Preparing Yourself For The Sticker Shock Associated With The Costs Of An Assisted Living Community

Many elderly care advisors hear the phrase “That is so much more expensive than just living at home.” However, does assisted living truly cost more than living at home?

It can be said that the true difference is the personal preference of the senior. Assisted living is not only equal to living at home it is also a dramatic change in the senior’s way of life. This is according to many individuals in the assisted living care industry.

Unfortunately, many individuals fail to assess the cost of the food spent each month. In addition to all the miscellaneous expenses associated with living at home. In many instances, they simply add up the mortgage or rent, utilities and take a stab at how much is spent on food and end up arriving at an inaccurate figure

Take into account the following services that are provided by an assisted living facility: rent, food, utilities, 24 hour security service, health monitoring services, housekeeping, property taxes, lawn care, trash removal, general maintenance and repairs, property taxes, and in addition provide social and entertainment activities.

Unfortunately, many seniors living at home find themselves trimming back their entertainment expenses in order to save money.

Assisted living professionals are often forced to point out to individuals who are considering moving their parents to assisted living care that their parents are not spending any money on entertainment or socialization, and that this is unhealthy.

For senior individuals, the social activities are extremely important and keep them mentally and physically alive, and are often the difference between just surviving or thriving. In addition, these activities are often appreciated by many women who have entered retirement as their workload is unfortunately increased as they may be required to tend to their husband or partner, who is now at home full-time.

It is important for adult children to take a comprehensive look at their parents quality of retirement. They should ask the question -  are both their parents getting to retire in the house? Has mom's life changed since they had entered retirement? Did her life get better or worse? Unfortunately, today, we are dealing in age group that do not allow moms to retire – as such we need to discuss the quality of life issues.

In many instances, after completing a tour of an assisted living facility and recovering from sticker shock many individuals change their mind and realize that assisted living provides real value.

These are supposed to be your parents’ Golden years and an assisted living facility can help individuals achieve the golden years since your parents will have others to cater to them throughout their daily routine.

Take the time today to carefully figure out all the at-home costs associated with your elderly parent/s. By doing this, you can improve their overall life and to make sure that their retirement years are peaceful and pleasant times. 

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