Is Moving into an Independent/Assisted Living Facility in My Future?

Esalen Gardens-Big Sur, California-Photo by Ditas Katague 3/22

With David E passing, I am now living alone in this big 4BR ranch house and two hours away from my children. Two of my three living children who resides in California suggested I moved into a Facility that is within 30 minutes driving time from their residences. My other daughter who is now residing near me will be moving to Washington DC this July. She got an SES Federal job in DC that she had always wanted. She just retired recently from the State of California. I am so happy of her achievements, goals and ambitions. Congratulations, Ditas.

I am currently doing some searches on Assisted or Independent Living Facilities within 30 minutes driving time from the residences of my two oldest Children. Here's a summary of what I learned. https://www.seniorliving.org/assisted-living/costs/

Average Cost of an Assisted Living Community

The size of the assisted living facility you choose, the types of services, and amount of services you require all impact monthly fees. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living in 2020 was $4,300 per month. Similarly, according to a National Center for Assisted Living report, the median cost for assisted living in the United States is about $4,300 per month or $51,600 annually. Over 800,000 Americans are residing in assisted living facilities, with just over half of residents being 85+ years old.

These statistics go to show the importance of assisted living in the nation. In a senior living community, you start with upfront costs. Assisted living communities and independent living communities generally have a monthly cost that could range from $2,000 to $8,000, and may make certain hospitality and care services available for an additional monthly fee. If you're looking for assisted living facilities, knowing the average cost of care across the country is a must.

Assisted Living vs. Aging in Place Costs

There is a constant debate between assisted living versus living at home among families when it comes to choosing the best option for taking good care of their senior loved ones. Many would argue that healthcare costs, especially for senior living, are increasing rapidly. But that is not entirely true. This public perception has to be corrected by making people aware of the realities of assisted living facilities. Nowadays, many would usually prefer living at home because it is less expensive than assisted living and technology, such as medical alert systems, allow seniors to be safely monitored in their home. It can be in most cases, but the total cost of assisted living is actually significantly less than living at home. Not to mention the daily assistance being provided in assisted living which enhances the quality of life and improves a senior's health and safety.

Factors That Impact Costs

The secret to getting your money's worth when choosing assisted living facilities is knowing the factors that impact assisted living costs because the price structures of these are dependent on the level of care that a resident requires.

You must know first the location to where you plan for your loved ones to settle. Ideally, you would settle for a place near your family as well. So it is important to know the average cost of care in different states which we have provided below based on Genworth's 2020 Cost of Care Survey.

You'll also need to consider the rent, utility, maintenance, meal, and personal care costs. Independent living or living at home usually would focus on rent or mortgage which usually results in overlooking the other necessities for senior care. In assisted living, the expenses cover the necessary things to provide quality care. If you take a look at it, assisted living is in its essence, financially equal to living at home because the level of care assisted living facilities provide is also what families should provide for seniors even living at home. The only difference now is a question of where our seniors will be provided with daily activities and entertainment to enhance their quality of life.

Living at home limits discovering opportunities for social interactions and daily activities. This is because entertainment is usually being cut back to save money. This is usually an unfortunate reality in senior living at home. There is an emphasis on this particular aspect because regular social activities are significant for seniors to stay fit and sharp. This can create the same atmosphere as when they have not retired yet and may provide the difference between surviving and thriving.

If your main concern is affordability or your budget, Genworth's Cost of Care Survey outlines the average daily, monthly, and annual costs of a private one-unit in an assisted living community in each state. This can serve as a good guide of what you can expect to spend on an assisted living facility in your state.

How About Independent Living Cost?

Who Is a Good Fit for Independent Living?

With so many types of senior living available, it can be difficult to understand which community type is the best fit for you or your loved one. We’ve made the decision easier by identifying some of the common qualities of independent living residents. Some of the people who should consider independent living include:

• Seniors who do not need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), like bathing, dressing and medication management
• Seniors who do not need medical assistance on a regular basis
• Seniors who want assistance with cooking and home maintenance, but are not ready to give up their independent lifestyle
• Seniors who live alone or feel isolated and would like to meet others through social and recreational activities
• Seniors who are retired and ready to live a more laid back, convenient lifestyle
• Seniors who desire the safety net of a 24-hour staff who can quickly provide help if needed

Independent living costs can vary dramatically depending on where you live and the specific community. Retirement communities that offer ample amenities and include the cost of meals in their monthly price will be much more expensive than basic senior apartments. One thing that is consistent is that independent living is the least expensive type of senior care because it does not offer personal care assistance and health services. In general, independent living will cost 30-50% less per month than assisted living.

https://www.assistedliving.org/independent-living/ 

Meanwhile enjoy this photo of sunset in Esalen, Big Sur, CA courtesy of Ditas

So far I am interested on this Facility in Concord, CA It is a bit pricey, But it is near Benecia, has a bridge club and has 2BR, 2Bath Apartments with Balcony.  

Independent and Assisted Living

Life at Oakmont is meant to be full of vitality, joy and purpose. Staff is

continually striving to offer a palate of activities that both resonate with and

challenge community members. Residents at Oakmont can choose from a

variety of pursuits designed to engage seniors physically, intellectually, and

socially. Regular physical activity is important to the physical and mental

health of everyone, and seniors often need encouragement and reassurance

to participate. A full social and activity calendar offers a spectrum of daily

pursuits. In-house events and excursions are scheduled on a weekly basis,

in addition to regularly scheduled daily events.

Opportunities to exercise may include:

• Walking Club

• Yoga and Tai Chi

• Zumba

• Strength and Stretch

• Water Aerobics

Mind sharpening activities might include:

• Group Scrabble

• Crossword

• Poetry Class

• Variety of Art Classes

• Bridge

uommunity involvement activities may include:

• Literacy Tutoring

• Volunteering at the local Animal Shelter

• Assembling care packages for service men and women

Social opportunities might include:

• Singing and music performances

• Happy Hour

Excursions to Art Galleries

• Attending the symphony

• Knitting Club

• Book Club

• Themed Parties

The staff at Oakmont enthusiastically and persistently encourages resident

participation in community events. New residents often experience an

improvement in both physical and mental conditions, in addition to a renewed

sense of belonging and community. 

 https://www.caring.com/senior-living/california/walnut-creek/the-kensington-walnut-creek

 

On the other hand hiring a home care assistance perhaps 20 hours per week would be cheaper and I do not have to move out in this big house, I am attached to for 20 years. This option will be much cheaper that moving to a facility that fits my needs. I may not be able to play bridge, but I can still enjoy gardening and my house plants.  The cost of home care is averaging $25 per hour. That's $500 per week or $2000 per month versus independent living cost that I like is 8000 per month.  Because I am still mobile and just need assistance in minor housekeeping and transportation, staying at home with home care assistance, I feel is currently what I need.