Making the move to a senior living community is a difficult one for you and your loved ones. Unfortunately, this decision isn’t made any easier by the additional questions that arise about who should pay for senior living, and how much it will cost. You want to have the best care for yourself or your loved ones, but it needs to be something your family can afford, as well.

If you’re wondering how to pay for a senior living community, you’re not alone. See this Dear Donna letter we received a few years ago: 

Dear Donna,

My older parents are considering moving to a senior living community, and I am confused about the different options for paying. I thought our only option was to pay for it ourselves, but a friend just told me that her parents used other methods as well.

Can you tell me more about what kinds of funding senior living communities accept?

Sincerely,

Mary from Holland, MI

How to Pay for a Senior Living Community

Here’s what Donna had to say:

Mary,

Thanks for asking this question. How to pay for senior living is an important topic, and we appreciate the opportunity to address it. Considering the national average cost for assisted living is just below $4,000 a month, it’s good to know all the options you and your family have on your side.

To begin, assess the level of care your parents will want and need. Consider if your parents are searching for independent or assisted living, or if they would need to move into a memory care community. Based on their needs, you’ll find different ways to fund this next chapter in their lives. Then, you can use the information below to determine the best way to pay for senior living, based on the type of care your parents need. 

I hope this helps, Mary!

Kind regards,

Donna

Who Pays for Assisted Living and Senior Living Communities?

In general, most assisted living and senior living costs are paid out of the family’s pocket. The person in care may have a pension or retirement fund, or perhaps additional funds from selling a home. Often, this income is then supplemented by family members who can provide for that person’s senior living care. 

As mentioned, this is not ideal for most families. Senior living care can be costly, and many families can’t afford such large expenses out of pocket. 

If this is something your family is struggling with, you may be wondering if there are other options. Here’s a look at some of the most common questions people ask when considering how to pay for a senior living community. 

Does Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

Medicare does not pay for assisted living costs. 

Housing and daily care, like bathing and dressing, are not covered by Medicare. That said, Medicare may cover the costs of some specific services within your loved one’s assisted living care. For example, it may cover injection fees, prescription fees, or medical equipment required by your loved one’s condition while they are at an assisted living facility.

Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?

In some cases, Medicaid may cover a portion of some assisted living fees. That said, Medicaid is only available to those who have an income low enough to qualify for government aid. What’s more, the assisted living facility where your loved one will live must participate in the state-funded programs supported by Medicaid. 

Unfortunately, Medicaid is a very confusing program, and because it is a federal program that is administered individually by each state, the rules and coverages vary significantly based on your location, and even the facility you’re working with. 

In general, Medicaid is not a good option when it comes to paying for a senior living community. 

Does Private Insurance Pay for Assisted Living?

Private insurance (Blue Cross, Aetna, Priority Health, etc), typically functions similarly to Medicare. They may cover some costs for skilled nursing or health care costs related to a specific condition, but they rarely cover personal care in senior care facilities or assisted living. 

How to Pay for A Senior Living Community, Based on the Type of Care Your Loved One Needs

So, if Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance are unlikely to support your loved one in assisted living or a senior living community, then how can your family pay for these services and care?

As mentioned above, the type of care will largely dictate how you and your family are able to pay for a senior living community. Assisted living and memory care payment options may look different from a senior living community. Let’s look at a few of the best options for each type of care. 

How to Pay for Assisted Living

If your senior loved one was in the military, he or she (and spouse) may be entitled to VA benefits to help pay for assisted living. 

Called Non-Service Connected Improved Pension Benefit with Aid and Attendance (or Aid and Attendance, for short), these benefits can be used to cover the costs of assisted living. In 2022, those monthly benefits were up to:

• $2,051 monthly for an eligible veteran
• $1,218 monthly for a surviving spouse with no dependents
• $2,431 for a veteran with a non-veteran spouse

These benefits do change regularly, so it’s best to check with your loved one’s current policy, but these monthly benefits can go a long way to help pay for assisted living. 

Long-Term Care Insurance may be another way to help pay for assisted living. It’s similar to health insurance but can provide some added benefits that will help cover the costs of assisted living. 

Typically, your loved one would have to have purchased this type of insurance policy before they turned 80, but it’s important to look out for all kinds of policy options. If one company denies an application or offers benefits that aren’t right for you, it’s worth it to keep applying. You may just find the right coverage for your family’s situation. 

How to Pay for Memory Care

Memory care communities are specially designed for those seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Just like assisted living, memory care offered in these communities can be paid for using a family’s private funds, veterans’ benefits, long-term care insurance, or, depending on the state, Medicaid.

How to Pay for Senior Independent Living

Because senior independent living communities aren’t directly related to healthcare, they typically cannot be paid for using any kind of health insurance or health benefit. That said, some senior independent living communities may participate in state or federal programs that subsidize housing, meaning they are able to offer fees on a sliding scale based on the senior’s income.

There are organizations that can point you to a list of subsidized senior housing options in your area and their entrance fees. Outside of subsidized options, independent living is most often financed using the senior’s private resources, often with help from family. 

Financing Senior Living: Other Options to Consider

Traditional financing options for senior living don’t go very far. Because insurance doesn’t cover the cost of most types of senior living care, many families look for other ways to subsidize that cost. While every family should evaluate their own finances individually to make the best decision for their situation, here are a few additional options that some consider:

Long-Term Care Insurance

This was mentioned earlier, but the information bears repeating. If your family is able to find a policy that provides favorable terms, long-term care insurance can provide some financial support for both assisted living and memory care. 

Annuity Income

Annuity income is another way that many families and seniors use to pay for senior living communities. While there are a few types of annuities, the general principle is that you or your loved one makes a lump-sum payment to an insurance company. In return, the insurer promises to pay out monthly or yearly sums for the rest of the insured’s life. 

Again, this isn’t the best option for everyone, and there are a number of different types of annuities, but it is one method that some families use to afford the costs of senior living. 

Real Estate Income

Finally, real estate is another great way to finance senior living. If your loved ones are moving out of a home to start their life in a senior community, they may be able to sell the home and use the proceeds to supplement the cost of assisted living. 

Some families also consider the option of a reverse mortgage, which taps into a home’s equity to provide money to support the costs of assisted living. This is another option that’s best for each family to determine for themselves, but it’s worth checking to see if it may be right for you. 

There may be other options available to help you and your family finance a move to a senior living community. We encourage you to call us with questions and to schedule a tour of the Heritage Senior Community in your hometown.

 

Dear Donna:

My mom has always loved to garden, but she is now struggling with mobility issues. She also takes a few different medications that make her more susceptible to dehydration and heat.

What can we do to help her keep enjoying her favorite activity safely?

The Fletcher Family in Holland, MI

How Seniors Can Garden Safely

Dear Fletcher Family,

It’s great that your mom wants to keep up with gardening. It is a wonderful, healthy activity. Not only is it a way to get exercise, but being outside can increase vitamin D levels. The activity can also reduce dementia risk and nurture the spirit.

With any strenuous outdoor activity, however, some precautions are necessary. Here are tips your mom can follow to stay safe and healthy when gardening.

4 Ways to Your Senior Gardener Can Stay Healthy

1. Customize gardening for mobility issues.

Kneeling to plant seeds or pull weeds can be hard on the knees, hips, and back. Instead, try raised garden beds, which can either be purchased from home-and-garden supply shops or built DIY-style.

Indoor pots and window boxes are another option, especially for colder climates or smaller living spaces. They can be set on a table and accessed while sitting down.

2. Use safe gardening techniques.

Gardening often involves repetitive motions, which can cause irritation in tendons and nerves. Prevent strain by rotating activities every 15 minutes, with a short rest in-between. Make sure your wrist is relaxed and your grip is not too tight on your gardening tools. Wear gardening gloves to prevent blisters and skin irritation, as well as to protect from things like pesticides, thorns, or bug bites.

3. Make sure to use tools correctly.

Never use bare hands for digging in the soil where sharp objects or stinging insects may be buried. Use proper tools, such as trowels and hand rakes, and make sure they are in good working condition.

Look for pruners or shears with safety locks. Always follow manufacturers’ instructions for using garden tools.

4. Use proper outdoor protection.

For your health and safety, it is important not to lose track of time while gardening. Take precautions to avoid dehydration, sunstroke, and other risks.

• Garden earlier in the morning or later in the evening to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
• Always use sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) when going outside.
• Wear a hat with a sufficient brim to shade your face.
• Use sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes and prevent eye strain.
• Stay hydrated; keep a water bottle outside with you and drink from it often, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with sugar or alcohol.
• Take frequent breaks indoors or in the shade.
• If you have diabetes or other conditions that can affect the nerves, make sure to wear well-fitting gloves and shoes. Check yourself after gardening to make sure you have no cuts or scrapes that went unnoticed.

I hope this information helps your mom continue her favorite pastime!

Best wishes,

Donna

Encourage Physical and Mental Activity for Senior Loved Ones

Heritage Senior Communities provides quality care for seniors across Michigan. Appledorn Assisted Living community in Holland, for example, provides numerous exercise and socializing opportunities, including wellness seminars. Contact us today to schedule a tour.

Dear Donna,

My mom has been living on her own for several years now. She recently gave up driving and now relies on my husband and me for transportation. Because our lives are already pretty hectic, she’s more isolated than I’d like for her to be.

We finally convinced her to at least consider moving to an assisted living community, and we’d like to take a tour of some local communities. What should we ask and look for on these tours?

Stacey Lawrence Holland, Michigan

Make the Most of Your Assisted Living Tour

Dear Stacey:

The move to an assisted living residence sounds like an ideal solution for your mom and your family. Taking time to visit and get to know local communities is the best way to make an informed decision. The key to making the most of your visit is asking the right questions.

5 Things to do When Touring Assisted Living Communities

Before you start the tour, consider what is important to your mother in a community. What type of lifestyle does she want to experience there? What amenities are most desirable? What is your family’s budget? The answers to these questions will help you narrow your search even before you take a tour.

Once you arrive at an assisted living community, there are plenty of other things to learn. Here are 5 things you should do during every tour.

1. Observe the interactions between staff and residents.

Luxurious amenities are not as important as courteous, helpful, and trained staff. Watch how staff members treat and speak to those they care for. What you see is a good indicator of what your mom can expect. Also ask about the community’s hiring practices and training programs.

2. Talk to residents.

An impromptu, friendly conversation with current residents may provide even more information than a tour with staff can. Ask if they have had any serious issues with the community, including thefts. Ask about the quality of meals and activities. You might even ask if they have a resident council. If they do, ask to speak to the resident in charge of it.

3. Ask if there is a waiting list.

While it may be inconvenient, a waiting list is often a good sign. It means the community is in high demand and indicates financial stability. The possibility of a waiting list is also why it’s better to start the search for assisted living before a crisis occurs.

4. Ask how the community bills for services and accepts payments.

Most assisted living communities assess level of care charges according to the amount of care and support each resident receives. The size and style of their apartment or suite also impacts monthly fees. Make sure you understand what to expect.

5. Ask for a copy of the contract before you decide.

A community’s standard contract should include information on how it serves residents as they age and their needs increase. It should also note payment terms, and any costs associated with leaving the community. If possible, have a trusted attorney review the contract. He or she can explain the agreement and identify potential concerns.

Leading Provider of Assisted Living in Michigan

Heritage is proud to be recognized as one of the leading providers of assisted living care in the state of Michigan. Our family-owned business has been serving older adults in the Great Lake state for three generations.

In Western Michigan, we’re pleased to serve families in Holland at our Appledorn Assisted Living community. Call us today to schedule a private tour at your convenience.

Dear Donna,

Our mom was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Her physician says that exercise is essential to help her preserve her independence longer. Do you have any suggestions on how can we help her increase her level of daily activity?

Sincerely,

The Jordan family, Saline, Michigan

How Can Seniors With Parkinson’s Stay Active?

Dear Jordan family,

You picked a great time to ask us this question! April is National Parkinson’s Month. This gives us the opportunity to talk more about a disease that affects the nervous system and movement skills, making it difficult to engage in everyday activities. This can be especially challenging for seniors who may already be experiencing other normal aging-related changes.

However, a Parkinson’s diagnosis does not mean your mom cannot stay active. Here are 5 activities that can help.

5 Activities for National Parkinson’s Month

1. Gardening

Gentle activities like gardening are a great way for seniors to stay active.

You can also help modify this activity to make it easier for your mom. For example, you could help your mom set up a gardening bench or station that allows her to work while sitting instead of kneeling.

2. Balloon volleyball

Balloon volleyball is a simple activity with numerous benefits. Catching and hitting a balloon before it floats to the ground can encourage physical movement and even stretching. The balloon’s movement is also unpredictable, creating the mental challenge of following its path as it floats to the ground.

Since it is a group activity, balloon volleyball also encourages socialization that can prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.

3. Water aerobics

Parkinson’s can affect balance, but water activities are an easy way around that problem. A water aerobics class also provides an opportunity to get out of the house and socialize.

Many communities offer other group exercise activities targeted toward people with Parkinson’s, such as dance and stretch movements. Search for classes or groups that your mom can join. Look for events hosted by local hospitals, churches, or fitness centers.

4. Painting

Painting and other artistic activities can be done alone or in a group. They usually do not involve moving the whole body, but these activities can help maintain fine motor skills and encourage well-being and personal expression.

Look for art classes or group events around your mom’s community. Be aware that many art classes charge a fee to cover the cost of supplies.

5. Walks

Walking is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to increase physical activity. Your mom can take a walk nearly anywhere, such as a park, mall, museum, or even supermarket.

If balance is a concern, your mom can use a cane, walker, or walking stick to stay steady. Make sure she is able to stop and rest when needed.

It may be a good idea to talk to a doctor about your mom’s condition to help determine the best activities for her and how to perform them safely.

Worried About Staying Healthy and Active With Parkinson’s?

Heritage Senior Communities provides quality care for seniors across the state of Michigan. Our Linden Square residence in Saline, for example, continues to grow to meet the needs of the local community. Contact us today to schedule a tour.

Dear Donna,

I know that older adults are often the targets of financial fraud. How can I help protect my mother’s identity, especially during tax season?

Sincerely,

Gina in Saline, Michigan

Protect Your Senior Loved One From Identity Theft This Tax Season

Dear Gina,

Tax season is stressful for everyone, especially older adults and their caregivers. According to the Federal Trade Commission, seniors are especially vulnerable to identity theft.

Because cognitive decline may impair an older adult’s ability to make financial decisions, caregivers should take special care to protect their loved ones.

How to Protect Senior Loved Ones During Tax Season

1. Determine if your loved one needs to file.

Many seniors do not need to file federal tax returns if their gross income is under the IRS filing requirements. Gross income includes all income not exempt from tax, as well as Social Security benefits.

If your mom does need to file, determine how she should file (single or married, for example). If her husband passed away during the tax year and she has not remarried, your mom can file a joint return and receive deductions for the deceased spouse.

2. Enlist the help of a trustworthy expert.

A licensed, educated accountant or financial advisor can assist with navigating tax laws and help you get the most out of your deductions. An appropriate advisor will explain the rules and their recommendations without pressuring you and will keep your information private.

3. Secure personal and financial documents.

It may be a good idea to keep documents that are not often needed, such as wills, in a safe deposit box. If you keep important documents at home, lock them up when other people are visiting, and keep them out of sight in high-traffic areas. Shred unneeded documents, including receipts.

4. Talk about common scams with your senior loved one.

Every year, the IRS publishes a “dirty dozen” list of common tax schemes. These include phone scams, in which criminals call people and impersonate IRS agents to demand payment or pose as fundraisers for fake charities.

Talk about these potential scams with your loved one and discuss how they should respond if they are targeted.

5. Keep track of your loved one’s finances.

Caregivers can protect their loved ones by watching for unusual financial activity. Check bank balances for insufficient funds or unexplained withdrawals. Watch for unpaid bills, unusual attempts to send money, or suspicious signatures on checks.

Also watch for unexpected or suspicious changes to your loved one’s will or power of attorney, especially if your loved one cannot explain it or seems confused about the change.

6. Consider an identity theft protection program.

The AARP Identity Theft Protection program offered through TrustedID is a program specially designed for seniors. From monitoring credit to identifying potential threats, you will likely find it to be helpful.

A Safe Environment for Senior Living

Heritage Senior Communities provide a safe, comfortable residence with numerous amenities for older adults. Contact us today to learn more, including details about our newer residences in Saline and Holland, Michigan.