Assisted living can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s also a big step. Before deciding that assisted living is the right choice, it’s a good idea to consider your options, which include price.
The cost of assisted living varies from place to place, so if you’re living in Florida, it can be worthwhile to look at the average cost of assisted living in the state.
What is the average assisted living costs?
Assisted living costs can be surprisingly expensive, so it’s good to know the national average costs to compare with Florida’s costs.
In the United States, the average cost of assisted living fluctuates between $4,000 and $4,500 per month, which is equal to between about $131 and $148 per day or around $48,000 to $54,000 per year.
The cost of assisted living can seem astonishing, but it’s also worth comparing this number to the cost of a home health aide.
Home health aide care averages about $154 per day, depending on the area and the type of care needed. Home health aides generally only come during weekdays, and they usually don’t come every weekday unless intense care is needed.
These aides also only spend a small amount of time at your home.
The cost of a home health aide can be significantly less than the cost of assisted living, even though the daily rate is slightly higher.
It’s important to note that, at an assisted living facility, care is available any time it’s needed, even in the middle of the night.
How much does assisted living cost in Florida?
Seniors in Florida can expect to save some money on assisted living costs, as the cost in Florida is below the national average. In general, assisted living expenses total between $3,500 and $3,800 per month.
Where you decide to go for assisted living in Florida can change this number. Fancier places that offer more benefits generally cost more. Some areas of Florida also cost more than others.
For example, major cities tend to be more expensive than more rural areas.
The cost can also go up or down depending on whether you want to share a room.
For example, many people choose a private room, but this costs a bit more. Sometimes, seniors move into an assisted living facility with their spouse or partner, and sharing a space can cut down on costs.
Other people ask to be assigned a roommate, which can help with expenses and can also sometimes lead to new friendships.
Anyone who requires memory care services can also expect to pay about $1,000 more per month.
In Florida, assisted living costs are between $3,500-$3,800 per month.
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What does assisted living provide?
Assisted living facilities tend to be all-inclusive, providing almost anything their residents need in a way that’s safe, comfortable, and convenient.
If residents need help showering, for example, someone will be available. Assisted living facilities also have kitchens and dining rooms, so residents won’t need to worry about cooking but can instead attend designated mealtimes or enjoy snacks from the cafeteria.
Most assisted living facilities also have a salon or employ a barber and hairdresser, so residents can look and feel their best without having to travel.
Residents of assisted living facilities won’t need to worry about washing dishes or doing laundry, either.
Laundry services are generally provided, and some light housekeeping, such as dusting and vacuuming, is also usually offered. Someone will also come to remove trash bags and take out the recycling.
Assisted living facilities also employ health aides, nurses, and doctors. If a resident needs medical help, someone is usually available right away, and if there is a medical emergency, a nurse or doctor can help the patient before deciding if they need to be taken to the hospital.
This can be life-changing for people who are frailer or are dealing with medical conditions brought on by age.
Assisted living facilities also provide many recreational activities for their residents. There are usually several common areas where residents can enjoy comfortable places to read, play games, or watch TV.
Social events, such as dinner get-togethers, game nights, dance evenings, or group exercises, are frequent.
Often, a senior bus will take seniors on trips, either to simply enjoy some time outdoors or to explore a particular area, such as a shopping mall or restaurant.
Depending on the size of the facility, there may also be gardens for seniors to walk through and enjoy.
Because residents of an assisted living facility don’t need to cook, and because there are many communal areas, most people who live in these facilities simply have a large bedroom, sometimes with a small sitting area or tiny kitchen, where they can make snacks or coffee.
Residents are encouraged to make these spaces their own, move in their belongings, decorate however they like, and hang up pictures.
Some assisted living facilities provide furniture, but many others encourage residents to bring their own.
Many assisted living centers are also pet-friendly.
How does assisted living differ from an independent living community?
Assisted living facilities are an excellent way for seniors to make life easier and cut out tasks that could be exhausting or even dangerous.
However, these facilities are not the only option for seniors. Independent living communities are another option.
These communities act in similar ways to assisted living communities—they’re often large buildings, like apartment buildings, and many have kitchens or cafeterias.
These communities might also offer laundry or housekeeping services, and they provide many social opportunities for seniors.
However, the apartments are usually a bit larger, and seniors can cook or clean if they want to, which allows them a more independent lifestyle.
Does insurance cover assisted living?
Whether or not your insurance will cover assisted living depends on the type of plan you have.
Your insurance may cover a portion of the care, depending on the value of the plan. Some plans cover a certain amount of time spent in assisted living.
For example, some plans might cover three years of assisted living. You may also need to meet a deductible each year.
If you have Medicaid, the program will cover a portion of your assisted living fees.
However, this portion is generally small, so anyone looking into assisted living will need a more robust health insurance plan, or they’ll need to have money set aside to cover the costs.