There are so many variables when it comes to planning for retirement living. If you are planning to start in Independent Living in a CCRC (continuing care retirement community) there can be a significant an upfront entrance fee. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me to discuss those options. For purposes of this article, I am mainly going to discuss the expenses related to the Assisted Living option. Planning in advance is so important so that there are not any surprises.
Assisted Living – Rental cost. This fee is normally a flat rate and has a lot to do with the size of the room you are renting. The options available are studio, one bedroom or two bedrooms. What is included in this rental rate are things like three meals daily, most utilities, transportation to medical appointments, activities, housekeeping and laundry services.
In addition to rental costs, added to this number are care levels. These care levels are what sets assisted living apart from independent living. Each person has a care assessment and from there the proper level of care is decided. I might be at level two, and my next-door neighbor might be at level three. People often ask me what is included in each level but that is not the way it works. At most places care level costs are decided by a point-based system. If I need medication management and showering help, that might be a level one (there are set points for each of those items). If in addition to that I also need reminders because of memory issues, then I might be at a level two or three. Every senior community is unique, but many do use this point system to decide the care needed and cost of care. I do also have places where all care is included in the base rate.
Each senior community will also have a one-time community fee or entrance fee that varies from place to place.
Things that will be an added cost are salon or spa services, some outings, premium television channels and added third-party services.
Helping families with understanding the costs involved is a big part of our job. We can help families because we have information on all the senior living communities in the area and know them well.
At Assisted Living Locators, serving seniors and their families is what we do best. Let us help take the stress out of finding the best choice and best of all at no cost to you. We have already done the research and know the options well. If we can help you navigate the options available. Please know that our team is Dementia Care Certified, and Ramona is also a Certified Senior Advisor. If we can assist you through the process of locating senior living or other resources, please reach out to us at assistedlivinglocators.com/midlands or email Ramona at ramonab@assistedlivinglocators.com. Her phone number is 803.319.4474 cell or 803.470.1011 x 700. Valerie Koeppen is at valeriek@assistedlivinglocators.com. Valerie’s cell number is 803.669.4299 or 803.470.1011 x 701.
