How much does a nursing home cost?
The cost of a nursing home can vary depending on factors such as the provider you choose, your location, the length of time you intend on staying, and much more. While many facilities charge inclusive rates, you may deal with a facility that may add on extra charges for services rendered such as therapy, memory care, housekeeping, etc.
On average, you can expect to pay the following in the United States for nursing home care:
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Semi-private room
- Daily = $225
- Monthly = $6,844
- Annually = $ 82,128
Private room
- Daily = $253
- Monthly = $7,698
- Annually = $92,376
Average costs can also vary per state. Visit this site to view average costs for nursing homes per state.
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What are the types of nursing communities?
There comes the point in many senior’s lives where they’re no longer able to live independently. Identifying the right option for senior housing will ensure you make the right choice so you can live in an environment of your choosing.
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Assisted living (AL or ALF)
Assisted living is a senior living option that combines organized social interaction, apartment style housing, and support services. With assisted living, health care services are always close by as the provider typically rents an office within the complex itself or visits on a regular basis.
Assisted living is the best option for those who require assistance performing everyday functions such as taking medication, preparing meals, dressing, transportation, bathing, exercise, and more.
Independent Living (IL or ILF)
Independent living is a senior living option that allows seniors to maintain their independence while living in a community of their peers. An independent community is typically age restricted and provides apartment-style housing for its residents. There are also options for those who prefer condominiums or freestanding homes.
Seniors are often left to their own devices with this style of living. However, depending on the community an outside provider may develop a relationship with the residents and offer various services (such as home care). These providers may visit the community frequently or rent an office building in the facility.
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Skilled nursing facilities are what most of us envision when we think of the traditional nursing home. These facilities serve as licensed healthcare residences for residents who require a high level of daily care.
Skilled staff consisting of LPNs, RNs, and certified nurse’s aides (CNAs) are always on hand to provide 24-hour medical assistance when needed.
How Much Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
If you qualify for Original Medicare, then all expenses related to your stay in a skilled nursing home will be covered in the following way:
- Days 1 to 20– You pay $0.
- Days 21 to 100– You pay $167.50 per day in 2018 and beyond to cover coinsurance fees.
- Days 101 and beyond– You are typically responsible for all of your nursing home expenses from this point onward
Speak with your insurance provider to verify how much you will pay for your nursing home expenses.
What are alternatives to nursing homes?
Nursing homes aren’t the only option for long-term care. There are several alternatives to choose from. You can speak with a social worker, nursing home, discharge planner, or home health agency to help you find alternatives for long-term nursing care.
Home care
Home care services exist for seniors who need assistance with everyday activities such as cooking, shopping, laundry, and cleaning. It’s recommended that you reach out to family members to see if they can assist with these day-to-day activities. Otherwise, you should reach out to a home health care agency to see what services they offer.
Subsidized senior housing
Several state and federal programs exist to help seniors pay for housing who bring in low to moderate incomes. Depending on the program you may qualify for further services such as housekeeping, laundry, and shopping.
Hospice care
Hospice care is a special way of caring for the sick and dying. The point of hospice care isn’t to cure illness, but to provide comfort for the patient and their loved ones. If you qualify for hospice care, you will be eligible for a range of nursing and support services such as counseling, nursing care, medical social services and much more.
Depending on the level of your illness you will receive hospice care in a hospital, nursing home, or hospice facility. Be mindful that you will always have a team of nurses and doctors on standby to help you through this challenging time.
Community services
Community services vary depending on where you live, but you may be able to locate services that help with elderly personal care and activities. For example, services may exist that help with transportation and shopping.
The most common community services for the elderly include the following (keep in mind these services will vary depending on where you live):
- Meal programs (such as Meals-on-Wheels)
- Senior centers
- Legal help
- Assistance with bills
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