In a recent post we addressed the benefits of social activity to the aging brain and how an interactive lifestyle can actually delay or prevent dementia. Aging loved ones who make the decision to stay at home further isolate themselves from other people, and as they try to manage costs, extracurricular expenses are often the first to get cut from the budget. In contrast, Senior living communities provide and encourage social activities so senior residents stay physically and mentally strong. So what is it that discourages us from moving our loved ones to assisted living communities? Quite reasonably, it’s the perception of the expense – that assisted living costs more than living at home.
The fact is, assisted living communities provide a comparable price tag, often times less expensive, to living at home. According to the 2012 Metlife Long Term Care Costs, the average monthly cost of assisted living in North Carolina is $3,605 per month. Keeping in mind these fees cover basic living expenses including rent, utilities, meals, security, housekeeping and laundry, case management and monitoring, transportation, and entertainment and social activities.
Living at home provides its own advantages for your loved ones, like aging in place in the comfort of their own home and the ability to set their own schedule. But the aging process will require home health aides and a level of care they’re not able to provide for themselves. In the same MetLife survey, the average cost for a home health aide is $19 per hour. If you assume five hours per day, three days per week, that’s $1,140 per month. In addition, there are still household expenses like rent or mortgage, utilities, property taxes and insurance, food, home association fees, home repair and maintenance fees, and social and entertainment expenses. Not to mention making home modifications should your parents be confined to wheelchairs.
Time also means money, and you should factor in your own personal time commitment. Even with home health care aides, you’ll still be providing some level of care on a regular basis if your aging parents stay at home. According to a 2009 survey by AARP 2009 survey by AARP, family caregivers provided the equivalent of $450 billion worth of care to their adult parents and other loved ones.
When weighing your options, be diligent and do your homework. Some assisted living communities are all inclusive, while others offer a la carte services not included in the base rate. And keep in mind the health benefits of your aging loved ones staying active socially. It’s too important to discount in your decision process.
Your Next Move can help you locate the perfect senior housing for your aging loved one. Our team of relocation specialists are also with you through every step of the transition process including downsizing, estate sales, moving household goods, and home sale.
This blog post is brought to you by the team at Your Next Move. If you are interested in further information you may contact us below. LIKE us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to get the most current communication on the subject of senior relocation. Please join our mailing list.
Your Next Move, Easing Your Senior Transition
Julie Kopetsky, President
www.yournextmovenc.com
919-601-8203
Julie.kopetsky@yournextmovenc.com