Most Affordable Assisted Living Facilities in the US

When individuals reach a certain age, planning for senior living only becomes a more concrete reality. Retirement looks different for every person, but one of the most popular options for senior citizens is assisted living communities. An assisted living community is a viable option for any senior who wants to remain independent while still receiving the type of care and attention that they need as they age.

These facilities typically provide long-term care to their residents, who may also have the option to interact with other people living there. This sense of camaraderie may also be beneficial for seniors' overall wellbeing.

However, the cost of assisted living is a big concern — but it is relatively more affordable than hiring a caregiver. The average cost of assisted living facilities is $4,300 a month, which is still quite steep. Nevertheless, there are a great number of options that are more affordable and just as qualified to give seniors the care and security they deserve.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living refers to the accommodation and services for individuals who require some medical or personal assistance with daily tasks. These services are typically for the elderly, as they require assistance with tasks like the following:

• Bathing
• Dressing
• Cleaning
• Taking medications

The difference between assisted living and nursing homes is that those who require the former do not necessarily need the extensive medical care provided by the latter. As such, assisted living is best suited for individuals who want to maintain a greater degree of independence in their day-to-day lives.

Assisted living facilities may also be referred to as adult care facilities or residential care facilities. They range in size from 25 to 120 residents, and residents typically share common amenities and apartments or rooms.

These facilities typically offer varying levels of care, with some residents paying a much higher amount for higher levels of care (which will vary by facility). Furthermore, assisted living facilities’ services may vary by state. Such services or assistance may include the following:

• 1-3 meals a day
• Personal care assistance, including eating, bathing, dressing, sitting down, standing up, walking around, and sometimes going to the bathroom
• Medication management
• Housekeeping, including cleaning the house, doing the laundry, and washing the dishes
• Security with 24-hour supervision and an on-site staff
• Other activities like social and recreational
• Transportation

What To Look For In Assisted Living Facilities?

Despite the varying levels of care according to state regulations, there are certain guidelines that can be used to compare the different facility options available to you:

• Size - The size may affect the services that an assisted living facility provides, so it is necessary to check how many residents they can accommodate.
• Location - You must also check the facility’s location as the laws vary per area, making a difference in how a facility may operate.
• Services - While the usual assisted living facility provides meal assistance, housekeeping, exercise and wellness programs, and medication management, some offer personalized services based on one’s health needs.
• Cost - Since facilities differ in how much they cost and how they accept payments, this will make or break whether you can consider living there.
• Culture - You won’t know what it’s like to live in an assisted living facility unless you try it. However, you can get a vibe on how the environment is like once you visit every facility of your choice.
• Higher Levels of Care - As people get older, they tend to need more care. So it is essential to check and confirm if the facility you are going for offers higher levels of care in case you need it when the time comes.

When you begin your search for assisted living for your elderly loved one, you likely want to find a place where he or she will be safe, happy, and well-cared for the remainder of their lives. In fact, that is precisely what you should be seeking. Despite knowing that this is a big decision involving considerable research, many families don't begin their search until a health emergency requires immediate action.

Check out this article discussing the proper way to take care of your aging parents.

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