Assisted Living in a Christian Science Community

Paul asked the church in Rome to assist a fellow Christian, “for she has been a great help to many people, including me” (Romans 16:2, New International Version). Today, as then, we may sometimes require assistance ourselves even while we continue to help others with our prayers and daily practice of Christian Science. And there are wonderful places to do just that.

In this section, we use the term “assisted living” to mean “residential living in a Christian Science setting under the care or supervision of a Christian Science nurse.” The Christian Science community uses many different terms for this type of living arrangement:

• In a Christian Science care facility, it may be referred to as: sheltered care, progressive living, light assistance, or other terms.
• When set in a home environment, it may be referred to as: personal care home, residential care home, group home, board and care home, and family-type home for adults.

For the purposes of this website, we consider all these types of residences — if regular care is provided by a Christian Science nurse directly or with oversight — as “assisted living.”

The resources in this topic explore the variety of options in more detail, share basic information on those organizations which provide assisted living in a Christian Science community, and offer a means for doing some cost comparisons.

Monthly rents can range from $1,500 to $7,500, depending upon options and needs. Generally speaking, health insurance plans (including Medicare) do not cover assisted living arrangements, but long-term care plans may help with the costs.  

If you see an organization here that may meet your need, please feel free to call them directly. In addition, there are other Christian Science organizations that might accommodate your needs. You may call any of the members of the Association of Organizations for Christian Science Nursing. Each will be happy to assist you in exploring the options.

For help thinking through these ideas, please call Caring for Christian Scientists at 800.930.3797.