The cost of living can be high for seniors and their families, but there are ways to find affordable senior living options that still meet the needs of what you’re looking for. It’s important to do your research and look for senior living options that offer programs, services and activities that your loved one needs (and wants)!
Popular Senior Living Options
Below, we will share some of the more common senior living accommodations. Whatever option you ultimately choose, be sure that it meets both your needs and the needs of your loved ones.
Assisted Living Facilities
An assisted living facility provides care for seniors who need help with personal care, eating, and getting around. This can include help with eating, getting dressed, grooming, and bathing. Assisted living care differs from nursing care by not providing 24/7 nursing care.
In addition to standard care, residents of an assisted living community usually have access to activities and programs. These activities and programs may include arts and crafts, outdoor activities, exercise classes, and social activities.
Moreover, assisted living communities usually charge different rates based on the type of care and services offered. Some facilities may provide more services than others, but all offer some level of care. [1]
Assisted living facilities are usually more affordable than nursing homes, and you can trust that your loved one is getting the kind of personalized care they need in their daily lifestyle. This, in addition to the social activities provided, makes assisted living facilities an excellent fit for many seniors.
Memory Care Facilities
Memory care facilities are often a good choice for seniors who need 24/7 care. These care facilities can help seniors who have memory loss related to disease or injury. They may also be good options for seniors who have other conditions that make it difficult to care for themselves.
Memory care facilities usually have nurses on staff that provide around-the-clock care. They may also have nurses or other staff members who can help with activities like bathing, dressing, and walking.
Like nursing homes, these facilities usually have different rates based on what services are provided. Most have a range of rates, so you can find one that accommodates your budget. There are also many facilities that are affordable for both short and long stays.
As such, you should speak with a facility supervisor to discuss the needs of your loved one and what your requirements are for their care.
Independent Living Facilities
Residents of an independent living facility usually have some level of help with activities of daily living. However, it is vastly limited compared to many other senior living options. This may include help with dressing, bathing, and eating.
Some facilities may have staffing that helps with other activities, such as medication management and trips to the doctor or the grocery store.
That said, independent living homes cater to seniors who want to remain as self-reliant as possible. An independent senior living community might be right for your loved one if they are looking for a home that offers services for your specific needs, such as access to doctors, activities, social gatherings, and care for specific medical conditions.
Independent living facilities usually have different rates, depending on services and level of care. Some have high rates, while some have low rates. The average rate of an independent living facility is usually around $4,300 per month. [2]
Understandably, this may be too much for many seniors to afford. Therefore, always weigh your options and consider other arrangements.
Housing Options for Independent Living
Many senior living communities offer discounted or low-cost housing options. This can be helpful if you have a low income and need to find affordable senior living options.
Senior housing complexes are usually self-contained, which means they have many amenities that make life easier for those who live there. Be sure to carefully explore what’s offered to ensure that it provides for your needs.
Senior living communities usually have different rates based on the type of housing. Some may have higher rates than other senior living communities, but there are also options that are affordable.
Alzheimer’s Care Facilities
There are many ways to provide care for elders with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Hospitals and nursing homes that specialize in these conditions are often referred to as Alzheimer’s care facilities. These facilities usually provide 24/7 care for residents, who usually stay in the facility the entire time they are there.
Other options for providing care for elders with Alzheimer’s include assisted living facilities and independent living facilities. These facilities often provide more services and activities to help with daily living while seniors with Alzheimer’s live there.
There are in-home solutions that provide this intensive level of care. However, this could greatly affect the cost of your loved one’s care.
Conclusion
There are many ways to find affordable senior living options. You can also try looking for low-cost housing options or senior housing complexes. You may also be able to find a discounted care option that is affordable.
Before choosing a senior living community, make sure you research the care and services offered. In addition, make sure you have all of your medical needs met and that you have the supplies you need. Also, have someone visit the senior living community to get a feel for the building and services offered.
Senior living options vary widely in their quality and level of care. It’s important to do your research and make sure the senior living community you choose is the right fit for you and your family.
References:
[1] https://www.seniorliving.org/assisted-living/costs/
[2] https://www.assistedliving.org/assisted-living-near-me/assisted-living-options-low-income-elders/