Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are typically smaller than nursing homes and can range from 25 to 120 residents. They provide housing and assistance with activities of daily living, but not the level of medical care provided in a nursing home.
It’s important to visit the facility and speak with administrators, staff, and other residents before making a decision. Make sure your loved one is comfortable and happy with the facility.
assisted living facilities
Assisted living facilities, also called residential care homes or retirement communities, are for older adults who require non-medical assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. They also offer meals, housekeeping and laundry services. Residents pay monthly rent for their private apartment or room and an additional fee for the level of care they need.
Some facilities provide special care for seniors with dementia (often called memory care units), intellectual and developmental disabilities, and specific medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease. Other facilities are designed to promote a sense of community among residents, with daily activities and social events.
Other amenities often include computer rooms, and guest lecturers on popular topics like art history or flower arranging. Moreover, some facilities are designed for safety with features such as raised toilets, non-slip flooring, and grab bars in the showers.
does medicare pay for assisted living
Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living, but it does provide coverage for some long-term care services. However, you need to be enrolled in the Medicare Advantage program to receive these benefits.
Most families pay for assisted living out of their own pocket, using a combination of personal and retirement savings, life insurance, a reverse mortgage or the proceeds from the sale of their home. Often, these funds are supplemented by government assistance programs and Social Security.
The cost of assisted living varies widely. It can run from $3,000 to $42,000 per month, depending on the location and amenities. Those with low incomes and few assets may qualify for Medicaid assistance. Most states offer partial coverage through this joint federal-state health care program.
how much is assisted living
Unlike home care, assisted living facilities typically offer an all-inclusive base fee that covers housing, meals and snacks, housekeeping, transportation to doctor’s appointments and social activities. This can be a good option for seniors who want to continue participating in their favorite hobbies and interests but no longer have the energy or ability to do so at home.
Depending on your loved one’s individual needs, additional services such as bathing, dressing and medication management may cost more. Assisted living residences also provide case management and coordination of health care services by outside agencies, including nursing services.
Many families pay for at least some of their senior’s assisted living costs out of their own pocket. They may use money from retirement accounts, investments or pooling other sources of income.
who pays for assisted living
The high cost of assisted living can be challenging for families. But it’s important to understand the options available. Many assisted living residences offer free, scheduled transportation to doctor’s appointments and other destinations, along with social events, cultural activities and classes on topics like computers or art. Some also have on-site pharmacies and grocery stores. Those who qualify for Medicaid, the joint federal and state program that provides health care to low-income seniors, may be eligible to cover some of the costs. Some long-term care insurance policies cover the cost of assisted living as well.
Basic Assisted living residences are businesses, so their prices reflect the same economic pressures as other businesses. As a result, they may negotiate price breaks from time to time.
assisted living vs nursing home
It’s important to visit a facility and assess its cleanliness, staff interactions with residents, and recreational activities. You can also see if your parent will feel comfortable there and whether the facilities cater to their dietary needs.
Assisted living communities are for seniors who need help with the tasks of daily life but do not require round-the-clock health care like a nursing home. They usually offer private apartments or rooms and shared common areas. Some have special units for people with dementia and others that serve specific medical conditions.
Once you have a list of potential homes, schedule visits to tour and meet with administrators, staff members, and current residents. Be sure to ask about costs, and whether Medicaid or Medicare covers part of the cost.
