Growing older can bring a richness into life yet there may also be challenges, such as needing a helping hand with daily tasks or navigating a home that isn’t age-friendly or accessible.
When this occurs, families and their parents may begin considering their options, including moving to an assisted living community or hiring a home care agency.
Considering the advantages each choice contributes to health and wellness can help make the best decision. Taking an accurate look at the expenses may also reveal the misconception that it’s always less expensive to remain at home.
Tips when comparing the costs of senior living vs staying at home
Prices vary greatly depending on the services needed, level of care and even location – so you’ll want to talk to specific agencies or communities. But while planning, keeping these suggestions in mind can help you more accurately consider the costs of senior living:
A. If your parents own their home, you’ll still need to calculate other housing expenses.
B. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples (or benefits to benefits). For example, remaining active is vital to health. Activities are included in an assisted living community but if your loved one remains at home, you’ll need to find – and pay for – these services.
C. If choosing home care, consider how you’ll fill any gaps between family and agency services.
D. Calculate the caregiving hours provided by family or friends.
E. Don’t lose sight of the priorities: consider which option allows your parents to live their best lives.
Costs of senior living: staying at home
1. Residential expenses
Homeowners will still need to calculate utility expenses, home insurance and maintenance. If the home needs accessibility improvements or repairs, you’ll want to factor those costs in as well.
2. Assistance with personal care
Make a list of daily help needed, such as dressing, bathing, shopping, housekeeping or preparing meals. Talk to a local home care agency for hourly prices and calculate how many hours can be provided by the family.
3. Fitness and exercise costs
Staying physically and cognitively in shape is essential to aging and living well. Do your parents have access to flexibility and balance classes or other activities designed to support the health of older adults? Include these costs of senior living here.
4. Healthy dining
You’ll want to make sure your parents are receiving the health benefits of eating well. Calculate the costs of fresh food ingredients and any expenses required if help is needed with the shopping and meal preparation.
5. Activities and social events
Being able to remain active and interact socially with others can become more of a challenge as adults grow older. But it is critical in maintaining good health. Include costs of activities in your monthly budget.
6. Transportation costs
If your parents are no longer able to drive, you’ll want to consider if there are other transportation options available and those costs. Will you be paying a ride service or contracting this as part of the services provided by a home agency?
7. Security expenses
Along with any features that need to be made for accessibility, you may require additional security or safety alarms to be installed. Factor in their initial costs as well as any monthly service charges.
Costs of senior living: an assisted living community
1. Residential expenses
Your parents can personalize their private residence to make it their own. Included in the residential costs of senior living you’ll generally find utilities, television and wi-fi services, housekeeping and a completely maintenance-free lifestyle.
2. Assistance with personal care
Compassionate and caring staff are ready to help with daily tasks, such as dressing, bathing and grooming. Families can once again enjoy quality time spent together with loved ones when no longer always running errands.
3. Fitness and exercise costs
Communities typically provide fitness centers or exercise classes for their residents, included in the costs of senior living. Your parents will have access to guided classes to improve their flexibility, balance and strength training.
4. Healthy dining
Your parents will appreciate eating healthy and delicious food without having to worry about the shopping, planning or preparing of meals. They’ll discover a wide selection and accommodation of special dietary needs if required.
5. Activities and social events
Staying active and engaged in life is a great contributor to living well and your parents will discover a monthly calendar of events included in the costs of senior living – with enough variety for everyone to find something of interest.
6. Transportation costs
Communities offer scheduled transportation so your parents will have access to medical appointments, shopping, entertainment or other social events.
7. Security expenses
It is reassuring for your parents – and your family – to live in a secured community and personal residence complete with safety features and knowing someone is there if help is ever needed – all included in the costs of senior living.
The Charleston Senior 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 disease 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. We also invite you to download our complimentary guide to help when deciding between home and senior living, Should You Stay or Should You Go?
