Assisted living centers are often not as expensive as many believe. Many assisted living facilities are even more affordable than home health options and nursing homes in the same area. Furthermore, there are a number of options available to you that can help lower the cost of the care you need and deserve.
Obtaining Assistance
There are various forms of assistance available for senior citizens who want to move into an assisted living facility but have a limited budget to cover expenses. The Department of Veteran Affairs offers financial assistance that can be used to cover the cost of care; this assistance is available not just to veterans but to the surviving spouses of veterans as well. Medicare and Medicaid can also offset some assisted living costs. Additionally, most states offer home and community based wavers for low income senior citizens.
You may also want to look into long-term care insurance options. Long term care insurance covers costs that Medicare and Medicaid won’t cover and the premiums you pay on such an insurance policy may be tax deductible in some instances. There are both traditional and hybrid long term care insurance policies to pick from and experts recommend shopping for such a plan by the age of 50 to ensure that you have coverage when you need it.
Cutting Costs
Any good assisted living facility will offer residents a number of plans in various price points. If you have a limited budget, you may want to handle some services yourself or ask family members or friends living nearby to help you out from time to time. You could also look into renting a shared room instead of your own room.
It is also a good idea to ask the assisted living facility about any special offers that may be available. Move-in incentives are commonly available and can help offset the costs of moving into your new home. Some assisted living facilities are willing to negotiate the monthly price on a case by case basis.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is the key to keeping costs down. Assisted living facilities have limited space, so it is advisable to join the waiting list as soon as possible. Doing so ensures that you don’t have to live in an expensive or sub-par facility simply because it is the only one with rooms available.
Transitioning to an assisted living facility is a big change. Thankfully, it is not one you have to make alone. Talk to family members and friends and give us a call to find out more about our services and prices. Doing so can help you make wise choices that will enable you to enjoy your golden years to the full.
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