There have been many discussions about assisted living and CCRC in HD. As I learn about how they staff and manage these facilities, there are many unanswered questions.
Currently, about 65% of elderly are cared for by their families at home. For 13% of those who aren’t living with family, the gap is partially filled by assisted living establishments. The median cost of care is $5,900/month, but ancillary services are extra. That can bring that cost over $15,000/month. Every extra service is billed for maximum profit. Staffing shortages, more medical needs of patients due to older age, sparse state regulations, and profit driven private equity and corporate ownership has created an environment where compassionate care is not easy to find.
Choice of such facilities has to be made carefully. However, this is not always possible. In most cases, one has a week or so to make a decision which is “crisis driven.” When you visit such facilities, you are shown beautiful buildings, with nice lawns, fountains, and shuttle buses. I visited about half a dozen such facilities in multiple states and they are, no doubt, impressive. But the ground reality on daily care may be very disappointing due to staffing shortage and profit mind set.
Here is an article that provides a good overview of the industry and issues.
What have been your experiences with assisted living facilities? Are non-profits any better? How will you choose a facility for a loved one or yourself? Is assisted living in a CCRC any better?
We searched the literature, we looked at articles with rating systems, we checked the Government website rating for Nursing homes. First, figure out what you want, we wanted a CCRC with Independent Living, Assisted Living, Skilled nursing and Memory Care. In other words, we were willing to downsize, live in an apartment after owning our 3 homes for a 46 year period. First ask your friends for recommendations, but to really learn go visit the CCRC’s. Yep, we did, and after visiting 10 of them, we learned where we wanted to live and all we needed to know. We did not pick the lowest cost, we picked the MOST APPEALING, and that was where the people made the difference, and the Admin seemed to be caring. I never thought I would spend more than my house for an apartment, and then a rent higher than my previous living expenses. We now have lived in this CCRC for 3 years, and have loved every minute. I call it our World Cruise because the people are exciting to learn about, the activities are endless, and the Dining is excellent. And you get back 90% of what you paid after you pass. I suggest making sure your CCRC is going to be around much longer then you are, and that it is a NOT for profit. Make the visits and you will learn all you need to know. And yes, it is not for everybody, we have relatives and friends that cannot bear to leave their homes! But living much more worry free, no bills, all maintenance covered, dinner every night, no hassles, is worth the price, and has a freeing affect.
You had done some extensive research before selecting the right CCRC. Wonderful to hear this success story. I have visited about half a dozen CCRCs, and will continue searching.
My wife has early onset dementia. I took care of her at home for 8 years, and she has been in memory care for nearly 5 years. The facility is excellent and very expensive. Care staff and nurses know the residents and their needs. The food is outstanding, and the facilities are clean and well laid out. Memory care prices in the Seattle area range from $12-20k/month. I am very grateful that we saved and invested. Best wishes to all families impacted by this terrible disease.
I’m not sure what the “ancillary services” that you mention consist of. That seems more like a skilled nursing home price.
My brother is in a local assisted living facility, and I have his POA. The current total monthly cost is $5175, about $85 of that is optional for cable TV and Internet. For the first 3 years he was there, the entire bill was paid by his Social Security, VA benefits, and a small ($500/mo.) pension. This year the total cost is a little more than his income and I expect that my sister and I will need to start paying a modest portion sometime next year after his assets are depleted.
The facility is not non-profit, and we have been pleased with them so far. My sister and I originally selected them with the help of a senior advisor, who operates somewhat like a buyer’s agent for purchasing a home. We looked at a couple of other facilities that had fees in the same range. A more upscale facility with the same owner, but a different management company, lists their assisted living fees as “from $5995”.
We live in New York State; the regulations are anything but sparse. The facility where my brother is changed their management company and the state took well over 6 months to approve the transfer. The facility notifies me of even minor falls. Like just about everywhere, they do have issues hiring staff, but they appear to pay competitive wages. I’m not aware of any significant issues with the quality of their care.