If you or a loved one is beginning to explore senior living options, one of the first questions that comes up is straightforward — and completely understandable: how much does senior living cost? Between varying care levels, apartment sizes, and community amenities, the numbers can feel overwhelming. That’s why we created The Windsor Senior Living Community floor plans guide to give you a clear, honest look at your options right here on the Northshore, so you can make a confident decision for yourself or someone you love.
The cost of senior living is one of the most searched topics among families planning for retirement. And for good reason — it represents a major life transition that involves both your finances and your daily comfort. At The Windsor Senior Living Community, we believe transparency is the foundation of trust. So let’s walk through everything you need to know.
How Much Does Senior Living Cost in 2026?
Before diving into The Windsor’s specific floor plans, it helps to understand the bigger picture. According to national senior care research, the type of care you need has a major impact on what you’ll pay each month.
- Independent Living (National Median): ~$3,065/month
- Assisted Living (National Median): ~$6,313/month
- Assisted Living (Louisiana Average): ~$4,750/month
(These figures come from trusted industry sources, including SeniorLiving.org and the 2024 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. They serve as a useful national benchmark — but local conditions matter just as much.)
Good news for Northshore families: Louisiana’s senior living costs are notably more affordable than the national average. The state’s assisted living median sits well below the $6,313 national figure — making communities like The Windsor an exceptional value without sacrificing quality of life.
Assisted vs. Independent Senior Living Cost on the Northshore
Understanding the difference between assisted and independent senior living costs on the Northshore is critical before selecting a floor plan — because the level of care you need directly shapes the best apartment size for you.
Independent living is designed for seniors who are largely self-sufficient but want the ease, community, and security of a purpose-built senior environment. Residents enjoy amenities, social programming, and peace of mind without round-the-clock medical oversight.
Assisted living provides the same warm community setting while adding personalized support for daily activities — like medication management, bathing assistance, and mobility support. As a result, assisted living typically costs significantly more per month.
| Care Level | National Median (2026) | Louisiana Average | Best For |
| Independent Living | ~$3,065/mo | ~$2,313/mo | Active, largely self-sufficient seniors |
| Assisted Living | ~$6,313/mo | ~$4,750/mo | Seniors needing daily care support |
Sources: SeniorLiving.org, Caring.com Louisiana, Genworth 2024 Cost of Care Survey
The right care level (and therefore the right floor plan) starts with an honest conversation about your current needs and where you may be in five to ten years. That’s a conversation The Windsor is always happy to have with you and your family.
How Big of a Senior Living Apartment Do I Need?
One of the most common questions we hear from prospective residents is, “How big of a senior living apartment do I need?” The answer is different for everyone, but a few factors consistently guide the decision — whether you’re moving solo or with a partner, how much furniture or belongings you plan to bring, and how much time you expect to spend in your apartment versus enjoying communal spaces.
The good news: senior living apartments are designed to feel like a real home — not a hospital room or a college dorm. Every floor plan at The Windsor is thoughtfully laid out with your comfort and independence in mind.
As a general rule:
- Studios work beautifully for solo residents who prefer simplicity and are social in shared spaces.
- One-bedroom apartments offer a clear separation between sleeping and living areas — ideal for those who value routine and privacy.
- Two-bedroom apartments are a natural fit for couples, residents who frequently host family, or those who simply love having more breathing room.
The Windsor Senior Living Community Floor Plans Guide
The Windsor offers floor plans across two phases of our community, giving you flexibility as your needs and preferences evolve.
Here’s a complete breakdown — your go-to guide for floorplans at The Windsor Senior Living Community.
Phase I
- Studio · 1 Bath · 511 sq. ft.: A thoughtfully designed single-space layout with dedicated sleeping and living/dining areas, a full kitchen, and in-unit storage. Perfect for the independent resident who values efficiency without sacrificing comfort.
- 1 Bedroom · 1 Bath · 617 sq. ft.: A defined bedroom gives you a true retreat from your living and dining space. Includes a full kitchen, closet, and dedicated bath — ideal for residents who want clear room-to-room separation.
- 2 Bedroom · 2 Bath · 877 sq. ft.: The most spacious Phase I option. Two full bathrooms, a generous kitchen, and two private bedrooms make this ideal for couples or residents who want a dedicated guest room for visiting family.
Phase II
- Studio · 1 Bath · 507 sq. ft.: A highly efficient layout featuring a combined living/dining and sleeping area, kitchen, and bath. A smart choice for those seeking comfort with low-maintenance living.
- 1 Bedroom · 1 Bath · 613 sq. ft.: A spacious bedroom separate from the living/dining area, with a full kitchen and two closets. Excellent livability for solo residents who prioritize personal space.
- 2 Bedroom · 2 Bath · 869 sq. ft.: Two private bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and an open living/dining space. A top pick for couples or residents who want the flexibility of a second room for hobbies, guests, or a dedicated sitting area.
Which Floor Plan Best Fits Your Life?
When thinking about the cost of senior living alongside apartment size, it helps to frame it as an investment in daily quality of life, not just square footage. Here are a few scenarios to help you picture which option may feel like home.
If you’re a solo resident who loves community life… The studio floor plan — whether the 511 sq. ft. Phase I or 507 sq. ft. Phase II option — gives you a private, comfortable retreat while you spend your days in The Windsor’s common areas, activity rooms, and dining spaces. Lower cost of entry means more financial flexibility for other life goals.
If you want the best of both worlds… The one-bedroom apartments — 617 sq. ft. in Phase I or 613 sq. ft. in Phase II — strike the ideal balance. You have a true sleeping sanctuary completely separate from your living space. It’s the most popular choice among individual residents for a reason.
If you’re moving in as a couple or love hosting your family… The two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments — 877 sq. ft. in Phase I or 869 sq. ft. in Phase II — offer the space and privacy that make day-to-day life genuinely comfortable for two. Two full bathrooms are a meaningful luxury that couples consistently say they wouldn’t trade.
A word of practical wisdom: don’t just measure your furniture — measure your life. Many residents find they need less space than they expect once they experience the full amenities of a senior living community. Common areas, dining rooms, and activity spaces become natural extensions of your apartment.
Putting the Cost of Senior Living in Perspective
It’s easy to look at a monthly figure and feel a moment of sticker shock. But consider what that cost typically includes in a quality senior living community: rent, utilities, meals, housekeeping, maintenance, security, wellness programming, transportation, and a built-in social community. Plus, both our assisted living care plans and independent living care plans live side by side in whatever floor plan they choose. When you add up those individual line items for someone living alone at home, the comparison often shifts considerably.
According to A Place for Mom’s 2026 Cost of Long-Term Care report, the national median for independent living is around $3,200 per month. Louisiana’s costs run below that national figure, making the Northshore a genuinely smart geographic choice for families navigating this decision.
Understanding the full cost of senior living — and comparing it honestly to the cost of staying home with mounting care, maintenance, and isolation costs — is one of the most important conversations you can have. We encourage every family to have it openly, and we’re here to support that process.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Floor Plan?
The Windsor Senior Living Community is here to walk you through every option — in person, at your pace. Contact us today to schedule a personalized tour and let us help you find the floor plan that truly fits your life. Contact us today.