Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities provide residents with housing and services for people who need help with activities of daily living. They are often part of retirement communities, nursing homes or senior housing complexes but may stand alone.
Assisted living facilities focus on a healthy social environment with activities, life enrichment classes and outings. They may also have transportation to doctor’s appointments, grocery stores and other errands.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities can be a great option for seniors who have trouble with daily activities. They can offer a variety of services, including help with eating, bathing and dressing.
These facilities can also provide transportation to appointments and off-site errands. They can also handle a lot of the cleaning duties, allowing family members to focus on other aspects of their senior’s life.
Most facilities offer a lot of activities and events to keep their residents active. These may include outside excursions, games nights, exercise classes and crafts and hobbies.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Medicare (the federal health insurance program for Americans age 65 and older) doesn’t cover assisted living expenses. Instead, it supports people who need specialized care after hospital stays lasting at least three days and up to 100 days in a skilled nursing facility.
But Medicaid, which provides health coverage to low-income adults and children, may help pay some of your assisted living costs if you qualify.
You can apply for Medicaid by going online to your state’s website or calling your local office. Your state’s income eligibility requirements and covered services vary, so you may need to check with a Medicaid advisor to find out which types of benefits are available in your area.
If you need more help than your state’s income eligibility allows, you can also get a waiver from your state. However, you’ll need to show your state that you meet functional care criteria — such as a medical evaluation by a licensed doctor — to receive the assistance.
how much is assisted living
Assisted living prices vary depending on where you live, the type of community, and your needs. However, it’s typically less expensive than in-home care or nursing homes.
Most assisted living facilities charge a base fee that includes room and board, most utilities (cable and phone are usually extra), and group amenities like activities, transportation, and meals. Additional services, such as medication management, toileting and bathing, safety checks, and other activities of daily living (ADLs) will be charged a la carte.
Some communities use a tiered pricing system, where the cost of personal care services are based on the number of hours spent with your loved one. This is a complicated process, and it’s best to request an assessment from the assisted living facility you’re considering.
who pays for assisted living
If you have a loved one who needs long-term care, you’ll need to figure out how to pay for their stay in an assisted living facility. You may be able to use long-term care insurance, Medicare or other sources of funds.
If your loved one doesn’t have much in the way of savings or other assets and their income is low, they might qualify for Medicaid. This joint federal and state program can help pay for long-term care costs, including assisted living.
The coverage varies by state, but it typically includes custodial care and housekeeping services. However, it doesn’t cover room and board, which usually accounts for about half the cost of assisted living.
assisted living vs nursing home
Assisted living facilities are ideal for seniors who want to remain as independent as possible but don’t need the round-the-clock medical care and supervision of a nursing home. Assisted living homes are less clinical and give off a more homier atmosphere than nursing homes, which tend to be professional and more hospital-like.
Choosing between an assisted living facility and a nursing home for your loved one can be overwhelming. But a little research and legwork can help you find the right match.
Assisted living communities are usually smaller and more affordable than nursing homes. Families can typically finance costs through personal funds or long-term care insurance policies.
