Understanding the Cost of Senior Care

Author

Assured Senior Living

Posted on

Oct 19, 2022

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

Understanding the cost of senior care can go a long way towards helping you making the right decisions for yourself or for a loved one. Most people underestimate these numbers, simply because they aren’t taking into account all the aspects of what senior care involves. Once you take a closer look at the information, you can feel more confident with a plan that best suits your family’s needs.

The Cost of Senior Care: What’s Involved

Right off the bat, many people assume that caring for an older adult at home would be less expensive than moving them to assisted living or memory care. And for those individuals who only need a small amount of assistance, that might be true, at least until their needs change. But for those who require 24-hour assistance with bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring from a chair to a bed, incontinence, and eating and drinking, home care can prove to be more expensive than a senior living community.

Take a look at these costs, according to a 2021 Genworth survey. 

TYPE OF AT-HOME CAREHOURLY RATEMONTHLY ESTIMATE
Homemaker services$21$15,120
Home health aide services$22$15,840
CNA (medical) services$17$12,240
LPN (medical) services$27$19,400

There Are More Expenses to Consider at Home 

If you’re contemplating a budget if your loved one stayed at home, don’t forget all the other expenses a well. Such as housekeeping, home repairs and maintenance, food and supplies, medications, modifying the home for safety, transportation to physicians and therapists, and more. 


The cost of senior care isn’t just medical or health-related, it’s committing to 24-hour attention and assistance—whether that’s you, a family member, or caregivers you bring in to help. The physical and emotional stress can be overwhelming. And like so many things, the costs of senior care are rising, due to factors such as lack of labor, sicker patients, and wage pressures. It is estimated that 80% of home care comes from unpaid caregivers.

The Cost of Senior Care: Assisted Living and Memory Care

Senior living communities offer more care and housing options today than ever before. It truly can be a new beginning for a senior, offering not only the right amount of support and assistance, but a greater sense of independence, opportunities for safe socializing, freedom from home upkeep or other everyday worries, and so much more.


In other words, when you do your comparisons, you might decide that the right senior living is worth every penny. 

  • Assisted living provides housing, onsite care and support with activities of daily living while helping residents maintain their independence and enjoy a purposeful life. Personalized care includes assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and medication as well as onsite medical care. Features include 24-hour supervision, transportation, access to exceptional amenities, housekeeping and other services, and more. (Some assisted living settings also include designated neighborhoods offering memory care.)


  • Average monthly cost—private, one-bedroom: $4,500 

 

  • Skilled nursing offers 24-hour supervised care, a licensed physician or nurse on site, as well as physical, speech and occupational therapists. Features include health monitoring and medication management, exercise programs, social opportunities and activities, housekeeping, laundry service, three daily meals, and more. This level of care is best suited for those with chronic health conditions or incontinence, who require dispensing and monitoring intravenous medications and/or who are recovering after a surgery or hospitalization.


  • Average monthly cost—semi-private room: $7,908; private room: $9,034 


  • Memory care is specifically designed to nurture those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia with 24-hour supervised care. Senior living communities that offer memory care do so with specially trained staff that provides individualized support in a safe environment with opportunities for an older adult to find purpose and joy. 



  • Average monthly cost—$3,233 to $10,447 

What Determines the Costs in A Senior Living Community?

Some senior living communities are located in parts of the country where costs are higher. Some are large, “big box” senior communities with large campuses and resort-style amenities. While it’s difficult to give an average cost of senior care, it is important to remember that you do have choices.


For example, Assured Senior Living stands apart by offering an intimate, residential-style setting for assisted living and memory care that genuinely feels like home—folding into a friendly neighborhood that residents can feel part of—and at a fraction of the cost of standard home care. With an outstanding staffing ratio of 1 to 4, residents are able to engage and thrive in the least restrictive environment. We would love to tell you more. 


Our personalized care, home environment, and Montessori Activities program help our residents to keep their golden years golden.

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What is a Typical Day in a Senior Rehabilitation Facility?

Following surgery or hospitalization for an illness, seniors are typically referred to an in-patient rehabilitation center to aid in their recovery. Senior rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Because in-patient rehab is for those who require intensive care for an extended period of time additional services are offered, such as assistance with a number of daily needs as well as social activities and counseling.What is a Senior Rehabilitation Center?A senior rehabilitation center is a place for seniors to recover with specific attention on pain reduction and improved function through multiple therapies.Physical therapy helps increase strength and improve mobility, balance and flexibility, as well as manage pain.Occupational therapy assists patients with performing daily activities that often require fine motor skills or the use of adaptive equipment like a cane or walker.Speech therapy helps with communication, swallowing and cognitive skills such as attention and memory problems.What Does a Typical Day Look Like?MorningNurses visit patients and help with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as needed. Since the goal of rehabilitation is to prepare patients for a successful transition home, the facility simulates a home environment as much as possible. Patients determine their own schedules (within reason), wear their own clothes, and in some cases, have their own personal living space.After breakfast, patients begin physical therapy in a gym setting that features specialized equipment and technology to aid recovery while minimizing pain. Exercises vary depending on the patients needs and abilities. Daily physical therapy builds strength, coordination and balance all necessary to regain independence.NoonPatients have time to recuperate from therapy and socialize during lunch. Options to eat with visiting family and friends, or in their room are also available. Patients meet with the dietitian regularly to discuss food preferences and dietary needs.AfternoonTherapy sessions usually continue after a relaxing lunch. Afternoon therapy might include working with a speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist. Depending on individual needs, activities might also include shopping, counseling or other activities, such as going on excursions, taking classes, playing games, making crafts or watching live performances, to promote socialization and mental wellbeing.EveningEvening is often a time for relaxing or visiting with family. Following dinner, patients are given ample time to rest up for the next days therapy. Quiet activities such as reading or doing puzzles are encouraged.Colavria Hospitality offers short-term in-patient rehabilitation. Each of our locations provides the perfect mix of therapy, fun and engaging activities, and rest and relaxation that will prepare patients to return home as quickly as possible.Colavria Hospitality currently manages four senior living communities in the Denver metro area which offer a unique mix of care options. Our mission is to provide those we serve with an environment that focuses on hospitality, person-centered relationships, and the well-being of each individual. Each community operates under our Core Principles of Collaboration, Innovation, and Harmony to assure a rich and secure lifestyle for patients as well as a pleasant working environment for our care team. We invite you to take a tour of our facilities.

Tips On Staying Independent as a Senior

Home care can help seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence by helping them around the house, providing transportation, and much more.Home care can help seniors age in place and keep their independence.Not all seniors want to go to nursing homes; many want to age in place and live out their days in their own ways. This is becoming a huge trend in the senior community, and it is more doable than ever before with a home care provider. Your senior loved one can stay at home and live the life they want without having to give up quality care.Here are some of the best ways your loved one can remain independent. Go To the DoctorJust because someone chooses to age in place doesnt mean they get to stop monitoring their health. In fact, one of the best ways to remain independent for as long as possible is by going to the doctor for regular checkups. A doctor should always be monitoring the health of a senior and they should be talking regularly about medications, side effects, and any concerning health problems.Your loved one can be independent and still have a team of home care professionals supporting their health and routing for them. This support will help them age in place and live a high-quality life. Keep MovingNo matter how old you get, you should be moving around, and this goes for your senior parents, too. They may not be able to run around the block or go rock climbing, but they can get up and move around the house every day. They may want to garden during the spring and summer or walk in their yard. Whatever it is, the more movement they can do, the more likely they are to live well while aging in place. Modify The HomeNot all homes are suitable for aging in place, but there are many ways to modify the home so your loved one can live there for as long as possible. Many of these modifications are not expensive, and your loved one can work around things. Move them to the main floor, put in non-slip rugs, change the doorknobs and light switches. You may even be able to add a home security system to help keep your loved one safe.When in doubt, encourage your loved one to move to a first-floor apartment. There are many ways for a senior to remain independent, and not all of them have to be expensive or massive. Get More HelpAt some point, more help will be necessary, but that does not mean you have to give up independence. Your loved one may need to ask family members for help, and its important you show up when its needed. However, many seniors dont want to feel like a burden, and they also dont want to move to a senior home.One of the best things they can do is hire home care to help them around the house. Home care providers will help with routines, transportation, and much more. Your loved one will never have to give up their high-quality life, and they dont need to give up care when they need it most. Its time to look into hiring a home care provider for your elderly mom or dad.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Brighton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

Dementia Challenges: Ways To Address Wandering

If you are caring for a parent or client with dementia, the thought of them wandering will no doubt causes you anxiety. Unfortunately, over 60% of dementia sufferers will wander at one time or another. However, despite the statistics, there are things you can do to help ensure their safety. Whether it has happened before or you are thinking ahead to the possibility, these practical tips can be very helpful when dealing with someone who is at risk of wandering. Practical Tips to Keep Your Senior from Wandering 1. Make sure that all of the doors and windows are secure, without creating a fire hazard.If possible, install devices that will alert you if doors or windows are opened. For doors that have deadbolt locks, try moving the locks to a less noticeable spot; perhaps higher or lower on the door. Also, if you already have an alarm system, you may be able to adjust the settings or wiring to fit your changing needs.2. Sometimes seniors try to leave home to get something to eat or drink.If that is the case with your client or loved one, perhaps you can keep water and snacks handy in areas they frequently relax, including near their bed. When that isnt plausible, ask them regularly if they need anything, before they attempt to go searching for it on their own.3. Many dementia sufferers think they still need to go to work or do other things that used to be part of their normal routine.Also, boredom and restlessness can increase the risk of them wanting to leave home. Physical activity and planned movement can help keep your loved one content. Try to establish a daily routine to help instill a sense of responsibility and stability in your loved one.4. If possible, avoid unfamiliar or busy places that can cause confusion and disorientation.When it is necessary to enter new surroundings, be sure not to leave a person with dementia unattended, even if it is just for a couple of minutes. In their attempt to get themselves to a familiar environment, they may inadvertently wander too far.5.  If your client or parent shouldnt be alone outside, try and make your neighbors aware of this.Simply seeing a senior walking outdoors will not alarm most people, especially if they dont look at all disoriented. Try to make your specific situation clear to those that live nearby and provide your phone number so they can call you if necessary.6. Look into getting ID jewelry, such as this bracelet from the Alzheimers Association.This particular model works with a 24-hour nationwide service. After you call to inform them of what has happened, they will contact members of the community network as well as emergency personnel to begin looking for the person wearing the bracelet.7. If your client or loved one does wander off, spend no more than 15 minutes looking for them in the most likely and nearby places.Then, notify law enforcement. Provide them with a recent photo and a description of the clothing there are wearing.It is wonderful when the adult children of aging parents are able to provide the care needed as they age. However, this isnt always possible due to the busy lives we all lead! Also, being the sole caregiver can be very taxing. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. can help by sending caregivers into the home to assist with daily living activities.Please contact us today for more information about our home care services.

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