 | Shelly Lunsford is the facility director at The Homestead Assisted Living Residence in Wichita. She lives in Medicine Lodge and received her nursing degree from Pratt Community College. She spent five years working at Wesley Medical Center in the cardiac field prior to taking a leap of faith and jumping into the long term care of assisted living. From the moment she entered the doors at The Homestead, Shelly knew that it was the place for her. From a nursing point of view, this type of position allows her to utilize all her nursing skills, assessing not only the physical, but the mental, emotional and spiritual needs as well. The greatest reward for Shelly is to feel the love and compassion generated between residents and staff. It truly is a home-like atmosphere filled with family. Shelly can be reached at (316) 729-2400 or you may visit the facility at 12221 W. Maple, in Wichita. |
Senior Living
2008-01-01 14:23:00
What are the expenses for assisted living?
I have been checking prices for an assisted living for my mother. How can they have such huge variations in monthly rates from one facility to another? Also, will Medicare pay for any of her assisted living expenses?
There are different ways that a facility can charge residents for their rent and the services they receive. One way is referred to as the “all –inclusive” method. This means that the rent and any additional services are included in a set monthly fee.
Another method charges residents a flat rate for a certain set of basic services, and then charges an additional fee for any extra services. This option is sometimes referred to as “a la carte” pricing.
Be careful and know exactly what costs are included in the monthly charge quoted by each facility. The facility may have a schedule of charges for each service used by the resident. Ask if it includes everything – bed, board, nursing care, medication administration, meals, housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance? Or are there extra charges? What about telephone charges and cable television? So at first glance, one facility may seem lower priced than another. That is, until they start adding the services on the base rate.
In addition to the monthly rent and services, some facilities may charge a security deposit. Others may charge a non-refundable entrance or “community fee.” Some deposits might not be refundable even if the resident moves somewhere else. Many facilities charge an additional fee if payment for rent and services is received late. Be sure you know what is included in your payment before you sign your contract. Most importantly, ask the director/administrator questions about anything that you are unsure of. They want you to feel comfortable with what you are signing.
Assisted living is largely a private pay business. Most residents living in assisted livings pay for expenses from private money sources. These sources can include income from pensions and retirement, as well as savings and investments. Some families help cover the costs. In other cases, the sale of real estate and personal property is used.
Long term care insurance is also an option that is being used to help with funding. The insurance usually pays a certain sum of money for a certain period of time.
The Medicare program is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and over and certain disabled people under 65. Eligibility for Medicare requires that either the individual or spouse has worked enough months to qualify for Social Security Benefits.
Medicare covers home health care, and the same Medicare rules apply whether the individual is at home or in an assisted living. The Medicare program can pay for home health care only if the person is “homebound” based on the reasoning that a resident who is NOT homebound could travel to a hospital or clinic for routine health care. An assisted living resident is considered homebound if leaving the facility is a difficult process. The Medicare benefit generally requires a need for skilled nursing care, physical, or speech therapy. Nursing care is considered “skilled” if it requires the expertise of a licensed nurse (wound care or giving an injection). Bathing a resident or helping a resident get dressed do not qualify as skilled nursing and do not qualify for Medicare.
Therefore, generally speaking, Medicare does not cover the day to day expenses of an assisted living.
