You may be wondering what type of senior living facility is right for you, and you’re certainly not alone! According to Money Task Force, 70 percent of seniors require some type of long-term care services.
Choosing the right senior living facility is a big decision that’s often complicated by the number of options out there. Between home care, nursing homes and independent-living communities, it can be easy to get confused when analyzing each option. To help you make the right decision, we’ve outlined five different types of senior living facilities:
- Independent-Living Communities are great for those who are still active. Also known as retirement communities or 55+ communities, residents can choose from a variety of fully-equipped apartments and enjoy organized social events and outings. This option is ideal for those with few medical problems as a nursing staff is not typically on-hand, but this luxurious lifestyle comes at a hefty price – it can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $3,500 per month.
- Assisted-Living (or Assisted-Care) Communities seem to be the Goldilocks of the situation as they’re ideal for those who cannot safely age in place but don’t need the round-the-clock medical care provided at nursing homes (see below). Staff is available 24 hours a day to assist residents with completing activities of daily living, and similarly to independent-living communities, frequent social activities are offered. An added benefit is that some assisted-living communities take Medicaid, but depending on how much assistance you require, the cost could range from $2,500 to $4,000 a month.
- As mentioned above, Nursing Homes, or Long-Term Care Facilities, have licensed nurses on-hand 24 hours a day to assist those who need extensive medical assistance and care; most residents have complex medical conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease. This type of senior living facility can cost between $4,000 and $8,000 a month, but Medicare and Medicaid is oftentimes accepted as well.
- A Residential Care Home is a great option for those who are looking for a more private and homelike care experience. As the name suggests, a residential care home is a private home where residents live together and receive care from live-in caregivers. Residents receive assistance in completing daily living tasks, but be sure to verify which services are offered since services and amenities vary according to each home. This is most likely the cheapest option so far on the list as it typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 a month (Medicaid may also help pay for this type of care).
- Don’t forget about Home Care! This option may be last on our list, but a large majority of seniors would actually prefer to age in place. As its title suggests, home care allows you to receive care right in your own home. In addition to assisting with activities of daily living, in-home caregivers may also provide transportation, medications, meals, and most importantly, companionship. Depending on one’s needs, a caregiver could be available one day a week or 24 hours a day (at a cost of about $20-$40 an hour). It’s also important to note that there are affordable tools to help you age in place. Medical alert devices allow you to receive help even if your caregiver or loved one isn’t nearby, and they are a great way to cut back on the cost of home care if you are unable to afford an in-home caregiver every day of the week.
This list is a great starting point for you and your loved ones to help you determine what type of senior living facility is right for you, but remember that there is no right or wrong answer. Consider which facility will best meet your needs, and you’ll make the right decision!
Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
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