Moving to an assisted living community can positively and profoundly improve your or a loved one’s life. It offers a maintenance-free lifestyle with the assistance many need to be more independent. Assisted Living communities like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes in Jensen Beach, FL, provide services, amenities, and a supportive social community that is often lacking when living alone. However, once a community that checks all the boxes has been chosen, there is one more thing to consider. The question that most have is, “How much does assisted living cost?”
Being informed and knowing your options is always the best place to start. Read on to discover a variety of ways to pay for assisted living:
Understanding Assisted Living Costs
Levels of Care
Two considerations determine the cost of assisted living. One is the levels of care available in a community. The other is the level you or your loved one need. Usually, communities charge a base fee for a residence based on size, culinary services, and standard services and amenities. Additional fees will apply based on the level of care needed. As expected, the cost of assisted living relates to the necessary level of care increases with the need for care. Increased care can include medication administration and help with activities of daily living (ADL). It can also include assistance with bathing, toileting, and personal hygiene.
Amenities and Services
Not all communities offer the same services and amenities. Communities with more will likely cost more than those with fewer bells and whistles. Keep in mind that studies have shown that we remain more independent when we are social, active, and engaged. Therefore, the goal should be an assisted living community with life-enriching services and amenities. Look for welcoming outdoor areas, a pool, an art studio, and a fitness center. Also important are all-day dining with chef-prepared meals, personal laundry, and team members and nurses available around the clock. And be sure to ask to see their events calendar. It will give a true feel for the pulse of the community. Finally, attend a social event to meet residents and others interested in making the move to assisted living. It is a great way to experience the lifestyle.
Culinary Experience
Meals are far more than mere sustenance. They elevate life experiences, nourish our bodies, and create perfect opportunities to foster a sense of community. They can also promote independence within a community. When it comes to the cost of assisted living, seniors have made their preferences heard. They believe a first-class and diverse culinary experience is well worth the money.
Home Size and Type
Assisted living communities, like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, which services the greater Port St. Lucie area in Florida, offer apartments ranging from a studio to a two-bedroom. In most cases, less square footage means a lower base monthly fee. The upside to choosing a smaller residence is that even though it costs less for assisted living per month, it comes with the same services and amenities as larger, more expensive apartments. Communities have many common spaces when you need a larger space, like hosting family and friends for gatherings or just socializing with neighbors.
Many savvy seniors realize less square footage is the smart choice. They spend most of their time enjoying the welcoming outdoor and shared spaces, take full advantage of the amenities and life-enrichment programs the community offers, and see the greater community as an extension of their home.
Paying for Assisted Living: Where to Start
Individuals can call on more than one source of funds and financial assistance to cover assisted living expenses. Many use a combination of sources. They pull from personal savings, assets, insurance, and veterans benefits to cover assisted living costs. Here is a look at some of the options:
- Private pay includes income, social security, personal savings, and pension payments
- Long-term care insurance (Policies vary, so it is important to understand how your policy works and what it will cover per day.)
- Personal assets can include home equity and retirement accounts
- Veterans benefits include aid and attendance, disability compensation, and survivors/basic pension
When it comes to paying for assisted living, there are options and support available. To help make the best decision, many turn to a trusted financial advisor or elder law attorney for guidance. Another place to turn is the National Institute on Aging’s website or local area agencies on aging. They both provide free information and benefits counseling. In addition, many assisted living communities, like The Cabana at Jensen Dunes, have knowledgeable individuals who are happy to lend a hand. They can provide support in identifying what payor sources are available. Want to see all that the assisted living lifestyle at The Cabana has to offer? Call 772-753-1003 for a personal appointment, or contact us here.