When searching for options for daily assistance and support so a loved one can live a high-quality life, families often consider the following choices:
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- Remaining in their home and receiving help from friends, family and home care agencies.
- Making a new home in an assisted living community to take advantage of the services, amenities, and benefits they offer.
At first glance, staying at home is often assumed to be the less costly of the options. However, a deeper evaluation and an apples-to-apples comparison often reveals a significant distinction.
When considering the comprehensive costs associated with the services and amenities associated with a quality and independent life, families may be surprised at which choice is the most affordable.
Looking beyond the cost of senior living
Before calculating the cost of senior living, familiarize yourself with the elements needed to support an enriched life. Regardless of the option chosen, access to these features is essential. This should be an integral part of the analysis when helping your loved one decide which option would be the best fit.
- An accessible residence that is age-friendly
- Assistance with daily tasks is available
- Ability to participate in activities of interest
- Opportunities to make new friends
- Social events that promote interaction and engagement
- Regular fitness and wellness activities
- Healthy dining
- Transportation options to minimize isolation
- Features that promote feeling safe and secure
Understanding the cost of senior living
The average cost of senior living at an assisted living community varies widely by geographic location, specific community and level of care. It’s better to talk to particular communities to obtain actual fee numbers. You’ll also want to clarify which services are included or can be added on.
Assisted living communities typically bundle their costs, making monthly expenses more inclusive – and predictable. The following items are often covered by the monthly fee:
- An accessible residence: Private residence can be personalized to make it truly a home.
- Personal assistance: Compassionate and trained staff provide a helping hand with daily tasks, such as bathing, grooming or medication management.
- Activities and social events: Assisted living communities usually create a monthly calendar of events, classes and outings.
- Delicious and healthy dining: Healthy selections and menu variety for meals and snacks. Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated.
- Utilities: Included are basic utilities such as electricity, water and possibly internet and cable television.
- Maintenance and housekeeping: Regular cleaning, laundry services and maintenance are included.
- Scheduled transportation: Communities typically offer transportation for medical appointments, shopping, entertainment or other events.
- Safety and security features: Security features are provided in both the residence and community. Residents feel reassured knowing someone is there if help is needed.
Download our complimentary Family Guide to Funding Senior Care & Housing.
Understanding the cost of care at home
When remaining in the existing home, the costs of senior living are more varied, delivered by several sources and therefore can be less predictable – and often more expensive. When comparing costs of personal care at home vs assisted living, you’ll want to include the following:
- Mortgage or rent: Include this monthly expense if a renter or homeowner with a mortgage.
- Property taxes and insurance: These can be significant annual expenses for homeowners but are often overlooked when budgeting the cost of senior living.
- In-home care services: If the family can’t provide the needed assistance, professional in-home care may be required from an agency. Calculate the hours of help needed and subtract what family or friends can offer. Multiply the remaining hours by the agency’s rate.
- Food: You’ll need to include grocery costs – and preparation if a home care agency will provide this service.
- Entertainment and activities: Remaining active and socially engaged is vital to both physical and cognitive health. Include any costs associated with hobbies, classes or outings.
- Fitness and wellness opportunities: Setting and meeting healthy goals can significantly influence your loved one’s quality of life. Include any associated expenses in the budget.
- Utilities: When calculating the cost of senior living, include those utilities required to run the home as well as telephone, television and internet.
- Maintenance and housekeeping: Budget for home repairs, lawn care and cleaning services. You’ll also want to include any renovation expenses if required to make the home accessible.
- Transportation: Consider whether alternative transportation will need to be included in the budget to fill in where the family may be unable.
- In-home safety and security: Include additional safety features if needed, such as home alarms, medication management systems or personal fall alerts.
The Charleston Senior Living Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support everyone to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about Assisted living or Memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions, contact us today.
We also invite you to download our complimentary Family Guide to Funding Senior Care & Housing to learn more about making the move to senior living.
