The Costs Of Assisted Living: Common Myths, Debunked

January 8th, 2018 by admin

As we age, it's only natural to feel apprehensive or even worried about all of the physical and mental changes that come with growing older. But that fear of the unknown can result in the spread of misinformation. Senior care options, including assisted living facilities, are often misunderstood by seniors and their families. It's understandable that concerns about the costs of care could discourage people from finding out more about senior living facilities. To that end, there are probably some myths pertaining to the cost of assisted living facilities that you probably believe. We're discussing -- and debunking -- a few of those myths in today's post.

• MYTH: The cost of assisted living facility programs is too expensive


• Truth: First of all, you'll get quite a bit for the cost of assisted living facility programs. Most facilities provide 24-hour supervision, three meals a day (plus snacks), home maintenance, personal care and health services, medication management, social opportunities, and transportation. Secondly, the cost of assisted living facility apartments or condos will vary depending on your location, the size of your unit, and your level of care. In many cases, residents find that they'd actually pay more for their mortgage or rent, utilities, food, and entertainment than they would for assisted living when it's all taken into account. That said, these living arrangements may not be feasible for every family, so it's important to do ample research on the subject as it pertains to your circumstances.


• MYTH: Family-provided home care is always more affordable than assisted living


• Truth: Not only are familial caregivers subject to immense stress, but they often find that caring for their elderly loved one is both an emotional and a financial burden. Caring for a loved one requires a big time commitment, which often causes family members to time off work or put other responsibilities at risk as a result. Over time, that lost income will take a toll on your finances and the time requirement for this type of care won't leave much room for anything else. For many families, an assisted living facility can remove all kinds of stress and can improve everyone's quality of life.


• MYTH: My loved one's Medicare will cover the costs


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  Truth: For some facilities, this may be true -- if it's a skilled nursing facility. But many assisted living facilities accept only long-term care insurance or private pay. In addition, Medicare does not provide coverage for daily living activity assistance (like help with bathing, dressing, etc.). Medicaid may cover certain types of assisted living duties. No matter what, it's important that you check with your insurance provider and your choice of facility to find out exactly what options are available for your family.

Understanding your senior living options can be tough, especially when cost is a major factor. To find out more about our offerings, please contact us today.

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