Living Options

Senior Living Options

Various Options exist for older adults looking for somewhere to settle down and age in place.

Care At Home

Older adults needing some additional services to help them age in place, preferably in their own home.

Senior Independent Living

Usually for older adults in relatively good health wanting a hassle free lifestyle. These facilities take care of basics (building and yard maintenance). They usually have additional access to local social activities on site with similar aged individuals and can include social gatherings, movies, exercise programs, etc.

Senior Independent Living

Residential Care Home

Assisted Living Facilities that are set up in homes for a more home like feel. Usually limited to smaller number of residents living together with a full time caregiver on site.

Residential Care Homes

Pečovatelka připravuje kávu pro seniorku v jejím pokoji

Nursing Home

Older Adults needing ongoing skilled nursing care, which can no longer be provided at home or in an assisted living facility. This care usually requires frequent intervention by a Registered Nurse. These facilities have a Registered Nurse on staff.

Nursing Homes

Assisted Living

Adults who are no longer able to live independently and are starting to need assistance with medication management, household chores, needing help with activities of daily living.

Assisted Living Facilities

Pečovatelky na chodbě domova pro seniory hovoří s klientkou

Memory Care

Older adults who have developed a form of dementia (Alzheimer’s or other). These facilities have secured exits and entrances to keep patients safe and prevent forgetful wandering.

Memory Care Facilities

Brown Wooden Coffee Table With Couches and Chairs

Cost Breakdown for Options:

Home care can be affordable if done correctly. However, higher levels of care like live in 24 hour caregivers can send costs higher than those at facilities. Careful planning and true understanding of individual needs is necessary to properly determine costs. Remodeling costs are based on the modification desired. In home caregivers can range from $13/hour (if hired privately) to $25/hr if through an agency. Keep in mind, if you hire privately, you will not have backup for when people call in sick or are unavailable, whereas a company will likely be able to provide you with replacement staff until you caregiver comes back. Most agencies ask for 4 hour blocks, regularly scheduled each week.

Senior housing industry is booming and there are new developments popping up everywhere. A quick internet search will show you some in the area where you want to live. To find these developments, search for 55+ apartments/communities. You can also use a locator service to help find a place for you (like us!). These services are usually free to the client. Depending on amenities, the cost for senior apartments is usually about the same as regular apartments in the area, and may be slightly higher. However, you get the security of being in a facility that caters to older adults with activities/services usually available on campus or close by. They usually have medical, religious, and social activities geared towards individuals who choose to live her. These independent living housing usually does not provide too many additional services. They can have a laundry service and a dining room that may be part of the larger complex shared by all residents as part of a common area. Rent for independent living facilities can range from $1500 – $5000/month depending on location and services offered. These facilities usually require some type of long term commitment.

Residential Care Homes or Personal Care Homes are private residences (what may or may not have been modified) within a neighborhood subdivision that provide assistance and supervision of older adults needing support. They offer smaller, more intimate at-home feel. These are great options for individuals who do not want to be in larger settings. Keep in mind that any home with 3 or less patients in them are usually unlicensed and anyone can open them. Larger homes with more than 4 patients usually follow the same rules as assisted living facilities and are inspected by surveyors from the state. These homes can be great for those looking to develop close relationships with other residents and caregivers. There is usually less staff turnover, and in most cases the owner is the primary caregiver. Rent for residential care homes can range from $2500 – $5000/month. Make sure you inquire about the services offered and included in the monthly payment.

Assisted Living Facilities provide long term care services that consist of room and board, personal care services, medication management and help with activities of daily living. Assisted Living facilities can be large or small (designated by the number of beds). Large facilities have more rules they need to follow. The residents usually live by themselves and do need some assistance with Activities of Daily Living. They usually have a central food service and dining room with assistance available. They offer social and recreational activities. Staff is available to help with medication management and administration. The cost for an Assisted Living Facility are usually covered in a monthly rent and services payment. This amount can range from $4000-$7000/month depending on location and services. May Assisted Living facilities offer additional services which can be purchased in addition to base services. When evaluating an Assisted Living Facility, make sure you ask what services are included.

Memory care facilities specialize in patients specifically with various forms of dementia. Memory care is a type of long term care specifically designed to help care for those patients who are cognitively impaired due to a form of dementia. These facilities are secure environments (usually with secured exits and entrances) where staff can monitor and care for patients with cognitive impairment. They provide a high level of support with a structured environment that protects against wandering and self harm. Memory care is typically provided in Assisted Living Facilities or Nursing Homes. It usually is an “add on” service at these facilities of $1000 – $2000/month in addition to the base room and board charge.

Nursing homes provide care to patients who are in need of significant assistance. These facilities provide two different types of care; skilled nursing care and custodial care. Patients who require skilled nursing care usually following a hospitalization can be admitted to a Nursing Home for skilled therapy for a few weeks to months. Medicare and other insurances typically pay for this skilled therapy which can include would care, physical therapy, administration of medications, infusion of IV fluids or medications, etc. Custodial care (non-skilled care) is assistance with activities of daily living (toileting, dressing, bathing, feeding one self, etc.) and is provided by staff at the facility. Custodial care (Room and Board) charges are typically not covered by Medicare. State Medicaid programs, however, usually do cover nursing home room and board charges. Those who do not qualify for Medicaid will pay out of pocket or use long term care insurance benefits to pay for room and board charges. Typical costs for nursing homes can range from $6500 – $12000 / month depending on services and private or semiprivate room.