Determining the cost of assisted living is important for those planning long-term care, whether for themselves or a loved one. Knowing the costs will help individuals develop a plan to pay for assisted living, which is essential because most people will need some level of long-term care in their later years. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, more than 50% of people who are turning 65 can expect to use some long-term care services in their senior years.
It’s important to start researching affordable assisted living facilities (ALFs) that offer the care and services you need in your area. The fees charged by ALFs are affected by a number of factors including the setting, style, and services provided. ALFs can range from small facilities to large activity-based communities, and some are more basic, while others are more luxurious. The services and amenities provided also differ between facilities, as do the types of units available. Some facilities offer studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments, or shared units.
By researching and comparing different ALFs, you can determine which ALF best meets your specific needs and budget. This information will help you develop a comprehensive care plan and be prepared to transition to assisted living when the time comes. Ultimately, investing the time and effort to understand the costs of assisted living will give you peace of mind knowing that high-quality care is within reach.
Each assisted living facility offers its own unique set of services, amenities, and accommodations, which can directly affect the costs and fees associated with their care. Therefore, it is essential to gather relevant information to develop a budget, identify the pricing model that best suits your needs, and explore options to save money and secure funds.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost?
With more than 30,000 assisted living and senior care communities across the United States, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, senior living residences offer a wide range of options to choose from. These communities vary in size, style, amenities, services, and prices, providing seniors with the flexibility to select a facility that meets their unique needs and budget.
While assisted living facilities may initially seem expensive, they are often cheaper than in-home support services and nursing homes, making them a viable option for seniors who want to maintain some level of independence and independence. Want to In fact, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, in 2016 the national median for a private, one-bedroom unit in an ALF was $3,628 per month, with the U.S. overcharging.
However, when comparing the costs of state-assisted living, there is significant variation in pricing. For example, the least and most expensive states and territories can give you a better idea of state-by-state pricing. Therefore, it is important to research and compares different assisted living facilities to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
There are many senior living options available, with more than 30,000 assisted living and senior care communities in the U.S., according to a 2014 report by the National Center for Health Statistics. Facilities come in a variety of sizes, styles, amenities, services and prices. Offers the flexibility to choose the facility that best meets your needs, including your budget.
While assisted living facilities may initially appear expensive, they are often cheaper than in-home support services and nursing homes compared to other services in the same geographic area. In 2016, the national average for a private, one-bedroom unit in an ALF was $3,628 per month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. However, the cost varies by state, and a comparison shows that there is considerable variation between states.
For example, the average monthly rates in the ten least expensive states were:
- Missouri ($2,537)
- Oklahoma ($2,803)
- Georgia ($2,850)
- Alabama ($2,900)
- Utah ($2,950)
- North Carolina ($3,000)
- South Carolina ($3,000)
- Florida ($3,045)
- Nevada ($3,050)
- Arkansas ($3,133).
In contrast, the average monthly rates in the ten most expensive states and territories are:
- District of Columbia ($6,700)
- Alaska ($5,750)
- Massachusetts ($5,463)
- Delaware ($5,368)
- Maine ($4,991)
- Connecticut ($4,950)
- New Jersey ($4,950)
- Rhode Island ($4,931)
- Vermont ($4,860)
- New Hampshire ($4,800).
When planning for long-term care, it is important to consider future costs as well. Based on historical rate information, Genworth estimates that the national average for a private, one-bedroom assisted living apartment could increase to $4,876 per month in 2026 and $6,553 per month in 2036. Taking these costs into account can and should develop a care plan now. Helps you prepare and make sure you or your loved one can afford high-quality care whenever you need it.
What Services Are Included in Assisted Living Fees?
Assisted living communities to provide a wide range of services and amenities to their residents, but it is important to note that not all facilities provide the same services. Depending on the community, services such as housekeeping, laundry, transportation, and wellness programs may be included in the monthly fee. Other communities may offer additional services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy for an additional fee.
It’s important to ask detailed questions about what services are included in the monthly rate and what services require additional costs. This information will help you determine the total cost of living in an assisted living community and create a budget that accurately reflects your needs.
Some facilities may have all-inclusive pricing, while others may offer an a-la-carte pricing model where you choose what services to pay for based on your needs. It is essential to understand these options and choose the one that best suits your budget and lifestyle.
Each senior residence facility usually has a different fee structure or model. The three main types of fee structures you may encounter are:
All-Inclusive: This model covers all services and amenities in your monthly fee. However, it is important to clarify what the definition of “all-inclusive” of a facility is, as it may exclude certain services or amenities. While many people prefer this fee structure for its consistent budget, it is necessary to compare it to other models to ensure that it is the most economical option based on your or your loved one’s care and support needs.
Tiered: This structure offers rates based on the care needs of the residents. Typically, three to five levels of service are available, each with a different range of services included. Some facilities may set rates using a points system, where every service and amenity is assigned a value, which is added up to determine the fee level. Tiered pricing may be a more cost-effective option than all-inclusive, but can result in unplanned rate increases if care needs change suddenly.
Fee for services or a la carte: This model starts with a base rate for rent, which may include basic services such as food or housekeeping. Then, a flat or per-hour fee is charged for each additional service or amenity you use. The primary advantage of this model is that you only pay for what you use. However, this can result in large fluctuations in your bill from month to month, which can make budgeting difficult.
In addition to the fee structures mentioned, some assisted living accommodations may also charge an entrance fee, which is a one-time payment made before you move in. Administration or management staff to see if there is any flexibility.
Some facilities may waive the admission fee entirely or offer special promotions under certain circumstances. Keep in mind that while admission fees may seem like a large upfront cost, they can sometimes be beneficial in the long run by reducing monthly fees or providing access to additional features and services. It is important to weigh the costs and benefits of each fee structure and option when selecting an assisted living facility.
Are There Ways to Lower the Costs of Assisted Living?
One of the keys to making assisted living more affordable is planning ahead, but this isn’t always possible. Some people only realize they need assisted living when their care needs become too much to manage at home. Even if you can’t plan ahead, you can still take some steps to make assisted living more affordable.
First of all, take your time and do your research. Choosing the right assisted living facility or community is important from the outset, as moving can be costly. Next, negotiate rates. Many people don’t realize that the cost of assisted living is often negotiable, so it’s worth asking if the facility will agree to a lower lock-in rate. You should also compare communities of different sizes, as smaller facilities may offer lower rates due to smaller staff budgets or fewer state-mandated regulations.
Another way to make assisted living more affordable is to consider relocation. If fees in your area are more expensive than your budget, look to outlying communities, nearby towns, and cities, or even different states. You can find lower rates in warmer climates or in other countries such as Malaysia, Mexico, or the Philippines.
You can also look for places that offer shared living or studio units, as private apartments are often more expensive. If you find that your current facility is too expensive, talk to the administration or management staff to see if they can offer a lower rate. Finally, consider meeting with a financial planner or advisor, as they can help you find budgeting and funding options you haven’t previously considered.
Who Pays for Assisted Living?
When individuals are considering how to pay for assisted living, they often ask whether Medicare will cover the costs. Unfortunately, Medicare generally does not cover the costs of assisted living, as it is not for long-term care. However, Medicare may cover some medical expenses, equipment, drugs, and services needed while living in an assisted living facility. It is important to check with your plan representative to see what is covered based on your individual coverage and state of residence.
Although you or your loved one will be ultimately responsible for paying for assisted living, there are many sources of funding to consider. Below are some of the most common possibilities:
Family Support
It is important to note that family support can be a valuable source of funding for the cost of assisted living. Many seniors are fortunate to have children or other relatives who are willing and able to help pay for their care. This may include contributing to monthly bills, providing a one-time lump sum payment, or providing ongoing financial assistance.
However, it is also important to recognize that not everyone has family members who are in a position to provide financial support. In some cases, there may not be any member in the family of the seniors. In these situations, it is important to explore other funding options, such as financial aid from government programs or non-profit organizations. It’s always a good idea to explore all possible sources of funding to make sure you or your loved one can afford the care you need.
Home Equity
Selling the family home is a popular option for many seniors who need to pay for their assisted living care. However, this may not always be possible, especially if a person continues to live in the home. In such cases, other options are available, such as obtaining a reverse mortgage, which allows seniors to take out a loan in exchange for the equity in their home.
Another option is to obtain a home equity line of credit, which is a loan taken against the home for a specified term and paid back with interest at the end of the loan term.
A third option is to obtain an equity key agreement, where a real estate company buys the existing equity in the home and receives a stake in future equity development.
These options provide seniors with more options for funding their assisted living care.
Personal Pensions and Retirement Savings
Finding ways to assist with living can be challenging, but one common option is to access individual pension and retirement savings. For many seniors, these funds are the first source of payment when it comes to assisted living costs.
If you have a company or municipal pension plan, you may be eligible for regular payments that can help offset the costs of assisted living.
Additionally, about 90 percent of seniors receive some form of Social Security benefit, which can provide further financial support.
By using a combination of monthly pension checks and retirement or savings accounts, seniors can make assisted living more affordable. It is important to consult with a financial advisor to determine the best way to use these funds and ensure that they last for the duration of your stay in assisted living.
Life Insurance
It is not commonly known that life insurance policies can be converted into long term care benefit plans. By converting your life insurance policy, you can get monthly payouts for a predetermined term. The payment amount and schedule depend on the value of your policy. It is recommended that you consult your financial or insurance advisor to understand how this works. Also, if you have a large insurance policy with a cash value, you can compare cashing it in with converting it.
It is important to note that life insurance policies can be considered assets when applying for Medicaid funding. However, converting a life insurance policy to a long-term care benefit plan may disqualify it as a qualifying asset.
Conclusion
To sum up, financing assisted living for seniors and their families can be a difficult task. While Medicare typically does not cover the cost of assisted living, there are many other funding sources available, including personal savings, pension, and retirement accounts.
In addition, selling the family home, obtaining a reverse mortgage or home equity line of credit, and converting life insurance policies to long-term care benefit plans are other possibilities.
It is important to plan ahead and explore all available funding sources to ensure that you or your loved one can afford the care you need. Receiving guidance from financial and insurance professionals can also help in making informed decisions about assisted living financing.
Ultimately, with careful planning and research, seniors and their families can find the right sources of funding to make assisted living a more affordable option.