Types & Costs of Senior Care and Housing

Senior Care and Housing

There is a wide range of options and costs of senior care and housing. All of these choices can be overwhelming and confusing. Below are general categories of each option, as well as approximate costs in the Omaha area.

Independent Living Communities

Independent living communities are designed for seniors who require minimal or no assistance with the activities of daily living. In other words, independent seniors are able to handle their own cooking, bathing, dressing, toileting and other routine daily activities. These senior retirement communities provide recreational, educational and social opportunities for their residents. In addition, some independent living communities offer optional services such as meals, transportation, housekeeping and laundry, for an additional cost. Most apartments do include a a stove and refrigerator in the kitchen. The cost of independent living retirement communities is generally $3,000 to 5,000 monthly depending on amenities and services. Residents pay for the cost from personal funds.

Assisted Living Communities

Assisted living communities are designed for individuals who require help with everyday activities such as meals, medication management, bathing, dressing or transportation, but do not need full-time nursing care. Senior assisted living apartments generally include a small refrigerator but do not have a stove, due to safety reasons; however, most will allow a microwave. Of course, a stove isn’t needed since assisted living communities serve 3 daily meals. Some seniors may have memory issues or they may need help with mobility, incontinence or other challenges. Some communities do offer specialized assisted living care for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents, including a secure environment to prevent ‘wandering’, a common symptom of the disease. The federal government does not regulate assisted living, and definitions of assisted living vary from state to state. Each state has its own licensing requirements. Medicare does not cover the cost of assisted living. Costs are generally paid from a family’s own personal funds (this is called private-pay) or long-term care insurance. Veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for a little-known veteran’s benefit that pays up to $2,020 monthly toward the costs. In general, assisted living costs are $5,000 to $7,000 or more monthly depending on the apartment size and level of care provided.

Residential Care Homes (Private Homes)

Residential care homes are private, group homes that provide 24-hour supervision and assist with the activities of daily living and non-medical care. This type of living arrangement is also known as Board and Care or Group Homes. A great benefit is that seniors receive very close supervision since there are usually only 6-8 residents in each home. The cost of residential care is generally $6,000 to $8,000 monthly depending on the location, level of care and amenities.

Dementia / Alzheimer’s Care

Every 70 seconds, someone will develop Alzheimer’s. Specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other dementias is often provided in an assisted living community, residential care home (group home, board and care home) or skilled nursing facility. A secure environment is often provided to prevent ‘wandering’, a common symptom of the disease. Residents usually have access to secured outdoor walking paths or gardens. In general, dementia / Alzheimer’s care is $8,000 to $10,000+ monthly depending on the room size and level of care provided.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC)

Continuing Care Retirement Communities are designed to provide for the changing care needs of its residents. Seniors can stay on the same campus as their needs for care increase. This allows residents to age in place, rather than move to a different community to receive a higher level of care. The cost varies depending on the amenities and level of care offered in each community. Some of these communities require a large entrance fee in addition to a monthly fee for rent and care.

Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitative Care

Skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes) provide around-the-clock nursing care supervision for patients with chronic conditions, or those needing rehabilitative or convalescent care following hospitalization. Most nursing homes have services and staff to address issues such as nutrition, care planning, recreation, spirituality and medical care. Some facilities also offer specialized care for seniors with dementia such as Alzheimer’s, including a secure environment to prevent ‘wandering’, a common symptom of the disease. Skilled nursing facilities are licensed by the state and regulated by the federal government. Medicare pays for short-term skilled nursing care, but not for the long term. Some facilities accept Medicaid, although there is often a waiting list for admission and patients must be in a shared room. Generally, nursing home care costs are approximately $9,000 or more monthly.

In-Home (Non-Medical) Care

This type of care is generally provided by caregivers who visit the home of a senior needing non-medical assistance with the activities of daily living (ADL). Services can include assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, transportation, light housekeeping, laundry, linen changes, meal preparation, mobility, companionship, etc. In-home care promotes independence and allows the senior to maintain dignity in the comfort of their own home. Most seniors pay for the cost of in-home care from their own personal funds, long-term care insurance or through family assistance. Veterans or their surviving spouses may be eligible for a little-known veteran’s benefit. Please see the page titled ‘Veteran’s Benefit.’ The cost of in-home care is generally $35 to $50 per hour depending on the level of care provided and most home care agencies have a 3-hour daily minimum.

Home Health Care (Medical care in the home)

Home health care services are provided by licensed healthcare professionals in the home of a senior. Services may include blood draws, IV therapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy, hospice care, etc. These services are generally covered by Medicare.

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