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How to Pay for Senior Housing: What are my Options?
When it comes to caring for our loved ones, we want to provide them with the best possible care. However, with the cost of care constantly increasing, it can be challenging to know how to pay for it. Fortunately, there are a variety of payment options available to help you afford the care your loved one needs. Here are some of the most common options:
Private Pay
Private pay simply means that you have the financial resources to pay for care without assistance from other programs. It is sometimes referred to as self-pay. Private pay is a good option for those who have long-term care insurance, savings, retirement accounts, or other assets that can be used to pay for care. Keep in mind that the cost of care can be high. Private pay may be a great option initially; however it may not be sustainable over the long term. Future planning should also be taken into consideration.
Assisted Living
Most assisted living communities offer a choice of care levels, all-inclusive or fee-for-service pricing. All-inclusive pricing means that a single monthly fee will cover room and board and includes three meals per day, housekeeping, laundry services, WIFI, electricity, transportation, and daily activities. Fee-for-service pricing means a resident pays only for those services they use.
Upon the resident's arrival, the staff at the assisted living community will conduct a thorough assessment to evaluate their specific needs and preferences and determine the most appropriate level of care and assistance for them.
The communities are specifically designed to provide seniors with varying levels of care to meet their individual needs. By being aware of the different care options available, residents can choose the most appropriate one for them, whether it is an all-inclusive or fee-for-service pricing model. These communities aim to provide a comfortable and supportive living environment that promotes the wellbeing and independence of their residents.
For those who require minimal help, lower levels of care (level 1) are available, which may include medication administration and supervision from skilled professionals such as LPNs and RNs. Higher levels of care (level 3+), on the other hand, are designed for residents who require more hands-on assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, and may involve personal care from CNAs. By offering these different care options, assisted living communities can provide tailored support to each resident to help them live as independently and comfortably as possible.
To clarify further, there are three main categories of care provided in assisted living communities: supervisory care, personal care, and directed care. For supervisory care, skilled professionals such as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Registered Nurses (RNs), and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) offer general supervision to residents, including assistance with administering prescribed medication and intervening in emergencies.
Personal care, on the other hand, involves primary caregivers like CNAs, who assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as eating, bathing, toileting, and dressing. These caregivers are essential for residents who cannot perform these activities independently.
Finally, directed care is designed for seniors who require more structured programs and services. In these cases, the community or residential care home organizes activities and services for seniors who are incapable of recognizing danger, expressing a need, making primary decisions, or asking for assistance.
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the median annual cost for assisted living in Dallas-Fort Worth is $50,340 per year. We have seen a significant rise in these costs over the past two years, with most communities implementing an annual increase of 3-13% per year.
The total cost of residing in an assisted living community is determined by several factors such as the resident's required level of care and the number of support levels they need. For instance, an apartment in the community may be priced at $3,200, with an additional $500 per month for level 1 care. If a resident's health deteriorates, necessitating more support, they may move up to level 2 care, which incurs an additional cost of $1,000 per month, bringing their total monthly bill to $4,700.
Another cost associated with moving into an assisted living community is the one-time, non-refundable community fee, which ranges from $1,500 to $3,000 or more. This fee covers maintenance costs such as painting, dent removal, carpet cleaning, and landscaping and is charged by most communities.
It's important for residents to understand all of the costs associated with moving to an assisted living community, the community fee, the apartment fee, and the fee for their preferred level of care to make informed decisions regarding their care and financial obligations.
VA Aid & Attendance
VA Aid & Attendance is a benefit that many families overlook. It's available to veterans or surviving spouses who need additional money to help care for ailing parents or loved ones. This benefit is a pension benefit and is not dependent upon service-related injuries for compensation.
VA Aid and Attendance benefits provide monthly payments added to the amount of a monthly VA pension for qualified Veterans and survivors. It is a monthly pension benefit that provides tax-free payments to Veterans who served during wartime, who need help with daily activities, or are housebound. In addition to being available for Veterans, single surviving spouses and dependent children may also be eligible to receive this benefit. To qualify for this pension, the Veteran or their surviving family need to meet the means-tested income and asset thresholds.
You may be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit if you get a VA pension and you meet at least one of these requirements.
· You need another person to help you perform daily activities, like bathing, feeding, and dressing, or
· You have to stay in bed—or spend a large portion of the day in bed—because of illness, or
· You are a patient in a nursing home due to the loss of mental or physical abilities related to a disability, or
· Your eyesight is limited (even with glasses or contact lenses you have only 5/200 or less in both eyes; or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less)
VA Aid & Attendance can help pay for care in the home, nursing home, or assisted living community. The monthly benefit amount depends on the veteran's or surviving spouse's eligibility, and the amount received changes yearly. For the year 2023, a single veteran may receive a monthly benefit ranging from $1,432 to $2,229. A couple may qualify for a benefit of up to $2,642 per month, while a married couple where both spouses are veterans may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to $3,536.
VA Housebound Benefits
You may be eligible for Housebound benefits if you get a VA pension and you spend most of your time in your home because of a permanent disability (a disability that doesn’t go away).
To be eligible as a veteran, an individual must have completed a minimum of 90 days of active duty, with at least one day served during a time of war. Combat service is not a requirement for veteran eligibility.
When applying for benefits as a surviving spouse of a veteran, the individual is not required to have been married to the veteran at the time of their death. However, the surviving spouse must be single at the time of application and cannot have remarried since November 1, 1990.
It is important to note that you can’t get Aid and Attendance benefits and VA Housebound benefits at the same time.
Understanding how to qualify and apply for these benefits can be confusing and could take 12 to 18 months to receive without the assistance of a VA Accredited Claim's Agent. Fortunately, the VA will pay retroactively from the date of application. There are a limited number of Accredited Claims Agents who have been appointed by the Veterans Administration to offer assistance for pension-related matters. Families seeking help with these matters should be aware that only these accredited professionals are legally authorized to provide such services. For complete information and eligibility requirements on all VA pension benefits and rates vist https://www.va.gov/pension/eligibility/
Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the costs of long-term care services, such as nursing home care or in-home care, for individuals who can no longer perform activities of daily living (ADLs) on their own. This type of insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for both the policyholder and their family.
According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the national median annual cost for a private room in a nursing home is $105,850. The national median hourly rate for a home health aide is $27, and the median annual cost for an assisted living facility is $53,775. These costs can vary widely depending on the location and level of care needed.
Long-term care insurance is designed to help cover the costs of long-term care services, depending on the specific policy and the level of care needed. Some policies may also offer benefits for alternative care options, such as adult day care or respite care. An individual must have purchased it before they need it and must have activities of daily living (ADLs) needs and be currently in need of service. Some policies have other requirements such as the number of beds and a nurse on staff. The average benefit is $100 per day, but many policies have inflation riders (normally around 5% per year). A policy may cover $100 per day now but may be worth $150 per day in 10 years.
It's important to note that long-term care insurance policies can be expensive and may not be the right choice for everyone. Factors such as age, health, and financial situation should be taken into consideration when deciding whether to purchase a policy. Additionally, some policies may have limitations and exclusions, so it's important to thoroughly review and understand the terms of any policy before purchasing.
Long-term care insurance can offer valuable protection to individuals who want to safeguard their assets and ensure they have access to quality care when needed. However, it's crucial to conduct thorough research and seek guidance from a financial advisor or insurance expert before committing to a policy. For families, long-term care insurance can be an effective way to ensure their loved ones receive excellent care while also safeguarding their assets and lifestyle. Retirees and those nearing retirement who have worked hard to save money may also benefit from long-term care insurance as a means of preserving their financial resources. Furthermore, long-term care insurance may prove to be a valuable resource for individuals who lack the financial means to pay for such costs or a support system to care for them.
Medicaid
Medicaid pays partially or fully for assisted living costs at selected communities in some states, including Texas. There is usually a waiting period of 60 to 90 days to apply and receive benefits. Medicaid is typically only accepted at the more modest care communities in the area. To qualify for Medicaid, an individual must meet certain income and asset requirements. Seniors and families needing to transition right away, may need to pay 4-12 months as private pay before receiving the government assistance. It is against the law for Certified Senior Living Consultants to be compensated for referrals to government housing and nursing homes placements.
Summary
When it comes to paying for care options, families have several options to consider, including private pay, Veterans Aid & Attendance, Long-Term Care Insurance, and Medicaid. Assisted living can be a more cost-effective option for long-term care compared to nursing homes or in-home care, with costs varying based on location, apartment size, and level of care needed. Families should also consider the different pricing structures and levels of care available at each assisted living community, as well as the one-time non-refundable community fee.
If you're considering senior care options for a loved one, it's important to have a trusted partner in the process. A certified senior advisor will conduct thorough research and due diligence to identify communities that are a perfect match for you to receive proper care and age in place. The CSA, being an expert, will accompany seniors and their families during community tours to help ask and answer questions and ensure that they find exactly what they need for the short-term and long-term, they won't simply give you a list of 5-6 communities to visit on your own.
Local advisors possess valuable information about the communities and their residents, including the executive directors and nursing directors, to help identify which ones have high turnover, don't stand by their promises, or don't have the right attitude and desire to care for residents. A strong team culture centered around resident care can only be achieved if communities train their teams to provide appropriate care for each resident.
Unfortunately, lead generators often trick seniors and their families into partnering with them, only to bombard them with calls and provide recommendations without having ever visited the locations they're suggesting and without providing the necessary support, education, and tours to navigate the transition successfully. Seniors moving to an assisted living facility must learn the nuances of navigating the controlled environment for a successful transition.
Tracy Toomer, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, CDP, MBA, with CarePatrol of Collin County-Central is here to help. Tracy can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make informed decisions in finding a wholistic approach to safer senior living, care and aging in place.
Sources:
"2021 Cost of Care Survey," Genworth, accessed March 29, 2023, https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html.
Department of Veterans Affairs. (n.d.). Veterans Pension Rates. Retrieved March 29, 2023, from https://www.va.gov/pension/veterans-pension-rates/
Authors:
Tracy Toomer, Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, CDP, MBA, CarePatrol Collin County Central, Board Member, Alzheimer’s Association Dallas & Northeast Texas Chapter; Board Member, National Placement Referral Alliance Assosciation Texas. LinkedIn: https:///www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-toomer-certified-senior-advisor-csa-mba-aa37b615
Kathleen Warshawsky, BSN, RN, Publisher Seniors BlueBook Greater Dallas, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenwbsnrn/
Rehabilitation Services Provided in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services are a cornerstone of skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), designed to help individuals recover from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries and regain their independence. Heres a closer look at the rehabilitation services offered in skilled nursing facilities and their benefits.1. Physical TherapyPhysical therapy is a critical component of rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities. It focuses on helping residents restore strength, mobility, and physical function after surgery, injury, or a medical event such as a stroke. Key aspects of physical therapy include: Strength Training: Exercises to rebuild muscle strength and endurance. Balance and Coordination: Techniques to prevent falls and improve stability. Mobility Exercises: Activities designed to improve range of motion, walking ability, and the use of mobility aids such as walkers or wheelchairs. By working closely with licensed physical therapists, residents can achieve improved independence and a better quality of life.2. Occupational TherapyOccupational therapy in SNFs is designed to help residents regain the skills needed for daily living. This therapy focuses on enhancing a persons ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, grooming, eating, and bathing. Specific interventions include: Adaptive Techniques: Teaching residents how to use assistive devices or modify tasks to suit their abilities. Fine Motor Skills Training: Improving dexterity for tasks like buttoning clothes or holding utensils. Energy Conservation Strategies: Helping residents manage fatigue and perform tasks more efficiently. Occupational therapists work with residents to restore independence and adapt to new physical or cognitive limitations.3. Speech TherapySpeech therapy addresses communication and swallowing difficulties that may result from strokes, neurological disorders, or other medical conditions. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in skilled nursing facilities focus on: Swallowing Therapy: Treating dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) to prevent complications like choking or aspiration pneumonia. Communication Training: Helping residents regain or improve their ability to speak, understand language, or use alternative communication methods. Cognitive Therapy: Assisting residents with memory, problem-solving, and organizational skills. Speech therapy improves both safety and quality of life by enabling residents to eat, communicate, and engage with others effectively.4. Specialized Rehabilitation ProgramsSkilled nursing facilities often provide rehabilitation programs tailored to specific conditions, including: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Combining physical, occupational, and speech therapies to address the multifaceted challenges of stroke recovery. Orthopedic Recovery: Rehabilitation for individuals recovering from joint replacement surgeries, fractures, or other musculoskeletal injuries. Cardiac Rehabilitation: Programs focused on improving heart health and endurance following heart attacks or surgeries. Neurological Rehabilitation: Care for residents with conditions such as Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injuries. These specialized programs ensure that residents receive targeted care to address their unique recovery goals.5. Benefits of Rehabilitation Services in Skilled Nursing FacilitiesRehabilitation services in skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including: Faster Recovery: Access to expert care and tailored therapies helps residents recover more quickly. Enhanced Mobility and Independence: Therapy restores physical function and confidence, enabling residents to perform tasks on their own. Improved Quality of Life: Rehabilitation helps residents regain their abilities, reducing frustration and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Preventing Complications: Therapies such as swallowing training and balance exercises minimize risks like choking, falls, and re-hospitalization.
Our eyes are incredibly precious, yet its easy to take our vision for granted until problems arise. Lets focus on proactive steps to maintain and improve our eye health. Here are some tips to keep your vision in top shape:Schedule Regular Eye Exams:One of the best ways to safeguard your vision is by scheduling regular eye exams. Comprehensive eye exams can detect vision problems early on, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of further complications. Make it a priority to see your eye doctor at least once a year, even if you dont currently wear glasses or contact lenses.Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes can be damaged by the suns harmful UV rays. Whenever youre outdoors, especially on bright, sunny days, wear sunglasses that offer UV protection. Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to shield your eyes from potential damage. Give Your Eyes a Break from Screens: In todays digital age, many of us spend a significant amount of time staring at screens, whether its for work, leisure, or staying connected. Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by symptoms like dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.Eat a Balanced Diet:Nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as leafy greens, colorful fruits and vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and nuts and seeds. These nutrients can help protect against age-related vision problems like macular degeneration and cataracts.Practice Good Eye Hygiene:Proper eye hygiene is essential for preventing eye infections and irritation. Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. Follow your eye doctors recommendations for contact lens care, including proper cleaning, disinfecting, and storage.Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes, so be sure to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Aim for at least eight glasses of water daily to keep your eyes and body hydrated.Get Plenty of Sleep:Adequate sleep is crucial for overall health, including eye health. During sleep, your eyes receive much-needed rest and replenishment. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help reduce eye fatigue and maintain optimal visual function.By incorporating these simple yet effective tips into your daily routine, you can help protect and preserve your precious eyesight for years to come.Your eyesight is irreplaceable, so take care of your eyes today for a brighter tomorrow!
Moving to a new home can be scary and stressful, especially for older people. But don't worry! Here are some easy ways to make moving day less scary and more fun.1. Pick the Right HomeFirst, choose a new home that feels good. Think about what you like. Do you want a garden view? Do you need help with cooking? Make sure your new home has what you need to be happy.2. Make ListsWrite down everything you need to do. This helps you remember important things. Start early and take your time. Don't rush!3. Choose Special ThingsWhen you move to a smaller home, you can't take everything. Pick the things that mean the most to you. It's okay to feel sad about leaving some things behind.4. Get Help from MoversHiring people to help you move can make things much easier. They know how to pack and move your stuff safely.5. Use Good BoxesUse boxes that stack well. Plastic boxes with lids are great because they're easy to pack and unpack.6. Say Goodbye to Your Old HomeHave a party to say goodbye to your old home. Take lots of pictures to remember it. This can help you feel better about moving.7. Think Happy ThoughtsMoving can be exciting! Think about all the fun new things you'll do in your new home. You might make new friends or try new activities.8. Pack a Special BagPack a bag with things you'll need right away in your new home. Put in things like:MedicineToothbrush and toothpastePajamasSnacks and waterThis way, you won't have to search through all your boxes on the first night.9. Make a Moving Day PlanPlan out your moving day. Know when you'll leave and when you should arrive at your new home. Don't forget to plan for breaks along the way.Remember, moving can be a big change, but it can also be the start of a great new adventure in your life!
Your loved one deserves a knowledgeable, professional and trusted partner for this journey. Choosing the right senior housing shouldn't be based on internet search or appearance alone. CarePatrol advisors study your family's unique situation and, using their industry certifications and extensive experience, provide unbiased guidance to help you answer the most important question, "Will this community truly care for my family member?"We promise to help you find the right: Assisted living Independent living Memory care Continuing care retirement communitiesTestimonials."Tracy was professional, caring, and went wayyyy beyond what I would have expected to help me take care of my parents. She was punctual, didn't waste my time looking at properties that weren't appropriate for my mother's needs, and a great advocate. She asked questions, that I didn't think of asking each facility. I can't say enough good things about her. I highly recommend her services to anyone in need. I'm proud to call her friend! "- Melanie StewartTracy Toomer was invaluable in helping us find a lovely home in an assisted living facility for my 92 yr old Mom. Her professionalism as well as care and warmth made a very difficult time much easier and found a wonderful new life for my Mom with caring supportive staff and residents. We feel so blessed that Tracy loves her work so much and was dedicated to finding us the best situation within our budget. The service CarePatrol provides gives that peace of mind that comes from knowing loved ones are well cared for.- Bonnie Walton"I want to tell you I think you are a fabulous woman. My opinion of you is that you are a professional with integrity in the highest sense of the word. I am grateful to God that he brought you into our lives". - Mary StierhoffCarePatrol is the nation's largest and most trusted senior living placement organization. Therefore, choosing the right senior housing solution shouldn't be based on internet searches or appearance alone. CarePatrol's nationally accredited Certified Senior Advisors(CSA)study your family's unique situation and, using their extensive knowledge and experience provide unbiased guidance to help you answer the most important question, "Will this community truly care for my loved one and treat them with the respect & dignity that they deserve?"CarePatrol of Collin County, TX, is passionate about helping you find an exciting home filled with friends, where you can relax and focus on building some of the best memories of your life. We aren't interested in placing our clients in the first place that comes along. We want to find the perfect fit that meets your lifestyle, physical and emotional needs, and social interests so you can continue to live a meaningful and vibrant life. We take the time with each of our clients to understand what makes them special to find a community where they will thrive. We learn about your physical needs and assess a community based on their ability to support you in every way you need. We advocate for you and your family and will always strive to deliver our services with the highest level of integrity, support, and compassion. Meet Tracy Toomer"Families know they can trust me because I am consistent - I follow through on what I say I will do, I will listen and support you, and help make decisions that are right for the family.Tracy is passionate about empowering seniors and their families as they face the complex challenge of finding the right senior living community. She listens carefully to all of her client's needs, concerns and preferences before recommending appropriate levels of care such as: Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, or In-Home Care.Learn more about CarePatrol of Collin County