Although the average life expectancy in the US is 77, many seniors are enjoying happy, healthy lives long past that milestone. Advances in senior care mean that we’ll enjoy having our parents and grandparents with us for many years to come.
But let’s face it — growing older has its challenges. As our family members age and need more help, we may need to consider options like in-home senior care, memory care, or assisted living.
How can you offset the cost of senior living and ensure your loved ones continue to thrive? Here are four tips that can help.
1. Explore Your Options
“Senior living” includes a wide range of choices based on the individual’s needs and preferences. This includes:
- Independent senior living
- Senior campus living
- Assisted living communities
- Memory care
- Long-term skilled care
As you would expect, the more hands-on care your loved one needs, the more you’ll pay. If they’re still in good health and able to perform most tasks themselves, you can save money with an independent senior living option.
2. Ask About Specials & Discounts
As you consider different senior living options, it never hurts to ask directly about ways to lower your costs.
For example, some communities offer specials or discounts during times of the year with lower move-in rates. They may waive application or entrance fees, or they may offer a free month if you sign a long-term lease.
Other facilities may give price breaks at the end of the month, the end of the calendar quarter, or the end of their financial quarter. It’s worth asking if they have any specials coming up, especially if you can be flexible with your move-in date.
3. Consider Co-Living Arrangements
One in four seniors feels socially isolated, which can lead to an array of physical and mental health conditions.
To help prevent loneliness (and save on the cost of senior living), ask about the possibility of a shared living space. Your loved one may really enjoy having a roommate or a private room in a shared apartment.
Bonus: This is almost always cheaper than paying for a private apartment or home in a senior living community.
4. Compare All-Inclusive vs A-la-Carte
The best senior living facilities will offer you the choice of an all-inclusive package or a la carte services.
As the name suggests, all-inclusive provides every service your loved one needs for one set rate. This usually includes rent, utilities, meals, activities, and assistance with activities of daily living. Understandably, you’ll pay more for all of these services.
To save on costs, you might choose the base price for rent and then “add on” only the services your loved one really needs. For example, if they can still cook, bathe themselves, or clean their apartment, you don’t need to pay to have someone do those tasks for them.
You Can Afford the Cost of Senior Living
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you research the cost of senior living. It may seem out of reach at first, but there are plenty of things you can do to lower those costs.
At Juniper Communities, we understand the challenges you’re facing. That’s why we’ve curated a collection of amazing senior communities to fit all budgets and circumstances.
Click here to explore our senior living communities and find the option that’s perfect for your loved ones.