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The Arbors-The Ivy-Assisted Living Costs: Everything You Need to Know

The FAQs of Assisted Living Costs

As the baby boomer generation ages, assisted living communities will continue to grow in popularity. Assisted living communities offer seniors a way to live independently while getting assistance with daily living activities. While living alone comes with risks of social isolation and loneliness, assisted living offers a vibrant, social environment that improves mental and physical health.

Understanding assisted living costs can be confusing. Not all assisted living communities are alike.  Different communities offer different levels of care, a variety of services, and varying pricing structures to top it all off.

It can be confusing. We’re here to help. Here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to assisted living costs, and the answers.

Q: How much does assisted living cost?

In Massachusetts, consumers can generally expect to pay between $4,000 to $8,000 per month for Traditional Assisted Living. Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care is more expensive, with a typical range of $5,500 to $10,000 per month.

The cost of assisted living really varies by community and location. However, most community prices are based upon the type and features of the apartment and the level of services needed by the individual resident. Monthly fees cover rent, utilities, dining services, housekeeping services, activities and programming, personal care and many other services and amenities.

Assisted Living Communities have changed over the years and can make comparing costs at different communities challenging. For example, some communities charge a basic monthly fee that includes some amount of personal care services in addition to the other services and amenities. Other communities have service packages in a tiered pricing system depending on the level of care the resident might need. Lastly, some communities charge separately for all services on an “a la carte” basis. Most communities now also have tiered pricing for medication management services.

When you tour different communities, it’s crucial you ask for not only the base rent and services, but what the different levels of care and medications would be in addition. This will allow you to then compare apples to apples across the communities.

Q: How do I pay for it?

Most people pay for assisted living expenses out of pocket, at least at first. That is because the insurance market hasn’t adapted well to how people use long-term care. Each company varies as to coverage and payments.

Private health insurance does not cover long-term care, and neither does Medicare. There is a special kind of insurance, long-term care insurance, that covers long-term care, though the market for it has been shrinking for some time, falling from 750,000 new policies issued in 2002 to only 89,000 new policies in 2016. (Even in 2012, less than 3 percent of people had long-term care insurance.)

The U.S. Veterans Administration has a provision in its Veterans Pension that pays an extra benefit for low-income pensioners who require “aid and attendance,” for which assisted living qualifies.

Private assets, such as savings, proceeds from the sale of a home or the sale of a life insurance policy to a life settlement provider, which converts the policy from a death benefit to a temporary income stream for long-term care costs.

For more information on ways to pay for assisted living, download our guide Assisted Living Costs and Affordability.

Q: Will Medicare pay for it?

No. Medicare does not cover assisted living, which is designed to assist with the activities of daily living, not provide medical treatment.

Q: Why is assisted living so expensive?

At first glance, it may seem that assisted living comes with a hefty price tag.  Especially if you have already paid off your home. But, here’s food for thought: If you were to hire a full-time cook, in-home personal assistant, housekeeper, groundskeeper, maintenance supervisor, social coordinator, and chauffeur, it would be quite expensive, even if you split the cost with a few dozen friends.

That’s essentially what a move into an assisted living community provides. Assisted living provides three nutritious and delicious meals a day, weekly housekeeping and laundry of bed linens, scheduled activity and social programming, fitness and educational experiences, maintenance services, 24 hour staff and emergency call system.

In addition to all of that, there are the personal care needs such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as medication management (this may be an additional fee depending on the community).

There are many benefits to assisted living, and there are many options available that you can tailor to your needs. Paying for it can seem daunting, but it can also be more affordable than you think.

Q: Does the monthly fee increase annually?

Most Assisted Living Communities have a year-long lease that residents sign upon entering the community. The base monthly fee will be a set amount outlined in the lease, but the total monthly cost depends on the levels of care and medication management that are decided on an individual basis. 

But yes,  overall Assisted Living Communities will increase their fees annually. Ask the community of your choice what their typical annual increase has been for the past few years. This will give you a good indication as to what to expect moving forward.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, assisted living costs have increased significantly for many reasons and has resulted in higher than usual annual rent increases. These items range from staffing shortages, wage gaps, increased food and supply costs, amongst many more demanding needs.

Looking for extra assistance? ElderLife is the nation’s only consumer lending company designed specifically for senior living and home care. They are uniquely qualified to lend a helping hand when your family needs it most. ElderLife has a long history of helping people transition to senior living and home care. Their resources, financing solutions and financial concierges will help guide those interested to the best financing opportunities — whether it’s securing a bridge loan in less than 24 hours, accessing VA benefit income people may not have known they were eligible for, insurance benefits, or others.

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Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

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Assisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

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This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community: What You Need to Know Before You Begin Your SearchHave you decided that assisted living is the best option for your elderly parent, and now are feeling overwhelmed on how to begin your search for the right community?

This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a decision.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

There are many questions to answer before making the decision to take care of a loved one.

This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

What does medication and illness have to do with depression?

How can you help? In this guide, you will be provided with answers to the difficult questions you may have about depression.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

This guide will provide you with resources and tools on how to identify depression, what are the common causes of depression, and how to promote mental health in your aging loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Does your loved one need more support than what they are getting? Would they benefit from some assistance with daily activities?

In this guide, you’ll find answers to the most common questions asked about assisted living.


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Why We Chose the Arbors Assisted Living and Memory Care: A Collection of Stories from Residents Living at The ArborsWhere do you start searching for assisted living or memory care communities?

What qualities in a community should you look for? How do you know you made the right decision?


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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-7 Warning Signs It’s Time to Make the Move to Assisted Living
Has your dad stopped getting together for lunches or outings with friends or visits with neighbors? Have you stopped enjoying time with your parents because you’re a caregiver?

Choosing an assisted living community is a big decision. Learn how to find the right one for you and your loved one.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Getting Your Affairs in Order
No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

You’re probably wondering how much the different senior living options compare to your current situation.
If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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