Getting old is an expensive proposition. If you have the money the other option is to leave it to your kids or someone else - you cannot take it with you. If you don't have money these places are not for you.
For a few years I worked as a consultant to nursing homes and senior living centers where the they provided care from independent living, assisted living, through to end-of life nursing care. The places I visited were upscale living centers that had fine dining, golf, and just about anything you can imagine. When I was on an assignment, instead of staying in a hotel, I generally stayed as an overnight guest in these locations. They were far nicer than a hotel.
Expensive - yes - but then again they serve a purpose, especially for those with no family and plenty of cash.