Assisted living costs! How in in the world do people afford this?

No social security money?

And, actually - you’ll find $4,300 is on the low end when it comes to AL. Plus - every little thing is offered ala’carte for a nifty price.

Ive always said assisted living isn’t all that assisted. Unless you can afford to pay. And pay. And pay.

Sarahk60, you asked how can people afford to pay these prices? I know I had sticker shock when I first found out how much it cost for my Mom to be in long-term-care. Then for my Dad to have 3-shifts of caregivers each day. Then when Dad moved to senior living.

My parents were extremely fugal, lived below their means, and did this on one income. Of course, back then TV was free, no $200/month fee like today.... a new refrigerator cost $200 and lasted 30 years, not $2000 and lasting only a few years.... washer/dryer cost $300 and Mom had her set for 45 years. They had one vehicle, and Mom took the bus or walked to the stores. And my Mom was able to make clothes, towels, bedding, etc. last for many decades. And oh, we have savings accounts that could get 8% to 12% interest. So my folks saved big time for that rainy day. So much has changed, it isn't easy for people today to save like they did.

After the sticker shock, I am holding hostage my 401(k) and the equity in my house for my old age.

Depending on how advanced her AZ is, might she even qualify for a nursing home instead? Assisted living helps with some pretty basic things but might not be the right fit.

That is quite expensive! It's sad that elder care is so costly.

Nearby, assisted living was going to be $5,000 per month. (Without caregivers).

My loved one was moved to be nearer a family member who lived way out. Kind of like when a person wants to buy a home, but where they want to live is way too expensive. So they buy in a newer, less developed area, with new homes at half the price.

So there was a room for $1500, and a whole apartment in AL for $2800.
Nice, it is just as nice as the $5k.

Ah, ok. Nursing care is what I’m asking about then. She has teacher retirement and Medicare. That’s it. I’ll have to do some more research I guess.

thank you!

Sarah, sorry but I didn't see where you were asking about nursing care. What is your question in regard to nursing care?

Yes, it's outrageous. And she needs specialized care so not just any one size fits all will do. Even so, a convalescent home might take her but just know that you really do need to be involved on a regular basis to make sure she is being taken care of right. My mother had virtually no income because she was mentally disabled much of her working years. We siblings all kicked in as much money as we could to find her a private care home - but the trouble was, they were not experienced enough to handle her needs and there was some down right neglect. Unfortunately, due to her stay there, she developed pneumonia and bedsores. I lived in another state and my sister was suppose to be supervising things. That's another story, but all to say, we had to find her a skilled nursing facility that would take her after she got out of the hospital from all the problems she developed. At that point medicaid, if I recall correctly kicked in, and the option to put her there was the only one there was at the time. I regret it deeply to say the least. She only lasted another 2 months.