San Jose Assisted Living

Moving into an assisted living facility is a big step, and as you’re making the decision on whether it’s the right one for you, chances are good you have many questions. It’s common to ask about the cost, how to find the right facility for your needs, and how you could pay for the new community. San Jose is a terrific place to retire and offers over a dozen top-rated facilities in the area. The average monthly cost is just above the national median, and we know the right questions to ask to help you find the best facility for you. Here are some tips on what to look for in the San Jose area.

Understanding the monthly cost of assisted living in San Jose

While the cost of living in California is typically thought to be much higher than the rest of the country, San Jose seniors might find assisted living costs to be more affordable than expected. Nationally assisted living averages $3,600 per month, and in San Jose costs average just above that at $4,000.

It’s important to clarify that those costs can fluctuate depending on the type of accommodations you’re looking for, and the facility you choose. SeniorAdvisor.com has listings starting at $2,500 monthly for a semi-private dwelling at the very highly rated Golden Heritage Living, all the way up to private studio options at the luxury Belmont Village San Jose for as much as $7,200 monthly. Depending on your monthly budget, the San Jose area includes numerous properties at price points everywhere in between for you to choose from.

Finding the right assisted living facility for your needs

Assisted living facilities have numerous amenities and options to choose from. Whether you’re in search of a luxury community, a pet-friendly facility, or one that caters to a specific religion or lifestyle, San Jose has an option for you. Communities like Regency of Evergreen Valley, for example, has amenities ranging from fitness programs to outings and social clubs designed to enhance the lives of their residents.

Spend time deciding what characteristics are most important to you in your new home to help narrow down the list of communities that could be the perfect fit for you.

Exploring your assisted living options in San Jose

With so many options to choose from in the San Jose area, the next step is to whittle them down based on the criteria most important to you. Start by asking your neighbors, friends, or family members for their opinions on facilities in your area. Search for facilities online paying attention to consumer reviews and star-ratings to identify great options in your budget. Consider utilizing a senior living advisor in your area. They can assist you by matching your desired living situation and monthly budget with available facilities in your area, and accompanying you during the tours.

Once you’ve established the facilities that could be right for you, take a tour of each one. Bring along a checklist like the one you can find on SeniorAdvisor to ensure that you ask all of the important questions, and take notes to remember the specifics. Be sure to identify what is included in the monthly costs, if additional amenities or services are available, and if there are advanced care options in case your needs change over time? Weighing the pros and cons of each facility can help you make the right decision on the best fit for you.

Financing Options for Assisted Living

If you found the monthly cost of assisted living surprising, you’re not alone. For many people, the price seems high before doing the calculations to understand exactly what you’re getting. Remember, when living at home, you’re paying not only your mortgage, but also for property taxes, maintenance on your home, monthly utilities, and in-home care. All of these things will be included in the monthly cost of assisted living. If you’re selling your home, the proceeds from that transaction will be available to help pay for your care. In some cases, like if your spouse or children are planning to still live in the home, you will need to look at other options to pay for assisted living.

If you’re a senior with limited assets and a low income in need of assisted living, you may qualify for Medicaid. In California, over half of the seniors utilize a managed-care plan distributed by the federal-state program to fund nursing home care. In order to receive funds, you need to meet all of the eligibility requirements and to submit an application. For more information visit the California Department of Healthcare Services website.

The VA Aid & Attendance program may be available if you are a military veteran, or a widow of a veteran, who actively served during a federally defined wartime. Veterans need not have served directly in combat to qualify. Reach out to the regional benefits office in Oakland for more information on eligibility requirements and to apply for the program. Keep in mind that the approval process can be lengthy, but once granted the funds will be applied retroactively to the date of the initial application.

Insurance policies are another common way to finance assisted living, and a long-term care policy is your best bet for coverage. If you have a long-term care policy in effect, contact your insurance agent to understand what is included as part of the policy, and if you have any limits, out of pocket minimums, or exclusions. These policies are valuable, so also take the time to plan how you will continue to make your monthly payments to keep it in effect. Seniors who develop memory, cognitive or serious health issues can be at risk for missing payments and letting their coverage lapse.

Additional options to assist with funding assisted living care include taking out a reverse mortgage or using a life insurance policy for cash value. Both will impact your tax situation, your assets, and your current financial plan, so be sure to carefully consider these options. It may be helpful to ask a financial planner, an attorney specializing in senior care, or a tax professional for assistance in understanding these options. Although there are many ways to pay for assisted living, be aware that traditional Medicare, health insurance, or worker’s disability insurance do not cover the costs.

There are many things to consider when it comes to assisted living. These are just some of the questions you’ll ask during the process. SeniorAdvisor.com has loads of answers to help, including listings of some of the best care providers in your area to help you find the right home for you in San Jose.