Assisted living facilities provide care for seniors who need help with their basic living tasks, with structured help in an environment that is conducive to senior living. These communities help families and caregivers who are no longer able to provide the level of care that is required for their loved one.
Even with 30,000 assisted living communities that can cater to over 0ne million seniors, there is still a shortage of senior care facilities with the population aging and living longer.
Elderly Care Cost
The cost of elder care is a major factor when it comes to choosing the kind of senior care that is required.
The basic cost of an assisted living community will range from $2,000 to $6,000 per month. Costs will vary from location to location, state to state, and the level of care that is required, so shop around to find the home that will work within your budget.
Assisted living communities will provide living accommodations, cooking, housekeeping, transportation, and care for seniors, the basic duties will be bathing, eating, dressing, and taking medications.
The difference between a nursing home and an assisted living facility is that a nursing home will have 24-hour medical care for its residents, while with assisted living, residents can still live independently, but they will need some help with their daily activities, and live in a safe environment.
There are move-in fees and administration fees when you move your loved one into an assisted living home so it is important to ask how much these fees are.
Also keep in mind that the majority of expenses are out-of-pocket and paid for by the family since most insurance does not cover the cost of assisted living.
Some long-term care insurance policies cover the costs of an assisted living facility so it is best to look at the policy and see what services insurance will pay for.
Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community
Look for assisted living communities that are close to you so it will be convenient to visit your loved one. You can ask friends and healthcare professionals for referrals or search online.
It is important to visit more than one community so you can have a better idea of what would be a good fit for your loved one.
See what activities, outings, and other social events the homes provide to see if your loved one will enjoy the home.
Ask the assisted living home about the levels of staff training, the ratio of employees to residents, and continuing education efforts.
Have a conversation with your loved one about why it is the right time for assisted living and focus on the positive items, such as the activities, a built-in social life, and a safer environment.
It is important for them to understand why it is the best thing and make sure that they are comfortable with the decision.