Assisted Living at a Glance

• The average retiree has a median household income of just more than $35,000. The average annual rate for assisted living facilities is $35,000, more if specialized nursing or memory care is required.
• Medicare does not pay for assisted living facilities. In some facilities, low-income residents can qualify for Medicare coverage of services received in assisted living environments.
• The majority of residents living in assisted care facilities pay for the services themselves or through long-term care insurance.
  Where to go for help:
• The Consumer Consortium on Assisted Living offers advice and state-by-state guides on long-term care licensing agencies and long-term care ombudsman offices that can provide information on facilities. Visit www.ccal.org for more information.
• Geriatric care managers can be consulted to help families and individuals find the best long-term care facility in their area. For more information visit www.caremanager.org.
• Special facilities are equipped to assist those with dementia and other memory disorders. To learn more visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org/advocacy/priorities/longtermcare/overview.asp.

Source: AARP