It can become increasingly difficult to manage daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication management as we age. Assisted living communities provide a solution for older adults who need assistance with these tasks, while also offering a safe and secure environment, meals, housekeeping, and social and recreational activities. But, with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this Ultimate Guide to Stellar Assisted Living. We hope this helps you find the right assisted living community for you or your loved one. 

The Ultimate Guide to Stellar Assisted Living

First, you should know that you are not alone if you’re having trouble navigating your assisted living options. According to the National Center for Assisted Living, there are approximately 32,000 assisted living communities in the United States, serving over one million residents. Additionally, seven out of ten ​​individuals will require assisted living in their lifetime. As more and more people age, and with lifespans ever-growing, there will be an increased demand for quality assisted living communities. In fact, according to the AARP, the number of people aged 65 and older is expected to reach over 71 million by the year 2030.

In this guide, we’ll help you figure out if it’s time for you or your loved one to consider assisted living. We’ll also share the pros and cons of assisted living communities, the cost and payment options, and finally, the process of choosing the right assisted living community. So, if you’re considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one, read on for all the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of senior care that offers a residential setting where individuals can receive help with daily life activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, getting around, and taking or managing medications. Assisted living communities are designed for older adults who may need some assistance with activities of daily living, but who do not require the level of care provided in a memory care or skilled nursing community.

How Will I Know When It’s Time for Assisted Living?

It can be difficult to know when it’s time to consider assisted living, either for yourself or a loved one. Some signs that it may be time to consider assisted living include:

• Difficulty managing daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
• Difficulty taking medications on time or in the correct quantity 
• Difficulty with cooking, cleaning, and keeping up with the housework
• Difficulty with walking, standing, getting around, or driving
• Feeling unsafe in your home
• Feeling isolated, depressed, or alone

15 Pros & Cons of This Type of Retirement Community

There are a variety of benefits of assisted living, but there are also a few disadvantages. Here are some of the pros and cons:

Pros

1. Assisted living communities provide a safe and secure environment for older adults.
2. These communities offer help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and grooming.
3. They also provide meals and housekeeping services, which can make life easier for older adults.
4. Assisted living communities offer social and recreational activities, which can help to combat the isolation and loneliness that can be common among older adults.
5. Many of these communities also provide additional specialized care for individuals with memory impairment or other cognitive issues.
6. They can provide peace of mind for families and caregivers, knowing that their loved one is receiving the care they need around the clock.
7. These communities can provide a higher quality of life for older adults.
8. They can also offer a sense of community and belonging.
9. Medical care and medication management are offered in these facilities, which can be especially beneficial for older adults with chronic health conditions.
10. Assisted living communities can also offer specialized care for individuals with disabilities or mobility issues.

Cons

1. Assisted living can be expensive, and unfortunately not all individuals can afford it.
2. Assisted living communities, unlike skilled nursing communities, may not be able to accommodate individuals with severe health issues, later-stage memory loss disorders, or disabilities.
3. The privacy and independence older adults might have in a single-family home is not always possible in an assisted living community.
4. An in-home care provider can sometimes provide extra individualized care, which may be preferable for older adults that can afford that option.

Assisted Living Versus Other Types of Senior Care

When it comes to senior care, there are a variety of options available. Assisted living is one type of senior care, but it may not be the right fit for everyone. In this section, we’ll explore how assisted living compares to other types of senior care, including independent living, skilled nursing communities, home care, memory care, and respite care. By understanding the similarities and differences between assisted living and other types of senior care, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about the best type of care for you or your loved one.

Assisted Living vs Home Care

Instead of living in any type of senior living community, you can receive home care, where service providers come to your home to provide whatever assistance you need. This may include home healthcare providers, housekeepers, transportation services, lawn care, and more. Assisted living is a residential care option where individuals live in a community or neighborhood setting and receive assistance with daily activities by staff at the community, while home care is provided in the individual’s own home. For seniors looking for both assistance and community, assisted living is often the preferred choice.

Assisted Living vs Independent Living

Independent living is a type of senior housing where older adults live in apartments, condominiums, or single-family homes within a community of older adults, but may not receive routine assistance with activities of daily living. Assisted living, on the other hand, provides assistance with daily tasks as well as meals, housekeeping, medication management and social and recreational activities.

Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Memory care is a specialized type of assisted living that is specifically designed for older adults with memory impairment, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Memory care communities provide a higher level of care and security than traditional assisted living communities. They also provide specialized therapy and treatment options for memory loss disorders. Many assisted living communities offer varying levels of care, including memory care. Not all memory care facilities also offer assisted living.

Assisted Living vs Skilled Nursing Communities

Skilled nursing communities, sometimes called “nursing homes” or “skilled nursing facilities,” provide a higher level of medical care than assisted living communities, and they are typically staffed by licensed medical professionals and operate in a more clinical setting. Skilled nursing communities provide the most care you can receive outside of a hospital. Assisted living communities might have a more home-like feel, and do not provide the same level of medical care as a skilled nursing community. They are typically staffed mainly by caregivers rather than licensed medical professionals, though they will have nurses available and doctors on-call.

Assisted Living vs Respite Care

Respite care, sometimes called “adult daycare”, is a temporary form of care that is provided to give primary caregivers a break. Respite care can be provided in a variety of settings, including assisted living communities, skilled nursing communities, memory care communities, or in-home care. This is a great option for caregivers who want to provide in-home care for their loved ones themselves, but need someone qualified to take care of them during the workday or during trips and vacations.

Respite care can also refer to a short-term stay at a senior living community, like a period of days or weeks. 

How Much Does It Cost?

And we’ve reached the million dollar question. How much does assisted living actually cost?

According to The National Council on Aging, the average monthly cost of an assisted living community in the United States is $4,500, or $54,000 per year. This may sound like a huge sum of money, but it’s actually one of the most affordable care options available. This cost can vary widely depending on where you live and the amount of care you or your loved one needs. At Stellar Living, we provide transparent line-item pricing for our communities. Just call our Family Advisors today to find out how much a Stellar Living Community will cost in your area.

In this section, we’ll take a closer look at what’s included in the cost of assisted living and the factors that can affect it. We’ll also explore various payment options, such as long-term care insurance, Medicaid, veteran benefits, and more.

What’s included in this cost?

The cost of assisted living varies depending on the location, type of community, and level of care needed. For Stellar Living Communities, this cost typically includes room and board, as well as assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication management. The “room and board” cost of Stellar Living Communities also includes chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation, use of gyms, libraries, computer rooms and other on-site amenities, and social and recreational activities both on- and off-site.

Does Health Insurance Cover Assisted Living?

The coverage for assisted living varies depending on the type of insurance and the individual’s policy. Typical health insurance does not usually include assisted living costs. Long-term care insurance, Medicaid, and veteran benefits may cover some or all of the cost of assisted living.

What about Medicare or Medicaid?

Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living, but Medicaid may cover some or all of the cost in certain states. Medicaid does not cover the room and board part of assisted living costs, but some states offer Medicaid waiver programs that can help reduce the costs of assisted living. These are called Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Medicaid waivers or 1915(c) Medicaid waivers.

Medicaid waivers are designed to prevent or delay the move into a skilled nursing community. They help cover some long-term services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and people with dementia. Nearly 1 in 6 assisted living residents depends on Medicaid to pay for daily care services. (Source: National Council on Aging)

Are there Veteran Benefits for Assisted Living?

VA benefits are available for veterans who have VA healthcare and require assisted living. Find out more here.

Who qualifies for VA benefits for assisted living?

You can get VA benefits for assisted living if:

• You’re signed up for VA health care, and
• They conclude that you need a specific service to help with your ongoing treatment and personal care, and
• The service (or space in the care setting) is available near you

They may also consider other factors, like your service-connected disability status or insurance coverage.

How do I apply for veteran benefits for assisted living?

To apply for veteran benefits for assisted living, veterans should contact the Department of Veterans Affairs or a veteran service organization for more information.

Is assisted living tax deductible?

Expenses related to assisted living may be tax-deductible, but it depends on the individual’s specific situation and tax filing status. It’s important to consult with a tax professional to determine if your expenses related to assisted living will be tax-deductible.

More Ways To Pay for Assisted Living

Life Insurance

Life insurance is another option for seniors who need help paying for assisted living expenses. You may be able to use your life insurance benefits to cover the costs of assisted living and other long-term care needs. When you do this, you get a percentage of the value of your life insurance policy to pay for assisted living costs. Typically, you’ll get about 20-50% of the face value of your policy. However, this will close out your life insurance policy, so any beneficiaries won’t receive any money. It’s a good option to consider if you don’t have any dependents who might rely on the income from your life insurance policy for funeral or living expenses.

Additionally, many life insurance policies also offer riders that allow you to access some of your death benefit early in order to pay for medical expenses or other emergency costs. Contact your life insurance provider to learn more about these options.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance is a great way to prepare to pay for assisted living. You can purchase a long-term care insurance policy in addition to your health insurance plan to prepare for assisted living in the future. Most long-term care policies will cover assisted living, as well as skilled nursing care, dementia care, physical and occupational therapy, memory care, and respite care. Be sure to check the details and exclusions of your policy to be sure assisted living will be covered. Some policies will cover you for the rest of your life, while others might only cover assisted living for as little as two years. It may also be more difficult to get this type of insurance if you are over the age of 70. Get this coverage sooner rather than later, because it is likely to be less expensive in the long term. 

How To Choose an Assisted Living Community

Choosing the right assisted living community for you or your loved one can be a daunting task. There are many factors to consider, from the level of care and services offered, to the staff-to-resident ratio, to the cost. In this section, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to choose an assisted living community. We’ll cover the top 10 questions to ask when visiting an assisted living community, as well as other important factors to consider when making your decision. By following the guidelines outlined in this section, you’ll be able to confidently choose an assisted living community that meets the needs and preferences of you or your loved one.

Top 10 questions to ask when visiting an assisted living community

1. What type of care and services are offered?
2. What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
3. Are there any additional costs or fees?
4. What is the process for transitioning to a higher level of care?
5. What is the process for handling emergencies?
6. How is medication managed?
7. What kind of recreational and social activities are offered?
8. What is the policy for visitors?
9. What is the process for handling complaints or concerns?
10. Are there any references or testimonials from current or former residents?

It’s important to visit several assisted living communities and ask these and other questions in order to find the best fit for you or your loved one. Don’t be afraid to explore the communities and really get a feel for what it would be like to live there. Stellar Living offers personal tours of their communities anytime–just call to set up your tour. 

Assisted Living FAQ (Quick Answers To Your Top Questions)

1. What is assisted living? Assisted living is a type of senior living that provides housing and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. It’s intended for older adults who are no longer willing or able to safely live independently. 
2. Who is eligible for assisted living? Eligibility for assisted living varies depending on the community and state regulations, but generally, it is intended for seniors who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) but do not require the level of care provided in a skilled nursing community.
3. How much does assisted living cost? The cost of assisted living can vary widely depending on location and the level of care required. On average, assisted living costs around $4,500-$4,800 per month.
4. Is assisted living covered by Medicare or Medicaid? Assisted living is generally not covered by Medicare, but Medicaid may cover some of the costs in certain states for those who meet certain requirements.
5. What services are provided in assisted living? Services offered in assisted living can include assistance with ADLs, meals, transportation, housekeeping, and medication management. Most communities also offer recreational and social activities.
6. Can I bring my own furniture to assisted living? It depends on the community. Some facilities allow residents to bring their own furniture, while others provide furnishings. It’s best to check with the community directly.
7. Can I bring my pet to assisted living? Some assisted living communities allow residents to bring their pets, while others do not. It’s important to check with the community before moving in to ensure they are pet-friendly
8. Can I have visitors in assisted living? Yes, residents in assisted living are generally allowed to have visitors, but there may still be restrictions in place due to COVID-19.

More Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I keep my doctor in assisted living? Yes, residents are generally able to keep their own doctor. However, there may be exceptions.
2. How do I find the right assisted living community for me or my loved one? Research different facilities and visit them in person to get a sense of the environment and the level of care provided. It’s also a good idea to talk to current residents and staff.
3. How is assisted living different from a skilled nursing community? Assisted living communities provide a more independent living environment and typically do not offer medical care beyond basic assistance with ADLs. Skilled nursing communities, on the other hand, provide a higher level of medical care and supervision.
4. What happens if a resident’s health needs change and they can no longer live in assisted living? They may need to move to a higher level of care, such as a skilled nursing community or memory care community.
5. How can I pay for assisted living? There are a variety of ways to pay for assisted living, including private pay, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, and Medicaid. Research different options and work with a financial advisor to find what will work for you.
6. Can I bring my car or keep my driver’s license when living in assisted living? It depends on the community, but some assisted living facilities provide transportation for residents and may not allow them to keep their car or driver’s license. It’s best to check with the community directly.
7. Can I leave assisted living and return home? It depends on your or your loved one’s health and ability to live independently. If a resident’s health improves, they may be able to return home. However, if their condition worsens, they may need to move to a higher level of care.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, assisted living can provide a great quality of life for older adults who need assistance with daily activities. It’s important to consider the pros and cons, costs, and the different types of senior care available before making a decision. When choosing an assisted living community, it’s also important to visit several communities and ask lots of questions to ensure the best fit for you or your loved one. We hope this guide to assisted living has helped you make these important decisions.

If you’re looking for a top-rated assisted living community, Stellar Senior Living can help. We have communities throughout the United States and have received numerous awards for our high-quality care and services. To learn more about Stellar Senior Living’s assisted living communities and to find a community near you, click here.