Hopefully, your loved one is looking forward to beginning a new chapter in their life after deciding to move to an assisted living facility complex, which can be a necessary but beneficial transition. However, the monthly cost is high, averaging over $4,000 across the country. As a result, many families are shocked and dismayed to realize that Medicare only pays a portion of the cost. Fortunately, you can pay expenses and cut costs on your loved one’s care in several ways.
Table of Contents
- The Definition of Assisted Living
- How Does Assist Living Differ From Other Housing Types For The Elderly?
- 1. Communities that provide assisted living versus nursing homes Assisted living communities and nursing homes share similarities yet serve entirely different purposes.
- 2. Memory Care Facilities Vs. Assisted Living Communities
- 3. Assisted Living Vs Independent Living
- 4. Comparison Of Assisted Living Vs. Home Care
- Who Is Responsible For The Costs Associated With The Assisted Living?
- Conclusion
The Definition of Assisted Living
In assisted living, seniors can receive the round-the-clock care they need while also enjoying the benefits of living in a community with other people their age. Personal care and support with ADLs like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting are provided on an as-needed basis in assisted living facilities near me for the elderly, allowing them to maintain as much autonomy as possible.
How Does Assist Living Differ From Other Housing Types For The Elderly?
Here, we’ll contrast assisted living with some of the more frequent alternatives for seniors.
1. Communities that provide assisted living versus nursing homes Assisted living communities and nursing homes share similarities yet serve entirely different purposes.
The primary distinction between assisted living communities and nursing homes is that the former provides personal care and assistance with ADLs for residents who need help with these activities but do not need skilled nursing care. At the same time, the latter offers round-the-clock professional care and medical support. Assisted living would not be an appropriate setting for someone who requires a feeding tube, but a nursing home would be.
2. Memory Care Facilities Vs. Assisted Living Communities
Long-term care facilities dedicated to the unique needs of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are called “memory care” facilities. These days, it’s not uncommon for assisted living facilities to also provide memory care, often in a dedicated section (or perhaps a completely separate building) for the elderly with cognitive impairments. The primary distinction between memory care and assisted living is focusing on the unique needs of persons with dementia.
3. Assisted Living Vs Independent Living
Many of the same conveniences that can be found in an assisted living facility can also be found in an independent living facility. Independent living communities typically have on-site fitness centers, group exercise classes, community eating areas with cooked meals, and organized social events. The primary distinction between independent and assisted living is that the former provides support for all daily living activities while the latter does not.
4. Comparison Of Assisted Living Vs. Home Care
The primary distinction between assisted living and in-home care is location: in assisted living, residents live in a community with other adults getting care, whereas in-home care, caregiving occurs in the resident’s home. Home health aides and assisted living facilities may provide similar services, such as medical assistance and daily tasks. Neither facilities for the elderly nor private companies offering home care provide skilled nursing services.
Who Is Responsible For The Costs Associated With The Assisted Living?
Most households pay for assisted living out of pocket. Retirement funds can come from various sources, such as employer contributions, individual savings, and individual retirement accounts. Many retirees put money away over the years, but their families often chip in to help pay for their care. Think about assisted living costs before making a decision about a community for your loved one. Find out what you can get from insurance, savings, and relatives. Once you figure out how much money you can spend, you can start thinking about the amenities your loved one might enjoy and the kind of care they’ll require.
Conclusion
Seniors who require assistance may benefit from a residential assisted living facility when it comes to tasks like cooking, getting to the restroom in the middle of the night, cleaning the house, and getting to and from appointments. If you or a loved one require more extensive assistance with daily living tasks than can be provided at home or in a retirement community but do not require the constant medical attention and monitoring that a nursing home provides, then assisted living may be the best option.
