When it comes to finding the right assisted living facility for you or a loved one, there are many factors to consider. From the services offered to the cost of care, it's important to understand all of your options before making a decision. Many assisted living facilities offer room and cleaning services, as well as medical and personal care services. Special programs are available for those with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia.
In most cases, you won't be charged twice for services that only one of the two needs, but you can pay a fee per second occupancy. Some states are moving from exemptions to managed care programs to assisted living coverage, so residents of those states will continue to receive the same level of benefits from the program. The key to getting the most out of your money when choosing an assisted living facility is to understand the factors that affect the costs of assisted living. Public and private resources are available to help low-income seniors and their families pay for care. Prices vary from state to state, but resources are available across the country.
Medicaid benefits for assisted living also vary from state to state. It's important to remember that these policies generally have to be purchased long before you need them, so it might not be easy to get a new policy if you're thinking of moving to an assisted living facility soon. Small group settings provide basic services (usually meals and light assistance) at a much lower cost than typical assisted living communities or nursing homes. Beneficiaries can use the money they receive to pay for the expenses of an assisted living facility. Assisted living can be a great option for older couples who need a little help but are mostly self-sufficient.
If you need services that are best found in an assisted living community, selling your home to pay for assisted living is a possible solution. The IRS states that if you, your spouse, or your dependent are in an assisted living facility primarily to receive medical care, the full cost of the nursing home (including meals and lodging) is deductible as a medical expense. Unlike assisted living communities where social activities are integrated, you'll have to consider the cost of staying active if you choose this option. The Assisted Housing Conversion Program from HUD provides funding to owners of multi-family housing complexes to convert existing units into affordable apartments for seniors who need the types of support services offered by assisted living but still want to live independently.
