As individuals age, various circumstances have to be reassessed. A current living situation may not be meeting the needs of a senior who may be having difficulty caring properly for himself or herself. Families often consider senior residences to provide welcoming and safe environments for their loved ones during the golden years of their lives. These facilities may range from independent living homes with minimal care offered to nursing homes that provide more intensive care when needed. Somewhere in the middle lies assisted living homes, which blend the independence of personal residences with other amenities, such as the housekeeping, medication reminders or meal services.
Assisted living can be a viable option when a person can no longer live alone, but such facilities come with a price. In the 2015 Cost of Care Survey conducted by Genworth Financial, the assisted living, national-median monthly rate was now $3,600 – and it’s only expected to grow. Locally, $5,000 per month is currently common depending on the level of care needed. Affording these homes and apartments can be challenging for those with fixed incomes, but there are some strategies that can help.
The payment method that serves you best will depend on your unique circumstances, but there are options available.
- Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance is specialized insurance that is paid into, and may cover the cost of assisted living facilities and other medical care, depending on the policy. The American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance says that only roughly 3 percent of Americans have this type of insurance, but it is something to consider during working years.
- Personal savings: Some people have the means to pay for assisted living with their own savings and retirement nest eggs. However, it’s easy for savings to become depleted when facing a $40,000-$60,000 per year bill.
- Life insurance: A financial advisor may advocate to pay for assisted living with a life insurance policy. Some companies enable you to cash out for “accelerated” or “living” benefits, which usually is a buy-back of the policy for 50 to 75 percent of the face value. Other third parties may purchase the policy for a settlement of a lump sum, again roughly 50 to 75 percent of the policy’s face value, according to Caring.com, an online source for support and information about the needs of aging people.
- Location: Costs of assisted living facilities vary depending on location. It’s possible to get a lower monthly rate simply by choosing a facility in a different city.
- Negotiation: Not all prices are set in stone. Speak with a manager at the facility and see if there is any price flexibility or move-in incentives. You also may be able to get a lower rate by negotiating certain a-la-carte costs against all-inclusive pricing. Perhaps you do not need laundry or shopping services, and family members can fill in the gaps, reducing your bill.
- Veteran’s benefits: Many veterans are eligible for care benefits that can offset the cost of assisted living care.
- Rooms: Opting for a smaller room or sharing a space can keep costs down as well. See if shared rooms are a possibility.
Assisted living is a necessity for thousands of people. Explore the ways to finance this purchase.
Metro – MM15C743