Get To Know Your Options
How much does senior living really cost?
The cost varies greatly depending on a number of factors, including your location, type of care, and level of services and amenities. According to a survey by the National Center for Assisted Living, the national median costs of care for assisted living services were $4,000 monthly and $48,000 annually in 2018.
What financial assistance is available?
U.S. wartime veterans may qualify for the Aid & Attendance benefit for veterans and their surviving spouses which can help cover the costs of assisted living or nursing care in addition to a veteran’s regular pension. Some restrictions apply; however, most veterans in need of assistance qualify.
Does long-term care (LTC) insurance cover senior living?
Depending on the type of policy, long-term care insurance benefits can be applied to nursing home costs and/or assisted living care. Be aware that premiums can be costly and increase in cost with age and poor health, so experts recommend individuals begin planning between the ages of 52-64.
Does Medicare cover senior living?
Families are often surprised to learn that Medicare does not cover assisted living costs – outside of 100 days skilled services or rehabilitative care for a qualified stay. Medicare Part A covers hospital stays, short stays in a nursing home for certain kinds of illnesses and hospice care in the last six months of life – all after a standard yearly deductible.
What are other ways to pay?
Many families first try to pay for assisted living costs with the profits made from the sale of a house, but may also decide to look into other options, like renting the house or using the house to qualify for specialized loans.
A bridge loan is designed for individuals who need access to funds right away, but are waiting for a home to sell. These interest-only loans tap into a home’s equity to pay senior living expenses until the home sells and then the borrower pays off the loan with money from the sale of the house.
For seniors who have funds invested in a life insurance policy but find they need financial support now, there are “accelerated” or “living” benefits where the company that originally issued the policy buys it back for 50 to 75 percent of its face value. Another option, known as a “life assurance” benefit or life insurance conversion program, allows seniors to convert the benefit of a life insurance policy directly into long-term care payments.
Do you have additional questions about senior living and how to pay? Contact us at Longleaf Liberty Park so we can help in making a financial plan for you or your loved one.