If you’re comparing costs with various assisted living communities, keep in mind it’s a complex comparison. Some intangible benefits are hard to price.
With the United States edging toward becoming an older population, conversations about long-term care will become ever more critical. Naturally, price is a chief concern among family members and their senior loved ones, so comparison shopping is important.
Keep in mind that it’s hard to put a price on some of the benefits of assisted living.
At the very least, assisted living communities provide seniors with housekeeping, dining, activities and some basic care services. That’s just a foundation, however.
Building thriving communities that help seniors live their best life takes a whole lot more than weekly laundry service and meals in the dining room. There are a lot of value-based benefits, too.
What are ‘Value-Based’ Benefits?
If you were to write down your monthly outgoing cash flow, you’d probably notice a lot of expenses for house upkeep. Even if you don’t do any renovations, there are still bills to pay for property insurance, property taxes, and the inevitable repair jobs that arise when you own your own home.
Maintaining a car isn’t cheap, either. Even grocery prices these days are skyrocketing. Can you believe that, in some areas of the country, milk is approaching $5 per gallon? And meat prices are up more than 75 percent in some places.
These are just a few of the expenses that disappear if you choose to move to an assisted living community.
Then there’s also the cost of lawn care and the expense of transportation. Add to that everything else that’s included in the cost of assisted living, and suddenly you will see comparing costs is a much more complex process.
More Value-Based Benefits
When seniors need help with medication or personal care, or if they need 24-hour access to a caregiver, who steps in? Family members can help but even if they can manage, they’ll need a break sometimes. Caregiver stress is common in family members who’ve dedicated their lives to caring for a senior loved one.
In an assisted living community, those services are included, too. Round-the-clock access to caregivers is provided, along with the daily help each resident requires. Not all plans are alike, however, so always be sure to find out if some services cost extra.
The Hidden Value of Assisted Living
Aside from not having to pay for groceries, pay for a vehicle, and maintain a home, residents of assisted living communities enjoy a whole host of hidden benefits.
After moving to a senior living community, some residents feel relieved. Many of the frustrations and stress of daily living have disappeared. They are free from many chores and tasks that had become too burdensome living at home.
The convenience of living at their new community allows them the independence and energy to flourish and thrive.
Simply interacting with folks their own age every day is another plus for many seniors. They have the chance to connect, share, laugh, and make new friends. Staying social is one way for older Americans to remain healthy, active, and engaged. Consider this an added health benefit.
Tour an Assisted Living Community to Learn More About Value-Added Benefits
At Legacy Senior Living, residents at our assisted living communities enjoy a comfortable, homelike lifestyle that more than meets their daily needs. There are certified and licensed staff on hand around the clock to make sure every resident receives the care and attention they need. There are exciting activities, regular assistance with daily tasks, and home-cooked meals served in beautiful dining rooms.
Want to know more?
Call Legacy Senior Living and ask to schedule a free tour of an assisted living community near you. We’d love to show you around!