Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities may be an option for you or your loved one if you need help with daily tasks but want to live in a home-like environment. Before choosing a residence, ask about entrance fees, monthly rent and transfer and discharge policies.
Also, tour the facility and talk with staff members, administrators and residents. You should be able to find a place that meets your needs and budget.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities provide your loved one with a home-like environment and customized services. They may also include activities that promote mental and physical health, such as exercise and socialization with fellow residents.
They also ensure that your elderly loved one is safe. For example, they may have fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers installed in each unit. They will also work with security companies to help keep their residents safe from scams and break-ins.
Before choosing an assisted living facility, make sure you take your loved one to tour the facilities and talk with staff members. This way, they can get a feel for the place and determine whether it is right for them. It will also give them a sense of control, which can be important as they transition to assisted living.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Assisted living residences are expensive, and Medicare doesn’t cover the cost. However, seniors and their families can usually find ways to fund the expense. Many choose to buy a long-term care insurance policy, which can help with the costs of assisted living. Others may use their own savings or personal assets.
In addition, some seniors can qualify for Medicaid, the federal-state health-care program that covers low-income individuals. Depending on one’s state, some Medicaid programs cover assisted living expenses, such as custodial care and meals. Other options for funding assisted living include taking out a reverse mortgage or using funds from a life insurance policy. However, Medicare Advantage plans, which are private insurance policies, typically don’t cover assisted living expenses. Instead, these plans often cover costs that Medicare doesn’t pay for, such as Durable Medical Equipment and doctor’s visits.
how much is assisted living
Assisted living facilities are designed to provide a safe and comfortable environment with 24-hour access to care. Many also offer a full calendar of life enrichment activities to help keep residents active. Other services include nutrient-rich chef-prepared meals served restaurant-style, transportation for errands and community outings, and wellness programs.
Some assisted living facilities also have specialized care for people with dementia, sometimes called memory care. If your loved one needs this type of care, make sure to ask if it’s included in the cost or charged separately.
Families often pay for assisted living out of pocket, using savings or pooling other resources. If your loved one’s home is a valuable asset, selling it can free up money to cover costs. Otherwise, consider renting the property.
who pays for assisted living
Assisted living costs are typically paid by the resident, their family or a combination of sources. Private long-term care insurance may cover some or all of the cost, depending on the policy and the individual’s circumstances. Medicaid is a joint federal-state program that may help cover the cost of assisted living in some states, though eligibility and coverage varies from state to state.
Families looking for ways to pay for assisted living should consider working with a Medicaid planning specialist. These professionals can help individuals and couples structure their financial assets to qualify for assistance. It is also a good idea to visit several facilities in person and ask lots of questions before making a decision. Ultimately, the quality of life and safety of your loved one will be the most important considerations.
assisted living vs nursing home
Assisted living is a residential option for people who need some help with daily tasks but do not require the round-the-clock medical care and supervision that nursing homes provide. Often, assisted living residents pay for their services with their own money or through a limited amount of long-term care insurance.
The facilities themselves can be owned by for-profit companies, non-profit organizations or government entities. They can vary in size from as few as 20 residents to more than 120, and the rooms may be private or shared. Almost all assisted living facilities offer some form of health monitoring and assistance with activities of daily living, including reminders to take medications and transportation to medical appointments.
When choosing an assisted living facility, it is important to follow a structured search process and visit several locations. It is also a good idea to include the person who will be moving into the home in decision-making, whenever possible.
