Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities provide around-the-clock support and care for older adults who need assistance with daily activities. They don’t have the extensive health-care services found in nursing homes.
To find the right assisted living facility, visit many of them and ask plenty of questions. Ultimately, it’s about finding a place where your loved one feels comfortable and safe.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities are a great option for seniors who need help with their daily activities. They offer help with bathing, dressing, medication management and other basic needs.
Generally, they provide three meals and snacks every day. Some may also offer medical services, such as physical therapy or occupational and speech therapy.
They can be a good choice for seniors who want more independence and social interaction than they might find in a nursing home.
A good assisted living facility is staffed by certified nursing assistants who can provide round-the-clock care. They will make sure your loved one has a clean and safe living space, that they have their medications, and that they are not being treated unprofessionally or ill-treated by other residents.
Choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision, and it’s best to find out what you need to know before making a final decision. Using our community locator tool is a great way to find and tour qualified assisted living facilities in your area.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Assisted living facilities are places where people can receive help with daily activities like dressing, bathing and eating. They may also offer assistance with transportation and housekeeping services.
Medicare does not pay for assisted living, but it does pay for certain medical expenses. For example, if your doctor certifies that you need long-term care after a hospital stay lasting three days or more, then original Medicare will cover 100% of the cost for up to 100 days.
Most seniors pay for their assisted living costs out of pocket, but they can use a variety of financial strategies to keep them affordable. Personal and retirement savings, annuities, life insurance, a reverse mortgage, or the proceeds from a home sale can all help reduce out-of-pocket costs.
how much is assisted living
If your loved one needs help getting dressed, bathing, managing medication or with other daily activities of living, assisted living may be a good option for them. It’s less expensive than in-home care or nursing home care, and can be more comfortable for your loved one.
Assisted living facilities charge a base monthly rate that includes room and board, utilities (cable and phone are usually extra), group amenities like activities, transportation and communal meals. Additional care services are then added a la carte.
Ultimately, you’ll have to talk to each facility you’re considering about their pricing model. Some charge a flat fee and others use tiered pricing.
who pays for assisted living
Assisted living facilities are a good option for people who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing and mobility. These facilities provide care in a safe and secure setting, with staff on hand to assist when necessary.
Usually, assisted living residents pay for their room and board out of pocket, with Medicaid or private long-term care insurance. However, some states offer home and community-based waivers that can reduce the cost of assisted living for low-income residents.
Medicare, too, can help cover some assisted living costs if you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C. These plans are offered by private insurers and cover everything that Original Medicare does, plus some additional benefits that can be useful for assisted living.
assisted living vs nursing home
Assisted living facilities are good options for older adults who don’t need 24-hour care. They offer daily assistance with eating, bathing, dressing, walking and access to medical services.
They also provide social activities and more private spaces than a nursing home. However, an assisted living facility may not be the right choice if your parent needs extensive health care and 24-hour medical attention.
Skilled nursing facilities, commonly called “nursing homes,” provide around-the-clock care by licensed nurses and therapists. These communities are a good option for those with complex medical issues.
