Miami Assisted Living
Many seniors choose to move into an assisted living community when they feel that they are no longer able to live safely on their own. Assisted living communities give residents a controlled environment in which to continue leading an active, independent lifestyle. Miami is home to dozens of affordable assisted living communities, making it easy for Florida seniors to save on quality long-term care.
How expensive is assisted living in Miami?
Most people know Miami for its pristine beaches and tropical weather, but the city’s residents also enjoy low tax rates and a reasonable cost of living. There are dozens of assisted living communities located throughout the city that offer low, affordable monthly rates. According to the Genworth Cost of Care survey, the median monthly cost of assisted living in Miami was just $2,750 in 2015, while the national median hit $3,600 per month.
Miami seniors can find a wide range of prices when it comes to assisted living. Many facilities offer tiered pricing options to cater to the unique needs of each prospective resident. Seniors on a budget can share a semi-private room with a roommate for as low as $1,000 each month at the Las Mercedes Boarding Home and at Maggie’s Retirement Home #1. On the other hand, seniors that are looking for a more high-end assisted living experience can find luxury suites at The Palace at Coral Gables starting at $4,850 per month.
What is life like in an assisted living community?
Assisted living communities aim to help seniors preserve their independence while providing a safe, supervised environment. Living quarters are typically in the style of an apartment, complete with a kitchenette and bathroom. Residents are encouraged to maintain the same active and healthy lifestyle as they did when living at home, including cooking and cleaning. Seniors that require assistance with daily living activities can turn to trained staff for help at any time of day. Many communities offer shared services on-site such as hot meals, social activities, and recreational services. Certain assisted living facilities may also provide therapeutic and medical care for residents with cognitive or physical disabilities.
How to choose an assisted living community in Miami
Every senior citizen has unique needs and assisted living communities strive to provide personalized care for each of their residents. It is important to find a community that fits with your current lifestyle. There are facilities that cater to pet owners, religious groups, social communities, and much more. You can talk to friends, relatives, and neighbors for recommendations about which Miami-based assisted living community might be right for you. You can also look at online reviews written by former and current community residents, or schedule a campus tour.
You should keep your budget in mind when you are researching assisted living communities in Miami. Most facilities charge residents a fee that can be as much as several thousand dollars each month. Be sure to check what services this fee includes beyond room and board. You should also check whether or not the assisted living community offers affordable continuity of care options in the event that your healthcare needs change during your stay.
Coping with the costs of assisted living in Miami
Miami is a beautiful, culturally rich city with a surprisingly low cost of living. The median monthly cost of assisted living is much lower in Miami than in the rest of the United States, but seniors with limited assets may still find themselves struggling to pay their monthly bills. Luckily, there are many ways that Florida residents can save when it comes to long-term care.
Seniors that are making a permanent move to an assisted living campus may be able to sell their house and use the proceeds to help pay for care. If a spouse, family member or other loved one is still living at home, taking out a reverse mortgage and cashing out a life insurance policy can help to cover care costs. Seniors with long-term care insurance may also be able to save on assisted living expenses through policy payouts.
Low-income seniors that meet certain care needs and financial criteria may be eligible to receive government benefits to help cover the costs of assisted living. The Florida Medicaid program ensures that all state residents have access to affordable, quality healthcare. Veterans and the wives of veterans that need full-time care can apply for financial aid through the VA Aid & Attendance pension.
Miami is an idyllic and affordable location that is home to dozens of top quality assisted living communities. For more information about long-term care in the Miami area, visit SeniorAdvisor.com.