Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are housing and support services for seniors who need assistance with daily activities, but do not require the level of care provided by a nursing home. These homes, also called residential care facilities or board and care homes, can range in size from 20 to 120 residents.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities offer a home-like environment where your loved one can socialize with friends and family, and participate in a variety of activities. They are a great alternative to staying at home, where day-to-day tasks such as cooking and cleaning may become overwhelming.
These facilities also offer housekeeping services, and transportation to and from appointments. In addition, many provide a wide range of opportunities for physical fitness. This includes the use of the latest gym equipment, personal trainers, and group exercise classes.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are usually regulated at the state level. Some even offer specialized care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia (sometimes called memory care units), intellectual and developmental disabilities, or particular medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Many seniors pay for assisted living with personal savings, retirement accounts, long-term care insurance or help from family. Others may use Social Security benefits or other sources of income, such as a pension or annuities.
In some states, Medicaid (a joint federal and state health program) helps cover some costs of assisted living. These services typically include custodial care, transportation and case management. However, the exact terms vary by state.
Seniors with lower incomes who need assistance paying for assisted living should explore whether they qualify for a Medicaid home and community-based waiver. A Medicaid planning professional can help them creatively structure their assets to meet the program’s requirements. To learn more, visit your state’s Medicaid website. It offers a list of participating assisted living residences that accept Medicaid.
how much is assisted living
Whether you are considering assisted living for yourself or your loved one, it is important to understand how the cost is calculated. In addition to entrance fees and monthly rent, there may be additional costs for meals, laundry, and transportation.
Many seniors use private funds to pay for their assisted living needs. These can include money from retirement accounts, personal savings, and pensions. In addition, some senior citizens qualify for Aid and Attendance benefits from the VA.
To help families better estimate the cost of assisted living, most facilities offer a tour. This is a great way to see the building, assess cleanliness, try a meal, and talk with staff members. Some facilities also allow residents to share space, which can lower costs by 10 to 20 percent or more a month.
who pays for assisted living
As with any business, assisted living residences are concerned with profits and margins. To balance these concerns, they often offer discounts and financial incentives like waiving community fees or move-in credits. In addition, many seniors have health insurance or long-term care insurance policies that help cover some costs of assisted living. Some have Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C), which include everything covered by Medicare Parts A and B, as well as additional coverage.
The majority of assisted living residents pay out-of-pocket, using personal savings, health insurance, or long-term care insurance. Low-income seniors can also qualify for state Medicaid resources, such as home and community-based waivers. However, these resources are limited, and Medicaid-certified communities have waiting lists. Medicaid reimbursements for ALF stays are less than those of nursing homes.
assisted living vs nursing home
There are 28,900 assisted living communities nationwide with nearly 1 million licensed beds, according to the National Center for Assisted Living. They range in size, style and cost. During visits to assisted living facilities, look for the ones that feel friendly and comfortable. Also, look at the facility’s suggestion, complaint and grievance procedures and whether it has resident and family councils to provide feedback.
Before you move into an assisted living residence, a medical assessment should be done to determine your level of need. Then, a care plan will be put together that addresses your health and social needs. This is a good time to discuss all your financial, housing and health care options with a trusted family member.
