One of the first things you should do when looking for an assisted living facility determines what you can afford. You can save up to fifty dollars a month by moving out of the dining room. Likewise, you can save up to one hundred dollars a month by moving into a studio apartment. Sharing an apartment with other residents can help you save as much as 40 or 50 percent on rent. You can also negotiate the price for the first month.
Choosing A Good Facility
Choosing a good and affordable assisted living facilities Southeast Denver is essential, not only for your loved one but for your pocket, too. A good facility will have reasonable monthly rates, which will help you save money in the long run. Some facilities even offer short-term stays. This is often called respite care and provides a break for the caretaker and a change of scene for the resident. Caregiver stress can cause health problems, depression, and strain on relationships.
While searching for a good assisted living facility, visiting the facility and talking with residents and staff is essential. The National Center for Assisted Living advises that you see a few facilities to understand what to expect. During your visit, try to visit the facility during mealtimes and talk to residents. It is also essential to ask about the qualifications of the staff.
A good assisted living community offers a variety of amenities and activities. However, it should cater to your loved one’s specific needs.
Planning For Other Costs
When looking for an assisted living facility, it is vital to consider the other costs involved. The admission fee, nonrefundable security deposit, and monthly rent are common costs. Some facilities also charge for services such as laundry. Additional fees may include utilities and staffing. The costs can add up quickly and be financially devastating. However, there are ways to keep costs down.
Long-Term Care Insurance May Cover
Long-term care insurance can help you pay for the costs of assisted living. It covers the costs of skilled nursing, assisted living, and in-home care. Some policies will even pay family caregivers for their time. However, some policies do not cover the cost of assisted living.
Without long-term care insurance, many people would have to pay for their care. In many states, Medicaid is available for low-income individuals, but this only applies if they have exhausted their savings and cannot get the care they need. Long-term care insurance plans will not cover all the assisted living costs, but some will. Most programs that cover assisted living costs will reimburse beneficiaries for expenses that they pay out-of-pocket.
Negotiating The First Month’s Rent
When looking for an assisted living residence, negotiating the first month’s rent is an effective way to save money. This is because assisted living residences have the same financial pressures as other businesses, and many are willing to offer a break at the end of the month, calendar quarter, or financial quarter. This can result in savings for your family. While most communities will resist negotiating the monthly rent, you can often negotiate on the community fee, usually equal to several months’ rent. In addition, some residences may offer move-in credits, which can be valuable in the long run.
When negotiating the first month’s rent, it’s essential to consider your landlord’s value. Generally, landlords would love to have you as a customer and would be delighted to avoid late rent payments. You can even negotiate a monthly discount if you pay several months’ rent in advance.