes across the country. Understanding these different categories is the first step toward finding the right senior care option.
Learn more about care options
To learn more about comparing facility types and understanding what options might be best for your specific needs, visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website: https://www.hhs.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a life care center and a nursing home?
A "life care center" can be a general term or refer specifically to the company, Life Care Centers of America, which operates a variety of facility types, including nursing homes. A nursing home is a specific type of long-term care facility that provides 24-hour medical care and supervision for residents.
How many facilities does the company Life Care Centers of America have?
As of recent reports, the company Life Care Centers of America and its affiliates own or manage more than 200 facilities in 27 to 28 states. Wikipedia, citing CMS data, notes they operate 254 nursing homes specifically.
What are Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)?
CCRCs are senior living communities that offer a continuum of care, providing independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care all in one location. They typically require an entry fee and ongoing monthly payments.
How many CCRCs are in the U.S.?
There are approximately 2,000 Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) in the United States. This number is projected to increase as the population ages.
How many assisted living communities are in the U.S.?
There are over 30,000 assisted living communities in the United States, which provide help with daily living activities for residents who don't require round-the-clock medical care.
How many nursing homes are there nationwide?
According to CDC data from 2020, there were 15,300 nursing homes in the U.S.. CMS data from 2022 reports over 15,000 certified nursing homes.
What is a skilled nursing facility (SNF)?
A skilled nursing facility is an inpatient facility that provides 24-hour medical support and rehabilitation services for individuals following an illness, injury, or surgery. The total number of active SNFs is over 16,600 as of August 2025.
How can I find a specific type of life care center?
To find a specific type of facility, such as a CCRC or a skilled nursing facility, use online directories and search tools, specifying the facility type. You can also consult resources from organizations like the AHCA/NCAL or the CDC, or search for the specific company Life Care Centers of America.
