Assisted living in San Pedro is a fantastic option for seniors in the region living by themselves. Seniors in these communities enjoy the company of others individuals their age. They also enjoy the benefits of professional care 24/7 with qualified staff overlooking their daily health and nutritional needs. However, all of this comes at a price.
The relatively high cost is the only downside of assisted living. The good news is, there are things you can do to lower these costs significantly.
If you are considering assisted living for an aging loved one these 6 tips will help you save substantially on the overall cost.
1. Plan Ahead
This is the top tip for saving money on assisted living. When you wait till the last minute, you are forced to make a hasty decision that may not be the best for everyone involved. On the other hand, planning ahead gives you sufficient time to compare facilities and make educated choices.
Start by talking to the seniors involved. Have honest discussions about their
expectations and preferences, and most importantly their finances. These
factors will have major impact on which facility you ultimately choose.
2. Check Out Medicaid Or Veterans Benefits Options
Medicaid covers some of the costs associated with assisted living in the state of California. Some restrictions apply. Taking the time to speak to the Medicaid authorities to determine which costs they will cover is well worth it. Also check if the assisted living facility you are considering accepts Medicaid. Not all accept Medicaid.
Any American who served in the military is entitled to Veterans benefits but the requirements for assisted living benefits are quite specific. Does your loved one qualify?
Speakto the Veterans Administration to determine eligibility. This could have a major impact on lowering the overall cost substantially.
3. Explore Insurance Options
Does your loved one’s insurance policy cover assisted living? Some insurance policies cover specific expenses. Even if the policy covers only a few expenses, it will still help to lower the overall cost. Other policies may allow you to cash out the policy or they may offer alternative options that will help ease the financial burden. Speak to the relevant insurance company and ask them how they can help.
4. Choose The Level Of Care
Most assisted living facilities will quote a rate depending on the level of care your loved one needs. They list these services separately with the cost of each service mentioned alongside. Choosing the correct level of care can save you a significant amount every month. If you are having trouble deciding on what services you should choose, a public counselor at the Area Agencies on Aging or a private Geriatric Care Manager may be able to help.
5. Share A Bedroom
Sharing a bedroom with another resident is another great way to lower the cost of assisted living in San Pedro. In addition to saving money, it also offers the benefit of having the company of a room-mate so your loved one never feels alone at any time.
6. Do Your Research
Every assisted living facility is unique in their own way. Their facilities are different and so is the size of their community, their room size and the type of services they offer. Even their location makes a difference. Do your research. Make a list of features you are looking for and make time to visit each facility on your shortlist. This will help you compare the different facilities and make an informed decision about which one is best for your loved one and for your
budget.
