How To Finance Assisted Living

By Tammie Caldwell


Senior living is an necessity for many people as they get older. Many times the families are given the responsibility of setting up these arrangements. There are a lot of different types of facilities for the older community, so it is important that people do their research. Furthermore, they should look into all of the ways to help finance assisted living.

Some people might have saved enough to fund their stay at these places. However, the reality is that most people cannot afford to pay out of pocket for these expensive assisted living spaces. Not all are on Medicaid or have other financial resources available to them, which could make setting up these arrangements stressful and overwhelming. Furthermore, most do not want to have to compromise on the quality of care they are getting, but want to make sure the services are affordable.

It is important that families plan ahead. This involves doing as much research as possible to see what is available in a given area. Consider the costs, services, ratings and other details. Researching ahead of time is important because getting it right the first time should be a priority. That is, moving loved ones from place to place is not ideal and could lead to spending more money. Visit the locations, talk with facility operators, and have an attorney look over any contracts.

The price to stay at these places might be flexible. Find out if there are move-in deals or other options for negotiating the monthly dues. Costs will range based on location and many other details. People should consider how the costs of a facility that is located in another area, perhaps in an outlying region or the suburbs. These could be more affordable to some.

Facilities may offer a set up similar to an a la carte menu. This makes it possible for residents to choose only the services they need or desire. Volunteers or family members might be able to fill in the gaps of care to make things more cost-effective. However, in some cases the all-inclusive plan may be more affordable. This is especially true in certain geographic places where the cost to live is high.

Many senior facilities will make shared space available, which can be a cost-effective option because it is typically less expensive than a single room or apartment. Consider the price difference between shared and individual rooms. This may be one way to cut down total expenses. While it is important to cut down the costs that are spent on assisted living, people must also consider the ways in which they intend to pay for the final dues, even if they are reduced.

Some may be able to use veteran benefits, others can pay with a life-insurance policy. There is also the options of: long-term care insurance, annuity, reverse mortgage, renting out a home, social security income or Medicaid, combining family resources, and bridge loans. Consider each of these options with care. Do research to learn about the positives and negatives, and consider consulting with a professional for advice and further information.

Details of assisted housing set ups will range. People should strive to find a facility that is affordable and still comfortable for their loved ones. Expenses can be cut down in numerous ways and there are a lot of options for financing these living arrangements.




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