Where Is Assisted Living Less Expensive?
If you are considering moving into an assisted living facility but are concerned about how much it will cost, you might want to look at the cost for assisted living in the state that you live in. For instance, New York City has some of the highest costs of living in the nation, but the state is also considered one of the safest, with the lowest violent crime rate. In addition, crime rates are expected to improve over the next ten years. Even in New York, there are costs associated with healthcare and living, such as transportation and grocery shopping.
New York City
New York City is home to many older adults who find it increasingly difficult to find affordable housing after retirement. In the past decade, the city has seen a 30 percent increase in the number of senior citizens. They are an increasingly diverse group. More than half speak a foreign language at their home. Nearly a quarter of them have earned advanced degrees. And thousands are members of the LGBT community.
Although assisted living is more affordable in New York City than other cities, it still runs over $2,000 per monthly. The best option in New York is to find a community that is cheaper. Kingston, for example, has an average cost of $4,100 a month. Other cities near Albany are less expensive than New York City, including Syracuse, Albany, and Glen Falls.
New York City is a safe city for seniors. The state has the second-lowest criminality rate in the nation, and it is expected that crime rates will continue to rise over the next decade. It is worth noting, however, that New York’s cost of living is significantly higher than many other states. This means seniors might need to spend more money on transportation and doctor appointments, as well as groceries.
Utah
Utah’s assisted living costs are lower than the national median. They range from $3,300 per person in Provo to $43,390 in Salt Lake City. However, healthcare and housing costs in Utah are higher, so the cost of care can vary widely from one city to the next. The cost of assisted living in the state averages almost $1,000 lower than the national average.
Utah’s state sales tax is 4.850 percent. However, it can vary from one city to the next. There are many assisted living facilities and care providers in Utah, which is another great reason to consider this state. Many of the providers accept Medicare and Medicaid. The state also boasts a healthy climate and many municipal parks, golf courses, and other attractions.
Utah Legal Services also offers assistance for seniors with various issues and benefits. The non-profit organization assists qualified residents with estate planning, powers of attorney, as well as other issues. The agency can also assist with public benefits and health care costs. Finally, the state’s 12 Area Agencies on Aging administer a variety of programs and services for older residents. These include transportation, social events, fitness classes, and wellness screenings. Some agencies will lend durable medical equipment to senior citizens who meet certain criteria.
Maryland
Maryland’s assisted living costs more than the national average at $2,700 per month. Because of Maryland’s high cost of living, most people pay for their assisted living with personal funds. Medicare does not cover assisted living costs. You may be able to relocate to a lower cost state if you have substantial funds.
While assisted living in Maryland is paid for by most families, financial assistance is available for those who are not able to pay. Some costs may be covered by Medicaid or subsidy programs. These programs have strict requirements. For example, the Medicaid waiver program is new in Maryland, but is aimed at paying for only a few kinds of assisted living services.
Maryland’s cost of assisted living varies greatly by region. Some areas, like Cumberland, are less expensive than $4,000 per month, but assisted living in most of the state’s other parts is more expensive.
North Dakota
North Dakota has one among the lowest assisted living rates in the nation. Residents of Bismarck and Fargo can expect to pay an average of $3,550 per month for assisted living services. Grand Forks has the least expensive cost of any state. However, in-home care and nursing homes are still more costly than assisted living services. For seniors with fixed incomes, this can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are resources available to help families manage the expense of senior care.
There are two options for those who can’t afford assisted living in North Dakota: Medicaid or a state-sponsored program. North Dakota Medicaid has a special program known as the Aged and Disabled Waiver. It allows seniors and disabled people to receive non-medical transportation, adult daycare, and personal care services. This waiver also covers home modification.
The North Dakota Department of Health regulates assisted living facilities. State standards are required for staff training and education at licensed facilities. Each year, administrators of assisted living facilities must complete 12 hours of continuing education.