What Is the Cost of Assisted Living Community or Memory Care?
The high costs of long-term senior care can make your search for the right assisted living community daunting, but thorough research can help you find ways to lessen the burden. The first step is figuring out the exact costs, which can vary depending on where you live and the services you require.
This article discusses the essential details of assisted living costs, including how various factors affect prices and how you can pay for long-term care.
What Is the Cost of Assisted Living Community Near Me?
The average monthly cost of assisted living in the United States is $5,380. If you or a loved one requires memory care, the average increases to $6,935 per month. Many factors drive these prices, including location, amenities, and services, but a higher price doesn’t necessarily equate to a higher level of care.
When searching for the best-assisted living facility for your needs, it’s crucial to research the services and amenities they offer and how they price them. Typically, your costs will include:
- Rent
- Meals
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Daily activities
- Personal care
Some facilities bill personal care by the time it takes each day—for example, 30 minutes for helping with meals or 15 minutes for medication assistance. Others might charge a flat fee covering all the daily living services you need.
Seniors taking good care in Assisted Living Community
What Affects the Cost of Living at a Nursing Home?
Costs of assisted living and other long-term care options vary according to several factors, including:
- Size of the facility
- Location
- Services
- Amenities
- Levels of care
Depending on the facility, you could face extra fees for specific services like memory care. Residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia need more attentive supervision, and assisted living facilities might charge a fee or offer a special package that includes those services. When considering a facility, it’s essential to discuss the costs of the particular assistance you or your loved one requires so that the assisted living community can provide an accurate estimate.
How To Pay For Assisted Living Community and Memory Care
Many people believe that their health insurance or Social Security will cover assisted living, but most seniors pay for their long-term care out of pocket. You might be eligible for benefits to help with long-term care now or in the future, but it’s best to have a solid financial plan to pay for these services.
Medicare
Unfortunately, Medicare and Medicare Advantage insurance policies generally don’t cover living expenses or personal care at assisted living facilities. Depending on your insurance, you likely have coverage for medical care and medications at the facility. However, the costs of living and personal assistance, such as memory care, will have to come from another source.
Medicaid
Certain facilities accept Medicaid for low-income residents who don’t have the assets to cover long-term care. Check with your state or community resources to discover options for assistance with your needs. Depending on your situation, you could be eligible for benefits that help you afford assisted living and other personal care services.
Long-term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is one of the primary ways seniors can afford to pay for assisted living and memory care. This insurance policy reimburses you for daily personal care services and offers various benefits depending on your needs. The cost depends on age, maximum coverage amount, and policy length.
It’s crucial to note that you might not be eligible for long-term care insurance if you are in poor health or already require assisted living services. However, you might qualify for limited coverage at a higher rate. Many policies only pay for a specific length of time in a care facility or have a maximum amount they will cover.
How to Find the Perfect Nursing Home Near Me
Costs are a significant aspect of your long-term care plan, but you should also consider what makes an assisted living facility worthy of being your or your loved one’s home. You should look at the facility’s staff, location, services, and activities to ensure they align with your needs and preferences.
At Lavender Springs in Austin, TX, we treat every assisted living resident like a family member. Our community values trust, respect, and love for all residents, staff, and visitors. For more information, call us at 512-858-0211.