Richmond Assisted Living

Assisted living facilities offer housing alternatives for seniors who need help with some daily activities but are not totally dependent on others. The degree of care is less than the level typically associated with a nursing home. Even when assisted living becomes the ideal situation, trading in the family home for assisted living can be a bit of a culture shock. Plus, there is plenty to consider from costs to location and desired amenities.

Average Cost Of Assisted Living In Richmond

The cost of assisted living varies across the United States. According to a 2015 Cost of Care Survey by Genworth, the average annual cost for assisted living in Richmond is $3,846 per month for a one bedroom single occupancy space. In comparison to the national average, Richmond rates higher. The data goes on to reveal that the U.S. median for the same assisted living scenario is $3,600 per month.

In Richmond, assisted living costs on an annual basis are slightly more that the costs of in home services by a licensed aide. However, the cost of in home services is additive to the cost of maintaining a home, which includes utility payments, property taxes and home insurance.

What You Can Expect From Assisted Living

Many assisted living facilities cater to a variety of senior lifestyles. In addition to regular support with routine tasks such as personal hygiene, facilities offer typical amenities like dinning services, housekeeping, laundry services, wellness programs and opportunities for social outings, such as trips to museums, shopping or theater. This means that seniors can stay active and social.

Of course, private spaces can vary in size and style. You can expect to find a space suitable for your needs and budget with the proper research. Just be sure to consider whether a community can meet any future needs.

How To Find Assisted Living Communities In Richmond

Richmond has several neighborhoods to choose, from the historic Union Hill to Church Hill and the Fan District, when it comes to locating assisted living communities. Deciding where to live depends on the lifestyle preferences. Other considerations include the type of space and amenities within and outside the community. Use available resources to locate facilities in desired areas with must have features. Free resources like Richmond’s Office on Aging and Persons with Disabilities can help you narrow your search. Before making a final decision, try visiting your top choices and check out any online reviews.

Payment Options For Assisted Living Needs

Many assisted living residents use private funds to cover expenses. Private funds include retirement and pensions, insurance policies, reverse mortgages, or selling a home right out. In other cases, Medicaid and Veteran Benefits are available. Let’s examine some of these options.

If your home will be vacant, then selling it can help fund costs. If you want to keep your residence, a reverse mortgage is another way to get money out of your home. With a reverse mortgage, the equity in your home is tapped to pay for any expenses you choose, such as assisted living care. This only works for borrowers who are occupants of the home.

For seniors who do not own a home, long-term insurance payouts can be used to pay for some assisted living costs. It is a good idea to be clear on the terms of the policy and when payouts begin, especially if you have not had this type of insurance for very long. Insurance premium payments must be kept current with this option.

When private funds and insurance are not possible, the Virginia Medicaid program for qualifying seniors may provide help with assisted living. Typically, those who qualify have low income and essentially no assets. Note that Medicaid is different from Medicare. Medicare is basically a health insurance platform for those ages 65 and older, and does not provide for assisted living care. Medicaid covers health services in addition to nursing home costs or assisted living costs. In Richmond, contact the Department of Social Services for help.

Veterans may qualify for assistance from the Veterans Aid & Attendance program. With this program, Veterans receiving a pension may qualify for an increase in funds that can be used towards assisted living. In Richmond, contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for pension assistance. Expect a lengthy, but worthwhile process.

For those in the area, Richmond has plenty to offer in terms of assisted living. The next step is to use this information to find a facility that’s just right.