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Can anyone tell me anything about Assisted Living places from your own knowledge of people who are in one? Expense and services? I understand that Medicare does not cover Assisted Living; yet I hear things that make me wonder how the average person would manage.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Around here it's now averaging about $5,000/month. We had my mother-in-law in one at age 83, an Adult Family Home which is generally less expensive but also more like a family home, with only 4-6 patients. Her income was Social Security, about $800/month. This was back about 2002 when they were charging $3,500. We paid for it while applying for Medicaid through the state. That process was a nightmare, proving that she had no other income, savings or assets. She was allowed to keep one small life insurance policy to cover burial, and $50/month from her SS check for incidentals like toothpaste, newspapers, etc. The rest of her SS check went to the home, and the state kicked in the balance. With 6 beds, they only allowed one Medicaid patient since they had to agree to a lower amount ($2,800). We paid for things like a more comfortable chair, a TV, and cable service. The people there provided 3 meals a day plus snacks, help with bathing and transportation to doctors when needed. They did have a doctor come in once a month but also the wife was a licensed nurse. She ended up staying there until age 95 when she passed and enjoyed it the whole time, despite the frequent "turnover."
How we found this place:
The last time she fell and couldn't get up in her apartment, the hospital had us talk to a social worker nurse. She provided us a list of consulting nurses and we selected one who charged us $250. For that she interviewed my MIL, asked what she liked and didn't like as far as setting, people, building size, food, and more. Then she went around and visited some adult family homes and recommended 3 of them that were the most suitable and had an opening. We went and visited them, and made our selection.
Around here it's now averaging about $5,000/month. We had my mother-in-law in one at age 83, an Adult Family Home which is generally less expensive but also more like a family home, with only 4-6 patients. Her income was Social Security, about $800/month. This was back about 2002 when they were charging $3,500. We paid for it while applying for Medicaid through the state. That process was a nightmare, proving that she had no other income, savings or assets. She was allowed to keep one small life insurance policy to cover burial, and $50/month from her SS check for incidentals like toothpaste, newspapers, etc. The rest of her SS check went to the home, and the state kicked in the balance. With 6 beds, they only allowed one Medicaid patient since they had to agree to a lower amount ($2,800). We paid for things like a more comfortable chair, a TV, and cable service. The people there provided 3 meals a day plus snacks, help with bathing and transportation to doctors when needed. They did have a doctor come in once a month but also the wife was a licensed nurse. She ended up staying there until age 95 when she passed and enjoyed it the whole time, despite the frequent "turnover."
How we found this place:
The last time she fell and couldn't get up in her apartment, the hospital had us talk to a social worker nurse. She provided us a list of consulting nurses and we selected one who charged us $250. For that she interviewed my MIL, asked what she liked and didn't like as far as setting, people, building size, food, and more. Then she went around and visited some adult family homes and recommended 3 of them that were the most suitable and had an opening. We went and visited them, and made our selection.
Thank you. That is exactly the picture I was getting from what I read. And for all this they literally give up their freedom of action. That might be fine for someone who actually needs daily medical care - serious medical care - but not otherwise. And the whole family gets hit with costs that maybe they can't afford either. I appreciate your answer.
It could be a real challenge trying to decide between Independent Living versus Assisted Living. Know many who had more problems and heartache just trying to decide on the need while maintaining some personal independence.
It could be a real challenge trying to decide between Independent Living versus Assisted Living. Know many who had more problems and heartache just trying to decide on the need while maintaining some personal independence.
Question, please" Other than what we who live in our own homes independently, is there a special type of "home" called Independent Living, as there is the "a
Assisted Living" type? In other words, is there another step between owning or renting a house/apartment and living privately with no interference and Assisted Living?
Can anyone tell me anything about Assisted Living places from your own knowledge of people who are in one? Expense and services? I understand that Medicare does not cover Assisted Living; yet I hear things that make me wonder how the average person would manage.
Thank you.
My 97-year-old mother is in assisted living in a small town in PA; I think it costs her about $5500 per month. They do not accept Medicaid patients where she is. My siblings and I are very happy with the facility where our mother is living. We sold her house to pay for her assisted living.
You asked how the average person manages. The short answer is if they don't qualify for Medicaid, they don't get assisted living. They have to hire help, or maybe family members help out.
My 97-year-old mother is in assisted living in a small town in PA; I think it costs her about $5500 per month. They do not accept Medicaid patients where she is. My siblings and I are very happy with the facility where our mother is living. We sold her house to pay for her assisted living.
You asked how the average person manages. The short answer is if they don't qualify for Medicaid, they don't get assisted living. They have to hire help, or maybe family members help out.
Thank you. Nice to have family who can or will help.
Question, please" Other than what we who live in our own homes independently, is there a special type of "home" called Independent Living, as there is the "a
Assisted Living" type? In other words, is there another step between owning or renting a house/apartment and living privately with no interference and Assisted Living?
Gee! I hope that makes sense! Thanks. Hazel
"Independent Living." One relative went there before assisted living (she spent maybe her last 9 months in AL.) My Grandfather also lived in Independent Living for a year or two before he passed.
She initially had a car when she was there, though eventually she couldn't drive anymore. It was an apartment, and residents were required to put something on their doors by late in the AM to let staff know they were out of bed and ok, and bring it in at night before a certain time, to let staff know that they were still mobile, etc...
The apartment had a kitchen, but I doubt either one ever used anything other than the coffee maker or the microwave, they served lunch and dinner in the dining hall.
I believe maid service was provided every week or two but I'm not certain on that. They had laundry available for residents to do themselves, or they could pay extra and have it done (it was actually very cheap for that service.)
"Independent Living." One relative went there before assisted living (she spent maybe her last 9 months in AL.) My Grandfather also lived in Independent Living for a year or two before he passed.
She initially had a car when she was there, though eventually she couldn't drive anymore. It was an apartment, and residents were required to put something on their doors by late in the AM to let staff know they were out of bed and ok, and bring it in at night before a certain time, to let staff know that they were still mobile, etc...
The apartment had a kitchen, but I doubt either one ever used anything other than the coffee maker or the microwave, they served lunch and dinner in the dining hall.
I believe maid service was provided every week or two but I'm not certain on that. They had laundry available for residents to do themselves, or they could pay extra and have it done (it was actually very cheap for that service.)
Question, please" Other than what we who live in our own homes independently, is there a special type of "home" called Independent Living, as there is the "a
Assisted Living" type? In other words, is there another step between owning or renting a house/apartment and living privately with no interference and Assisted Living?
Gee! I hope that makes sense! Thanks. Hazel
My sister's in-laws live in a senior community that has options for transitioning to assisted living and to memory care later on if needed. They chose that because they didn't want to suddenly have to make decisions if one of them became incapacitated. They had to purchase the condo and they pay a monthly fee. They sold their house to move there, which helped to offset some of the cost.
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