June 7, 2017

Have you or a loved one suggested the option of moving into an assisted living facility? An assisted living facility is a community for seniors who need a little extra help to perform daily tasks like bathing, dressing, cooking, and managing their medications. These communities offer housing and support services, as well as on-call or resident nursing staff who can assist in times of emergency.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and fearful about the transition to such a community, we’re here to help! It turns out that there are many myths associated with these types of facilities. Some confuse them with nursing homes, but there are big differences between the two.

In fact, assisted living communities are actually relatively new and exciting options for seniors. Assisting living facilities are warm, sociable communities where seniors can age in place with more or less assistance as their individual needs require. Be sure you know the facts before you cross this option off your senior living checklist!

Myth #1: Assisted living isn’t affordable.

Fact: Assisted living can be a cost-effective option when compared with living in one’s home with a paid caregiver. Assisted living communities have a range of prices to choose from, and while insurance programs do not cover the costs at most facilities, there may be resources available to you to help. Ensure that you do the math as part of your research. You may find that when you total up expenses for your home, taxes, maintenance, and all utilities, plus the cost of any outside help you receive for daily or weekly care, the sum may be the same or higher than that of an assisted living facility.

Myth #2: Assisted living situations leave seniors isolated.

Fact: This couldn’t be further from the truth! One of the great benefits of assisted living facilities is that there are caretakers on call, and the residences provide a much more social environment than living alone at home. Seniors at assisted living communities can participate in group activities and exercise classes as well as group outings and other events.

Myth #3: Assisted living means a loss of privacy.

Fact: One of the best parts about residing in an assisted living community is that it can allow you to maintain a great deal of your independence for even longer. At an assisted living community like Bethany Village, you can be free to live inside your own space, and caregivers will only access your residence with permission when you need assistance, or if there is an emergency.

When you begin to explore your assisted living options, be sure to start your search with an open mind. Assisted living has changed a lot in the last few decades, and will continue to evolve.

 

 

Assisted Living Demystified

What does “assisted living” mean? Who is assisted living for? How do you pay for it? Our experts at Bethany Village deliver the answers.

What it Means
Assisted living refers to a retirement community where residents need a little extra help to complete the tasks of daily living. Many communities, like Bethany Village, offer a continuum of care on the same campus. This means that you can join the independent living community while you are still able to get around on your own, then transition to the assisted living community on the same campus if you need a little help. When and if you need the help of skilled nursing care, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) can also accommodate your needs. At whatever phase of life you’re in, choosing a CCRC ensures that you are always in a warm and familiar environment near friends and family.

Who It’s For
Assisted living is perfect for those who need support with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, medication management, and light housekeeping. As we become older, we may become forgetful or lose some of our mobility, but all of us still want to enjoy living freely. This is why assisted living is such a popular option. Seniors can get the help they need to live more independently, and loved ones can rest assured that their parents or grandparents are living in safety and comfort.

How to Pay
While nursing home care is covered by Medicare and Medicaid, both independent and assisted living facilities do require residents to self-pay. However, many residents find that the security, care, and peace of mind that these communities offer are well worth the investment. Funding for assisted living residencies can come from any source, including income, savings, support from family members, reverse mortgages, or home equity. An assisted living option may also be cheaper than home healthcare in the long run, so be sure to explore your options.

When to Go
Is it time for you to explore assisted living options for yourself or a loved one? We all need a little help now and then. When you begin to have concerns about your safety, or the safety of a loved one, start looking at assisted living communities in your area. Not only will you receive personalized help for completing daily tasks, but you have the ability to request less or more help as you need it. Every community understands that some days are better than others!

You can also learn more about Bethany Village’s plan to build a new, 74 unit 90,000-square-foot four-story assisted living facility, called Crescent Crossing.

 

 

 

 

Budgeting for Assisted Living

Have you budgeted for the care you may need in your retirement years?  Even as we age, we like to envision a retirement in which our bodies can still do all the same things we did when we were younger. But the truth is that many of us require additional help as we age to perform daily tasks. This is why it’s so important to budget for a retirement community which offers assisted living facilities.

Costs for senior living arrangements such as assisted living can vary depending on the types of care needed. Start planning your budget now, and take a look at the resources listed here where you might find additional financial resources to help.

Planning Your Budget
According to the 2016 Cost of Care Survey released by Genworth Financial, Inc., the national median monthly rate for a one-bedroom unit in an assisted living facility is $3,628; that’s $43,539 a year. While this rate often includes taxes, utilities, maintenance, and meals, if you have not budgeted for this expense, it can seem intimidating. Will you or your loved one need transportation? Ensure that this cost is either included in your monthly rate (many assisted living communities offer transportation to shopping centers and local attractions) or that you account for these in your budget.

Financial Resources
Assisted living arrangements typically must be paid with one’s private financial resources. Many find that selling or renting their current home, when paired with retirement savings and social security, can more than cover the costs of care. While there are some government subsidies that may pay portions of assisted living costs, most seniors should expect to come up with these funds on their own.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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