Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are an important part of your loved one’s care plan. They provide a safe environment where your parent can enjoy independence while receiving help with daily activities like showering, dressing and eating.
There are about 28,900 assisted living facilities in the U.S. and they vary widely in size, cost, perks and even dining options.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities provide around-the-clock supervision, meals, housekeeping and laundry, personal care assistance, transportation to medical appointments and other services. Residents can also take part in a variety of activities and social events.
Some communities have specialized programs for residents with dementia and other health conditions that require more intensive care. These programs help residents maintain mental and physical well-being, says Jennifer L. FitzPatrick, a licensed certified clinical social worker and gerontology instructor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.
Assisted living facilities also offer disaster preparation and staff trained to respond to emergencies. In addition, they arrange reliable transportation to local shopping, dining, community events and doctor’s appointments.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Assisted living facilities are designed to help older adults stay in their homes as long as possible. They offer a mix of health services and assistance with daily activities.
Medicare doesn’t pay for most assisted living costs, but it does cover other services that may be helpful in aging in place, like prescription drugs and outpatient care. Also, some Medicare Advantage plans (known as Part C), sold through private insurers, offer some coverage for assisted living.
Whether Medicare pays for the cost of assisted living varies by state. However, many states offer some degree of financial aid through their regular Medicaid program or through waivers.
how much is assisted living
Assisted living is typically paid for with private funds, such as retirement accounts or Social Security. Medicaid may also be used to pay for a loved one’s assisted living expenses if the family doesn’t have enough assets.
The cost of assisted living varies greatly from community to community and state to state, but the national average is $4,300 per month.
Assisted living facilities may charge one monthly fee that covers everything from apartment rent to health and wellness programs, transportation, meals, housekeeping, maintenance, and personal assistance. Others may bill residents and families for services on an as-needed basis, but this can be more difficult to predict. Choosing the right community will help you keep costs down. Look for a place that offers financial perks like waiving a one-time move-in fee or moving in credits.
who pays for assisted living
Many families find that assisted living costs are high, but there are ways to reduce the financial burden. One way is to get help from Medicare or Medicaid, a government program that covers long-term care services for people with low incomes.
Another common source of funding is long-term care insurance. Most older policies don’t cover assisted living, but newer ones may do so.
Similarly, if your parent has an employer-sponsored pension plan or social security benefits, those could be helpful.
In New York State, the Assisted Living Program (ALP) is a subsidized program that allows low-income seniors to stay in licensed assisted living residences. The program provides room and board at a significantly reduced rate to qualified applicants. However, enrollment is limited because of budgetary constraints.
assisted living vs nursing home
Assisted living facilities are a great option for people who need more help than family can provide. They offer personal care services, including help with meals and transportation, in addition to access to medical assistance when needed.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living residents have more freedom and independence. They can stay in their own rooms and choose their waking and sleeping hours, but they also have support available whenever they need it.
In assisted living communities, residents are encouraged to take part in social and recreational activities as much as possible. They can do this in a variety of ways, such as going on outings or taking trips to the theater or museum.
