Care & Services

Peers promote hope through positive self-disclosure.

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a residence for older people or people with disabilities who require help with some of the routines of daily living as well as access to medical care when needed. Such people, or their families, may choose an assisted living facilities so that professional help is on hand. Assisted living residents may require ongoing medical care as well as trained nursing services.

In terms of the level of care provided, assisted living is a step below a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. They are regulated by state laws, which vary by state.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Assisted living provides skilled help and nursing for older people and people with disabilities in a residential setting.
They are designed for people who want some degree of independence and access to help as needed.
Residents may stay for as little as a month or long-term.
Those who need assistance with ADLs can opt for in-home, assisted living, or nursing home care.
Understanding Assisted Living
Assisted living generally allows more independence and costs less than nursing home care, but is more expensive than an independent living facility. The assisted living setting is similar to a personal residence, compared to a nursing home’s hospital-like setting. Assisted living is suitable for individuals who cannot manage on their own but want to maintain as much independence as possible.

Insurance company Genworth estimates the national median cost of a private one-bedroom space in an assisted living facility at $51,600 per year, as of 2020.1 Costs vary depending on the level of care required, location, and housing type. Arrangements can be made on a month-to-month basis or longer term. Services may be all-inclusive or charge for extras such as meals and housekeeping.

Paying for Assisted Living
Some people buy insurance that includes coverage for long-term care. Standard Medicare coverage does not usually include the costs of assisted living.2

In addition, some states offer financial assistance to help low-income individuals pay for assisted living facilities. For example, California provides Supplemental Security Income to help pay for non-medical out-of-home care, which was set at $1,206.37 per month for 2020.3

Military veterans and their surviving spouses can apply for “Aid and Attendance” or “Housebound” benefits through the Veterans Administration. These benefits pay a higher monthly pension amount to qualifying veterans. Veterans with one dependent can qualify for up to $21,063 in annual Housebound benefits or $27,195 in annual Aid and Attendance benefits.45

Most assisted living residents are at least 85 years old, but younger individuals with disabilities may also choose assisted living.