Free report helps with assisted-living decisions

SEATTLE, Sept. 19, 2012—A report published by Stratford Retirement informs caregivers and elderly about financial options for assisted care. While Americans continue to live longer than ever, often well past traditional retirement years, there is a growing concern about the ability of Medicaid to cover long-term care cost. What has traditionally been a safety net for middle-income people with assisted care needs has now turned into a contested political topic.

Stratford Retirement, a licensed memory care and assisted living facility in Seattle, often advises caregivers about the costs associated with long-term care, whether it be in a nursing home, an independent living facility or at home. Based on their experiences the staff has released a report, free to everyone, that helps the elderly and their loved ones make educated choices about how to pay for assisted care.

Titled “Paying for Assisted Living-A Guide for Seniors and Loved Ones,” the report covers the multitude of payment alternatives available to families. It includes information on long-term care insurance, government programs, Aid and Attendance Veterans Benefits. It also includes information about taking advantage of life settlements and home equity.

Assisted living facilities typically offer condominiums or apartment-like housing to senior adults in need of help with everyday tasks. These tasks may include grooming, cleaning, dressing or even eating. In spite of this extra care, residents of assisted living facilities generally don’t require extensive nursing, although this often turns into a need later in life. One of the benefits of assisted living communities is that the expense, or monthly rent, is usually much lower than that of a nursing home.

For seniors who have been living independently for decades, navigating their financial options in this new world may be overwhelming. Many Americans assume Medicare will pay the complete cost of senior housing. The report explains why this is not often the case. Assistance from Medicare is very limited. Although Medicaid typically only covers nursing care, each state sets its own regulations on how funds are distributed.

This report also covers costs associated with memory care, also known as dementia care or Alzheimer’s treatment. Memory care is considered a specialized type of assisted living, and the cost structure and payment options are often similar. Download the report here.