Orlando Assisted Living

It’s completely normal to have many questions when considering an assisted living facility as your next home. Commonly, seniors may wonder about the price of assisted living, how they would choose the right facility, and how they might pay for the new accommodations. Florida is known for being a retirement state, and in Orlando the median cost of assisted living is right in line with national averages. The Orlando area boasts over two dozen highly-rated facilities with amenities and options to suit every need. Here are some of the basics you need to know about options in the Orlando area,

What is the monthly fee for assisted living in Orlando?

Luckily, the sunshine and mild winters are included in the monthly cost of living in Orlando, and residents pay right around the national average for assisted living in the area. As a nation, assisted living costs run $3,600 per month, and in the Orlando area residents average $3,343 monthly.

Be aware that monthly living expenses can vary depending on the area of Orlando you choose, and the type of accommodations you require. SeniorAdvisor.com has listings ranging from $1,850 monthly for a semi-private room in the Best of 2016 award winning Spring Hills Hunters Creek property, all the way up to around $4,000 monthly for a private studio at the highly rated Grand Palms Assisted Living and Memory Care. The Orlando area offers numerous living options between those two price points to choose from.

Selecting the right assisted living facility for you

When choosing an assisted living facility, there are different amenities and options to be aware of. Some facilities offer luxury options like high-end dining or a pool and spa within the community. Others may cater to a specific faith and offer religious services and meals in line with those needs. Orlando has a number of facilities that allow pets, including Brookdale Conway. Take time to decide what things are most important to you in your new community. This will make it easier to create a list of potential choices in the Orlando area that could be a great fit for you.

Discovering assisted living facilities in Orlando

Armed with the knowledge of what amenities and options you want in your new home, it’s time to research facilities in your area and develop your list of options. Friends and family members can be a great resource, so ask around for their recommendations. Do research online paying attention to reviews and star-ratings, as they can give you a great idea of the quality of your options and what you could expect in your price range. A senior living advisor can be a valuable resource during your process. These professionals can help you match your preferences with area facilities within your budget, and will even go with you during tours of the facilities to assist with the process.

The next step is to schedule a tour with the assisted living communities that made your list. During the tour, take the time to ask questions and take notes to remember important details. Understand things like what amenities are covered with the monthly fee. Are there additional services available on the property? What additional types of care options can the facility accommodate should your needs change? Use a checklist like the one on SeniorAdvisor to make sure you get all of your questions answered, and for additional tips on moving into and paying for assisted living.

Ways to finance assisted living

At first glance, the cost of assisted living can give some seniors sticker shock. It’s important to take into account what is included in the price of this type of care. Compared to the at-home costs of in-home care, property taxes, property maintenance, and monthly utilities, some find that assisted living is actually more affordable. Often times when you move into assisted living you will sell your home, and the funds from the sale will pay for many of your costs. If you are in a situation where your spouse or children may still be living in your home, or you don’t own a home, there are other options available to help fund the cost of your new living situation.

In Florida, the federal-state program Medicaid pays for over 2/3 of the costs of nursing home care for seniors with limited assets and a low-income. Medicaid is distributed based on an application process, and if you’re approved you could be eligible for funding through a managed-care plan. For all the details on eligibility requirements and to apply for assistance, visit the Florida Department of Children and Families website.

Military veterans who served the country in an active-duty capacity during wartime, and their widows, may qualify for the VA Aid & Attendance program. Wartime dates are defined by federal rules, and it’s not necessary to have served in combat in order to qualify. The regional benefits office in St. Petersburg, Florida is an excellent resource to help you determine if you qualify for the program and to apply for the pension. While it may take months to process and approve your application, the funds will date retroactively back to the date of the application.

There are a number of insurance policies that may have provisions for assisted living, the most common of which is a long-term care policy. These policies can vary in what is covered, so reach out to your insurance agent or carrier for a list of benefits, exclusions and limits. It’s also a smart idea to ask about options to ensure the policy is paid for and funded, as seniors run the risk of missing payments and losing coverage if they develop a serious illness or experience memory loss as they age.

A number of other financial options exist to help pay for assisted living like a reverse mortgage or cashing in a life insurance policy. Both options require careful consideration as they can impact your taxes, overall assets, and pre-existing long-term financial planning. Ask for advice and help from a financial advisor, an attorney with knowledge of senior care and assets, or a tax professional to help you understand your options. Know that while many options exist for paying for assisted living, traditional Medicare, health insurance, or other worker’s disability insurance will not pay for any portion of the costs.

These helpful tips and facts are just a few of the things to know when researching assisted living in Orlando. For more resources, check out SeniorAdvisor. They have comprehensive listings and information to help you discover highly-rated care providers who offer exactly what you’re looking for in your new home.