Assisted Living Facilities
If you or a loved one are in need of more help than family can provide, an assisted living facility is a great choice. It can offer the comfort of 24-hour support and access to health and medical services.
A good assisted living facility will also provide a rich social environment for residents. That can be a big boost to a senior’s mental health.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities provide a range of care for seniors who need help with daily activities but don’t require 24-hour nursing care. Services vary from facility to facility, but most include help with bathing, dressing and other personal care.
These assisted living communities also offer social and recreational activities to keep residents engaged. This can reduce boredom and depression and improve mental health.
Many assisted living facilities also have on-site medical and pharmacy access. This complements the care a resident is already receiving and adds thorough, comprehensive attention to their unique medical needs.
Choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision, but the right one can give your loved one a better quality of life. It’s important to do your research and ask questions.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older or those with disabilities, does not pay for assisted living. Instead, it covers medical expenses, such as doctor visits and prescription drugs, when you go to a hospital or a doctor’s office.
While there are exceptions, Medicare doesn’t cover room and board costs at an assisted living facility. However, Medicare Part A will help you cover the cost of an assisted living facility for the first 100 days after a severe injury or major surgery.
Depending on your state, Medicaid may help pay some of the cost of an assisted living facility for low-income residents through a regular Medicaid program or Medicaid waivers. Check your state’s Medicaid state overview page to find out if you’re eligible for this assistance.
how much is assisted living
Assisted living can be a good choice for seniors who need more help than their families can provide. Whether it’s helping with eating, bathing, dressing or toileting, an assisted living community can provide a range of services.
Depending on the level of care, residents pay a fee for these services on top of their rent. Communities also often provide transportation services.
Costs of assisted living vary widely by state, zip code and even city. Moving from a large metropolitan area to a rural one can reduce costs significantly.
Families often use their own resources to pay for assisted living, including savings and pooling money from various sources. Additionally, public payment options can be available through Medicaid.
who pays for assisted living
While many families struggle with the cost of assisted living, there are ways to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. These include Medicaid, long-term care insurance and savings.
Medicaid is a federal program that provides coverage to low-income Americans. It also offers a variety of waivers for home and community-based services like assisted living, in some states.
The rules for eligibility vary from state to state, so it’s best to contact your local area agency on aging to see what’s available in your community. However, not all assisted living facilities accept Medicaid, and some have enrollment caps or long waiting lists for waivers.
assisted living vs nursing home
If your loved one needs help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting, but doesn’t need around-the-clock medical care, an assisted living facility may be the best option. Assisted living communities offer services and amenities that keep residents as healthy, socially engaged, and independent as possible.
Nursing homes are more specialized care environments that serve seniors who require round-the-clock monitoring and medical assistance. They often provide the same medical equipment that hospitals use, including X-ray machines and adjustable electric beds.
