Unfortunately, just because we get older doesn’t mean we suddenly have no bills. There is often a cost involved with senior living depending on the required care. Some things that contribute to the costs of a personal care home include where the care takes place, the level of care required, the geographical location, or the amenities and services offered.
Because personal care homes are not all equal, it’s important to tour each community that you or a loved one are interested in. This gives you the chance to see the day-to-day life in the community and ask the staff about the costs involved and what that particular community offers for that monthly fee.
What Does a Personal Care Community Provide?
A personal care community may be a great alternative to at-home care for many older adults looking to begin the next chapter in their lives. Before considering the costs associated with a community like this, let’s first look at some potential benefits a personal care community can provide.
Independence
Personal care communities are designed to provide seniors with a home-like atmosphere while giving them the necessary assistance. Such communities offer a range of services that cater to the needs of older adults, including housekeeping, laundry, medication management, meal preparation, and much more. Personal care communities may also provide additional care options, known as memory care, for adults with cognitive impairments.
Recreation & Social Connection
Residents of these communities get to enjoy various recreational and social activities. The activities may include group outings, friendly games, movie nights, gardening, and more, all enabling socialization and improving quality of life. There are also often opportunities for continuing education, such as art classes, book clubs, and even computer classes, which will keep residents active and engaged.
Safety & Security
Personal care communities typically prioritize safety and security. Older adults can be vulnerable, and their safety is critical. These communities often have staff whose sole purpose is to ensure the safety of their occupants. Staff are available 24/7 to monitor the premises and assist residents in the event of any emergencies. Moreover, these communities employ rigorous safety procedures to ensure security and well-being.
Access to Health & Wellness Support
Personal care communities may have specialized medical and health care support. Residents typically get regular medication support, and some communities have an onsite nursing staff that caters to their medical needs. These communities also may have trained medical professionals who can provide routine check-ups and even more specialized services such as physical therapy or rehabilitation.
Understanding the Costs of a Personal Care Home
According to Genworth surveys, the estimated cost of personal care home living in 2024 will be a median average of $4,900. This is based on a steady increase from $4,500 in 2021 from inflation. It’s important to note that this monthly average could be higher or lower based on your chosen community.
Several factors can affect the monthly expense of care as an older adult.
Where the Care Takes Place
Assistance doesn’t only have to take place in a personal care home. For some people, this is a great option that comes with many benefits, but it may not be a great fit for others. Some older adults are hesitant to leave their family home. So, in-home personal care may be a better option. But this can come with a greater expense than some communities, depending on the level of care and state you’re in.
Level of Care
Many senior living communities offer various levels of care. These can range from mostly independent living to much more involved personal or memory care. As an individual’s care requirements increase, the cost of that care may increase. Fortunately, there are often multiple options to find care within your budget.
Geographical Location
The physical location of the community in itself can affect the cost. Because senior living communities are state-regulated as opposed to federally-regulated. So, 2 communities that offer identical services and amenities may still have some price differences based on the state they’re in.
Services & Amenities
In addition to assistance with daily life, there are often other services and amenities available to residents in a personal care home. These could range from increased integration of medical services, to pools and spas, or fitness rooms and entertainment centers.
Book Your Juniper Community Tour
Living longer is a blessing and an individual shouldn’t lose out based on cost. But there’s no escaping the fact that a cost exists alongside various levels of personal care as a person ages. This is where visiting multiple communities can help give you a good idea of what your needs and wants will cost.Contact us at Juniper Village at Forest Hills if you’re considering a personal care home in Pittsburgh. Our team is happy to book you a tour so you can see what calling a Juniper Community home will mean for you.