Improving Your Loved One's Nursing Home Experience
About Me
Improving Your Loved One's Nursing Home Experience

A few years ago, I realized that my dad needed to move into a care facility instead of living with us. He was always depressed and he needed to be around more people his own age. It was a really difficult decision, but after we moved him into a care facility, he really blossomed. It was great to see him happy, healthy, and enjoying things on his own. This blog is here to help other people to enjoy their own lives and to care for loved ones who need special assistance. I know that with the help of assisted living, everyone can enjoy a better life.

Improving Your Loved One's Nursing Home Experience

What Should You Know About The Costs Of Senior Assisted Living Communities?

Nora Jones

It can be challenging to realize that you may no longer be able to live comfortably on your own. While it's natural to value your independence, it's also important to understand when remaining fully independent may no longer be feasible. Fortunately, many options exist to retain your independence as much as possible without risking your health and well-being.

Senior assisted living communities are arguably one of the best choices to hold on to your independence while receiving the help and care you may require. However, the costs associated with these residential communities can be confusing. If you're considering a move, here are three things you'll want to keep in mind about the potential costs and your options for paying.

1. Medicare Generally Will Not Pay

There are important differences between senior assisted living communities and nursing homes. Nursing homes provide medical care, whereas senior assisted living communities primarily focus on custodial care and assistance. Medicare may cover some initial costs associated with assisted living, but your coverage likely won't apply to most costs and will not cover long-term living.

If you qualify for Medicaid, it may provide greater coverage for certain services. Still, Medicaid generally will not cover your living costs, so you'll often need to find an alternative way to cover those expenses. Senior living communities have plenty of experience dealing with these issues, so they can usually be very helpful in explaining your likely costs and what you can expect to be covered.

2. You Can Use Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is a special health insurance designed to cover some assisted living costs. However, it's critical to understand that this insurance is typically unavailable or unaffordable once you need care. Instead, you'll usually need to purchase long-term care insurance many years before you plan to enter into an assisted living arrangement.

The good news is that if you're still relatively young and healthy, you may qualify for this type of insurance. Purchasing long-term care insurance now will help you prepare for the future, helping you to manage the costs of assisted living so that you can retain your independence as you age.

3. Costs Can Vary

It's also crucial to understand that assisted living communities do not necessarily work on a "one-time" payment structure. You'll typically pay upfront costs and a standard monthly fee covering your housing and essential care services. This fee will often vary based on your needs, so you'll typically pay less if you require only basic care.

However, there may be added fees for other activities or services, so it's important to understand what you get with your basic monthly payment. The better you understand your costs and the services provided, the easier it will be to prepare for your expenses and choose an assisted living community that fits your needs and budget.

For more information, contact a senior assisted living community near you.


Share