I have recently completed many phone calls with prospective clients. The first question that most ask me is, ”How much will the different senior living options cost?” When I provide the answer, new and prospective clients are absolutely overwhelmed. That’s why, if you are in the process of looking for senior living for yourself or a loved one, you need to be aware of current costs. I share below a summary of costs according to each level of care:
Independent living – The senior can basically function on his or her own, but may need a little help with meal preparation and housekeeping. Costs can start at $4,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Please note, this is what independent living is supposed to be; the senior should need only a little help with meal preparation and housekeeping. Many communities insist that residents at the independent living level adhere to this description. There are other communities that will allow seniors who need more than minimal help to rent an independent living apartment and move in with a part-time or full-time caregiver. This is a matter of personal preference, or there may be some cost savings involved.
Assisted living – The senior needs some stand-by or hands-on assistance with his or her activities of daily living, meaning bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, walking and eating. Costs can run anywhere between $5,000 and $6,000 base price for a studio unit. This covers basic room and board and three meals per day. Then there will be an additional incremental charge of $400 to $2,300-plus for increasing levels of standby or hands-on care provided to the resident. What formerly was provided at the intermediate level of nursing home care has been absorbed at the assisted living level. What I am finding is that many assisted living communities take on cases that they are not equipped to handle. That is something to be aware of, and why evaluation by ADSLA is always advised.