Assisted living may be more cost-effective than home health care for senior adults who wish to avoid nursing homes’ higher fees and asset limits.
While touring facilities, inquire about the staff-to-resident ratio and training provided. Furthermore, inquire into storage and self-administration policies regarding medication.
What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted living residences provide care to adults who require assistance with daily activities but do not require 24-hour nursing services like those offered in a nursing home. Residents typically live in private apartments and receive help with bathing, dressing, eating and taking medications as well as assistance with housekeeping, meals, laundry services and transportation arrangements that vary by state.
Seniors living in assisted living communities often enjoy lower health risks than their home-dwelling counterparts, including reduced rates of falls. Staff at these facilities assess fall risk before admission and monitor health, to identify any issues which might increase a senior’s likelihood of falling.
Many assisted living homes provide educational courses and exercise classes designed to increase balance, strength and mobility of elderly residents, keeping them active while decreasing cognitive function decline and potentially decreasing dementia risks. These programs may be beneficial to families that don’t have enough time or resources available to them for providing elderly care at home themselves.
How Do I Find an Assisted Living Facility?
First step to finding suitable assisted living is speaking to a doctor or nurse about the needs of your loved one. They may recommend specialists, and can also give an idea of what type of care might be necessary.
Once you understand your loved one’s care requirements, the next step should be touring facilities. Visit several places, examining buildings and facilities while also observing staff interactions with residents; virtual tours may also be available for some facilities that may not offer actual visits.
Ask to see the contract that details fees, services and admission/discharge policies as well as licensing and certification reports of the facility.
What Are the Benefits of Assisted Living?
Many individuals choose assisted living because it allows them to receive assistance with daily tasks while maintaining some independence. They may want someone else to cook, clean and wash clothes for them or perhaps they would rather socialize with peers rather than spending so much time alone at home.
Seniors living in assisted living residences typically enjoy access to a range of amenities and services, such as on-site physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy services as well as communal meals, activities and outings in the local community.
Some assisted living facilities provide private studio or one-bedroom apartments fully furnished; others permit residents to bring in their own furnishings so it feels more like home. Others also provide medical alert systems in every apartment for emergencies. Seniors eligible for Medicare may qualify for assisted living through the Assisted Living Program as long as they meet income and asset limits.
What Are the Costs of Assisted Living?
Costs associated with assisted living vary based on location, residence size and level of care needed; according to the 2020 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, however, the national average is $4300 monthly – that’s several thousand less than home health care and almost $2,000 cheaper than staying in a nursing home!
Residents typically pay for assisted living out of their own resources, including savings accounts and real estate assets. Long-term care insurance may help cover some expenses associated with assisted living facilities.
Many seniors choosing assisted living rely on benefits from Social Security for assistance, particularly Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which provides monthly cash benefits to people with limited income and assets. Another option for veterans who qualify is Veterans Administration Aid & Attendance Benefit, a need-based monthly stipend designed to offset assisted living costs. Any interested seniors should contact their local Social Security office for more information regarding eligibility requirements and benefit availability.