Assisted Living Options for the Elderly

Most seniors prefer to live independently at home. For elderly people who require minimal assistance, this is usually an ideal option. If a doctor decides you need some in home assistance, you may be able to defray most of the cost with Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance.

The assisted living services usually are for certified nursing assistants who help with personal care such as bathing and for elder care homemakers who assist with household chores, laundry, shopping and other errands. Community based organizations may offer free or low cost transportation services for the elderly.

Some seniors may prefer to live in a senior community. These are communities which are built to accommodate the special needs of seniors, but which do not offer any special services. The monthly cost of an apartment in a senior community may be partially offset by government housing assistance programs for seniors with low or moderate incomes. These communities are only viable for elderly persons who are capable of independent, or minimally assisted, living.

Assisted living centers often offer private apartments for elderly people who require some medical supervision or daily assistance with personal care. These centers offer fewer services than nursing homes, and far more independence for seniors who do not yet require full service nursing care. Some assisted care centers are affiliated with nursing homes and it is wise to check both the facility and the nursing home in these cases.

At this time, Medicare and Medicaid coverages may not be offered for these facilities. If you have long term care insurance, make sure that your policy covers assisted care living. Assisted living care is more expensive than senior communities because it offers more services to seniors who may not be able to live completely independently.

Nursing homes are facilities which offer full service care. They are not acute care facilities like hospitals, but rather offer care for elderly and other disabled people who are unable to care for themselves. Most nursing homes have at least one doctor on staff and employ registered and licensed practical nurses in addition to certified nursing assistants. These facilities administer medication and deal with all the medical needs of a patient. Elderly people may require short term nursing home care following an accident of surgery, or may require full service nursing care for a condition that cannot be cared for in another living situation.

The best option for an elderly person will depend on factors such as their health, mental condition, family availability and financial situation. Community resources also play a part in the decision. Each individual, or their guardian, must decide on the best assisted living situation to meet their needs.

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Leo J. Vidal, J.D., M.A., CPA has over 25 years experience in retirement planning. He is author of the book "The 76 Biggest Financial Mistakes Made by Retirees and What to do About Them." More facts on assisted living options for the elderly are available through his website www.eldercaredollars.com.

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