As the number of caregivers increases and without the proper training, their bodies and emotions can be overworked in time. Untrained caregivers can harm themselves and the person needing care. There continues to be a high staff turnover in assisted living facilities and long-term care needs to be addressed. The monthly cost of assisted living keeps rising and the residents become confused with the staff always changing, not feeling safe. The monthly cost range for small studios is around $4,000 while a two-bedroom/two baths casitas starts, at around $6,500 and will continue to rise. Most insurance companies do not cover the costs of the extra care that is truly needed (Assistance with restroom, bathing, laundry, etc.)
That said, it's no wonder why families are caring for their loved ones at home. Now is the time to start learning the basics.
Seniors and their family members are asking the right question “Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living Costs?“. Like most, we want to plan and budget for any changes as fixed incomes become a reality. Below we will discuss what is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other funding options you can use to cover the cost of assisted living.
The Vibe
When selecting an assisted living facility, take your loved one with you, if possible. After all, they will be residing there. Do they like the staff? What is the overall feeling of the other residents? Are they friendly? Does it feel like death's parking lot?
The Factors
Request a list, in detail, of all services offered. What is included and what is offered yet not included? The extra cost(s) will vary by amenities, location, accommodations, floor plan, and services. As you select the type of care you’d prefer knowing how the expenses will get covered is important along with if Medicare will help cover some of the costs.
Most times Medicare will not extend coverage to handle the costs of assisted living or long-term care. With that said there are situations where Medicare will cover qualified healthcare costs at a certain facility for the duration needed to live there. Most times Medicare is used to cover the cost of home health care at skilled nursing facilities.
In Arizona, the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) pays for medical and care-related services for residents of Arizona in assisted living facilities. It does not however pay for room and board. Depending on coverage and location assisted living residents will pay around $1,150 each month for basic living costs.
There are some assisted living facilities that offer private funding options for their residents. In the case where a senior has long-term care insurance, it will cover a portion of the costs associated with living in assisted living.
In many situations assisted living residents pay for their care out-of-pocket. They fund their care by selling assets like their home. Many seniors also have significant savings in the bank they use to support their assisted living needs. There is a wide variety of ways by which your or your loved one’s assisted living care costs can be covered.
Want to learn more?