If your loved one is considering assisted living, it's important to tour several facilities before committing. Each community has its own "vibe" and culture, and visiting can give you a better sense of what it will be like for your family member to live there.
Many communities offer short-term, and trial stays that allow your loved one to experience assisted living without a long-term contract. This can help alleviate stress and save your family money.
Assisted Living Fees
The first step in evaluating an assisted living facility is to get a clear idea of the cost. The base fee typically includes housing and meals. Still, extra costs such as utilities must be considered typically, the base fee includes housing and meals, but additional costs must be considered, such as utilities.
Your loved one may already have long-term care insurance that covers a portion of the monthly fee in an assisted living community. Medicaid, available for low-income seniors, can also help with costs.
A good question is whether the community has an all-inclusive pricing model or charges a la carte for services. The former offers consistency in costs over time and is more transparent, while the latter can vary from provider to provider. Additionally, some communities may have a maximum level of care included in the base cost while other services are paid at an additional rate; you may visit their website for more information. Also, some communities may have a maximum level of care included in the base fee while other services are charged at an additional rate.
Independent Living Fees
Depending on where you live, Independent Living fees can vary. They can be considerably less than Assisted Living fees, so it's important to ask about the pricing structure before making any commitments.
Independent Living offers one or two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, private bathrooms and amenities like outdoor spaces and social gathering areas. Onsite activities and entertainment options like theater rooms, games and fitness centers keep seniors active without ever having to leave the community.
Residents typically pay a monthly fee for their apartment and access to onsite services and amenities. The fee covers things like home maintenance and property taxes, a meal plan and membership to a wellness program. It may also include a library, beauty salon and general store access. This is a great option for seniors who have enough independence to manage their care but want the peace of mind of having an onsite support team available.
Respite Care Fees
Caring for a loved one with an illness, injury, or dementia is an intense full-time responsibility. This can be overwhelming and often requires significant time away from home, work and other personal obligations.
Respite care can help caregivers maintain a balanced life, run important errands and take vacations. Typically, respite care is offered through in-home services or a home-care agency and may last from a few hours to overnight.
Many nursing homes, retirement communities and assisted living facilities offer short-term respite stays on an hourly, half-day, full day or overnight basis. These services are generally more expensive than in-home respite care. Still, they can be a great way for families to "try out" assisted living or memory care before making a permanent commitment. Medicaid or other public programs may also cover these services. They are also usually tax-deductible or reimbursable through flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.
Health Care Fees
Residents who require assistance with activities of daily living often pay a fee in addition to monthly rent for help with bathing, dressing, toileting and organizing and keeping track of medications. Some assisted living residences provide onsite healthcare or pharmacy services, while others require that residents use outside providers.
Some facilities also offer additional services, like monitoring seniors for fall risks — which can lead to serious head and hip injuries — and administering medication and monitoring for side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness. And many assisted living communities partner with home health agencies and hospice providers to extend senior care beyond the facility's walls.
For those who wish to take advantage of these additional services, it's important to assess a prospective residence for suitability carefully. Look for a welcoming and safe environment offering three nutritious meals daily and stimulating programs. And ask whether the residence accepts Long Term Care Insurance and its cancellation and refund policies.
COMMENTS