In most cases, people who are in assisted living residences tend to pay more than those who choose independent living, because they require higher levels of care and assistance than the ones who are in the independent living communities.
What is independent living and how much should it cost?
One thing that is consistent is that independent living is the least expensive type of senior care because it does not offer personal care assistance and health services. In general, independent living will cost 30-50% less per month than assisted living.
What is the average cost of independent living?
The cost of independent living varies by location, region, and provider. Below you’ll find average costs for independent living. On average, independent living costs about $3,750 per year with average prices ranging from $1,500 to $6,000 per year in 2020 according to whereyoulivematters.com.
What is the difference between assisted living and senior housing?
- Safety: Daily activities are getting more challenging to manage, but you don't need full-time care. ...
- Community and socialization: Good facilities provide a rich social fabric that can improve life and connection immensely for isolated older adults. ...
- Maximizing independence: Assisted living aims to help people live as independently as possible. ...
Are there different levels of assisted living?
You can read more about their differences and similarities here. Basically, there are three levels of assisted living. This is due to the somewhat more relaxed regulations that govern assisted living, especially when compared to nursing homes, which have stricter rules.
What's the difference between assisted living and senior living?
Independent living communities primarily focus on serving the social needs of residents, as many are able to live independently without much support. Assisted living communities support those who need assistance with activities of daily living, while allowing residents to live as independently as possible.
How is most assisted living care usually paid for?
Most families use private funds to pay for assisted living. This means a combination of personal savings, pension payments, and retirement accounts. Though many seniors save for retirement over the years, family members often contribute to elder care costs.
Where is Assisted Living least expensive?
According to A Place For Mom's Cost of Senior Care Survey, the eight most affordable states for assisted living — based on the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment — were, in order of least to most expensive, Montana, South Dakota, Idaho, Oklahoma, Mississippi, North Dakota, Indiana and Tennessee.
What is the average cost of assisted living near me?
Through this process we discovered that the average cost of assisted living in the city of Los Angeles is $5,250, which is the same as the state average of $5,250 and higher than the national average of $4,500.
Does Medicaid cover assisted living?
While each state has its own rules and regulations, Medicaid covers some costs of assisted living in most states. This Medicaid coverage may include the following: Long-term care provided by assisted living communities, residential care homes, and nursing homes.
How can I pay for assisted living with no money?
Your Options to Pay for Assisted LivingReverse Mortgages. A loan is accessible to people over 62 years of age. ... Equity Key Agreement. ... Equity Lines of Credit. ... Life Insurance Conversion. ... Viatical settlements. ... Life settlements. ... Long-term Care Insurance. ... Assisted Living Loans.More items...
What state has the most affordable housing for seniors?
Oklahoma has been deemed the most affordable state in the nation for seniors, in a new ranking that looked at both the costs and accessibility of care and services.
How much does 24/7 in-home care cost per month?
But sometimes, an elderly adult needs hands-on assistance all day and night. So, how much does 24/7 in-home care cost? The average cost of 24/7 care at home stacks up to around $15,000 a month, whether that's 24-hour companion care or home health care.
Can I hire an in-home nurse at independent living?
Yes, although these services are not included in independent living fees.
Can I have visitors in assisted living?
Each facility is different. Some may have visiting hours but not allow overnight visitors, while others may allow a spouse or family member to stay...
Can I keep my pet?
Registered service animals may be the only animals allowed at some assisted living homes. In contrast, other homes may allow residents to keep a pe...
Will my insurance or Medicaid cover housing in these communities?
Health insurance typically won’t pay for accommodations in independent living. However, some programs may pay for assisted living, or seniors may a...
Assisted Living
Consider assisted living as bridging the gap between living in your own home and care in a nursing home. Assisted living communities offer apartment-style living, either in a studio, one- or two-bedroom or companion suite, allowing spouses or long-time friends to remain together.
Independent Living
Independent living communities are touted as apartment-style living for active adults. Unlike assisted living, these communities don’t offer personal care or on-site medical attention. However, a property manager is often available during business hours for resident needs and maintenance service, including 24-hour emergency service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, although these services are not included in independent living fees.
Why is independent living better than assisted living?
With independent living, they get a chance to live full lives and be healthy while eliminating the need for costly and in most cases difficult home maintenance chores. If one has any difficulties completing their daily tasks , they are better off in an assisted living environment.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living facilities are an excellent selection for senior citizens who want to remain autonomous but have some challenges with their day to day activities. Residents here can live the independent life they desire while still receiving regular support in the areas where they need a hand. Professionals in the assisted living homes are responsible for helping out with things like meal preparation, cleaning, transportation, and laundry that makes it possible for retired adults to relax as they enjoy their maintenance-free lifestyle.
Why do people move to independent living?
One of the primary reasons for retirees moving to independent living or assisted living communities near them is that they get to reside in a place that puts in multiple measures to ensure that occupants are safe. Seniors need not worry about perpetrators when they are in their new homes because overwhelmingly, both assisted living and independent living communities have security guards or high fences that keep the facilities safe.
What is independent living?
Independent living category avails an extensive range of housing arrangements that range from housing co-ops to apartment style communities. Inhabitants of assisted living facilities also get to pick where they want to reside in their golden years. Many residences have studios or apartments that have one or more bedrooms.
What do assisted living professionals do?
Professionals in the assisted living homes are responsible for helping out with things like meal preparation, cleaning, transportation, and laundry that makes it possible for retired adults to relax as they enjoy their maintenance-free lifestyle.
What services do independent living communities provide?
Housekeeping, laundry, landscaping, recreational activities and events, on-site dining, and surveillance are some services to expect from Independent Living settings, however it depends on the community.
Why are independent living communities important?
Independent living communities are ideal for aged adults who are willing to move out of their home, perhaps because they find that it is too big, or just want to embrace a senior community lifestyle among other reasons.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living facilities provide assistance to help residents remain as independent as possible for as long as possible. Almost all assisted living facilities have support staff to help with activities of daily living (ADLs). These activities include:
What are the pros and cons of assisted living?
There are pros and cons associated with both assisted living and independent living communities: 1 Independent living communities allow you to remain independent without having to deal with the burdens and responsibility of living alone. They provide you with a sense of community and give you an opportunity to socialize with peers. However, these types of communities may not have the support services you need now or in the future. If you eventually need additional care, you may need to transfer to an assisted living or skilled nursing facility. 2 Assisted living facilities want you to remain as independent as possible, but they provide you with help should you need it. Assisted living facilities also generally offer the same opportunities to socialize and have fun as independent living communities. However, assisted living is more expensive.
What is independent living?
Independent living offers luxury amenities, such as swimming pools and movie theaters, as well as basic amenities like yardwork and home maintenance. Assisted living facilities provide assistance with ADLs. Other amenities vary by facility but may include laundry services, housekeeping, meal prep and cooking; shared community areas; on- and off-site activities; transportation to medical appointments; and 24-hour security.
What is included in an independent living fee?
Independent living communities may also offer housekeeping, laundry and dining services for an additional fee.
What are some examples of assisted living facilities?
Examples of other services and amenities that may be provided by assisted living facilities include: Medication management: Assisted living facilities may help with ordering, sorting and administering medications. However, this help may be limited. Laundry and housekeeping: Facilities may provide trash removal, laundry services, ...
Is independent living right for me?
If you currently have a strong enough support system, an independent living community may be right for you. However, if you don’t feel your current support system is working for you or you anticipate changes that may stress or burden your current support system, you may want to consider assisted living.
Is assisted living better than assisted living?
If you answered yes, assist ed living might be a better fit for you. Assisted living provides access to daily support services that help keep you healthy and safe. If you’re comfortable being alone for extended periods, you probably don’t need the level of support assisted living provides.
What is independent living?
Independent living communities are designed to provide seniors with a neighborhood of people their age and access to services that will help make their lives easier. These facilities typically do not offer assistance with activities of daily living like bathing and using the restroom, but do often offer services to assist people with everyday activities. Amenities and services differ depending on the community, but below are some of the services that are typically offered.
How many amenities are there in independent living communities?
Some communities offer over 200 unique amenities, such as games rooms and on-site theatres and bars. Other independent living communities have relatively few amenities, and these places are typically more affordable to rent.
What is senior apartment?
Senior apartments offer many of the same amenities as retirement communities, on a smaller scale. One- or two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and bathrooms allow seniors to remain independent. These 55 and over complexes usually offer disability-accessible accommodations for those who use a wheelchair or walker.
What is subsidized housing?
As the name implies, subsidized housing offers independent living at reduced rates based upon income levels and disability. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers benefits to housing groups and apartment owners that provide reduced rents.
Do independent living communities have to provide meals?
Independent living communities aren’t required to provide three daily meals like in assisted living, but many communities do offer dining options and the ability to pay for meals in advance.
Is there a federally funded independent living program?
Financial Assistance Options for Independent Living. There are no federally-funded independent living communities, however there is an annual budget of over $2 million allocated to senior services programs through the Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Do communities include residents in meal planning?
Many communities include residents in meal planning and take special requests, so ask about how involved you can be in deciding what type of food to choose from every day. If you have any dietary restrictions such as a low-sodium or gluten-free diet, make sure to ask if your diet is considered in the dining choices.
Overview of Independent Living
In independent living communities, residents typically live in their own residence within a larger senior community. Independent living takes on many forms and can include senior apartments, condos, townhomes, or houses.
Overview of Assisted Living
Assisted living facilities provide many of the same benefits as independent living facilities. There are social and community aspects, while residents also receive any necessary medical and personal-care assistance.
Onsite Services, Amenities, and Activities
Both types of facilities offer different services and perks for their residents. Both provide amenities to help with everyday activities like basic housekeeping services, help with meal prep, laundry, services, and making and keeping appointments.
Level of Medical Care
As mentioned before, assisted living facilities offer greater levels of medical care than independent living facilities. Although independent living residents can often receive medication reminders, there is no full-time medical staff to see to medical needs.
Assistance with Everyday Living
In assisted living, residents are assisted with activities of daily living or ADL. These include hygiene and self-care activities. However, assisted living staff does not provide support for intense medical issues, like serious mental or physical illness.
Continuum of Care
Assisted living is the only one of the two that offers round-the-clock care and available support. At least one medical practitioner, often a nurse, must be on the premises at all times, meaning that all medical issues can be cared for immediately.
Price and Insurance
While independent living caters to convenience and lifestyle without medical support, these communities often offer luxury and high end amenities. Non-luxury communities are often cheaper than assisted living as there is a lower level of care, but luxury amenity focused communities are often significantly more expensive than assisted living.
What is independent living?
Independent living communities offer a wide range of home options and home sizes, though most people live in apartments or cottages. Independent living communities offer a similar lifestyle to living at home but with several additional amenities. You’ll no longer have to worry about home maintenance and may receive housekeeping assistance.
What is assisted living?
Assisted living offers similar benefits to independent living but with extra support for activities of daily living. You can still choose from a wide range of housing options, though most communities primarily offer one-bedroom and studio apartments for assisted living.
What is the difference between assisted living and independent living?
The most important distinction between independent living vs. assisted living is that the two options offer different levels of care.
Looking for peace of mind?
You don’t have to know the future or predict how healthy you’ll be one, five or 10 years down the line to make the right decision. For many seniors, an early transition to independent living is ideal, especially at a Life Plan Community, since it can make transitioning to assisted living feel less daunting.
How much does a nursing home cost in 2020?
In 2020, the average yearly cost of a private nursing home room was $100,375. A high end assisted living facility averaged $84,000 a year.
Can life insurance be bought back?
Your life insurance company may buy back your policy (at a reduced percentage of course) but it may be enough to cover a good portion of your assisted living costs.
What happens if you pay less for assisted living?
In general, if you pay less for assisted living, you’ll probably be getting less in terms of services, amenities and extras. Care will probably be basic, and staffing ratios (staff to residents) will probably be lesser.
What to expect when someone pays for care?
Anytime someone is paying for the care and well being for themselves, or a family member – you can expect your wallet to be lighter as a result. This is not simply a matter of finding an apartment and signing a lease. This is entrusting a trained, caring and skilled staff of professionals, chefs, security guards, engineers, administrators, owners, contract workers, nurses, caregivers and support staff to make sure that you or your loved-one is not only kept alive, but is comfortable, engaged, stimulated, socially active and genuinely cared for.
Is assisted living expensive?
Assisted Living may be expensive, but there are ways for you to share the cost, or insure that the cost is covered once you discover that living at home is no longer an option. More Information. https://www.assisted-living-directory.comcontent/costs-and-expenses.cfm.
Is geographic location less desirable?
Geographic location in less-expensive facilities may also be less desirable, and safety and health ratings (usually done by the state’s health department or department of aging) might be a little more questionable.
Is assisted living more affordable?
Having said that, there are, at times, options for senior care and assisted living that are ‘more affordable’ than others ( I am reluctant to use the word ‘cheaper’ as that might imply lesser quality). In general, if you pay less for assisted living, you’ll probably be getting less in terms of services, amenities and extras. Care will probably be basic, and staffing ratios (staff to residents) will probably be lesser. Geographic location in less-expensive facilities may also be less desirable, and safety and health ratings (usually done by the state’s health department or department of aging) might be a little more questionable.
