Thank you for the opportunity to share information I learn as the sales and marketing director at our assisted living and memory care community. This month, I’ll review the costs of living in one type of senior care here in Texas. Please allow me to preface this column with the knowledge that I know less of this alternative, as I better understand other options in senior living.
One of the four types of housing covered in the previous column was independent living. In this case, Independent living is considered a specific community type, not merely when seniors choose to stay at home, in a rented apartment or even with family.
According to the U.S. News & World Report, there are 486 independent living communities in Texas. The average monthly cost for independent living typically ranges from approximately $2,000 to $3,000.
Online site www. seniorliving.com reports that by 2040 the median monthly cost may exceed $4,100 per month. The monthly cost can vary significantly, based on factors such as amenities, location and what specific services are offered. This $2,000 to $3,000 probably does not include meals, utilities, transportation and other such services.
Choosing an independent living community near larger cities or in certain regions, such as the Texas Hill Country near Austin or north of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex will likely increase your monthly cost, whereas choosing a smaller community such as Stephenville or Granbury will keep your costs lower.
Amenities such as planned activities, transportation and dining alternatives will often increase monthly costs as well. Finally, the services offered will impact the monthly cost. Selecting a facility offering housekeeping, laundry service, meal preparation and transportation can also add to the bottom line.
Independent living communities differ in other ways too. In some communities, residents are required to purchase a home while in others the resident merely rents. Residents can often choose from a wide range of housing styles and costs. Amenities that are included or are optional for additional payment include home and lawn maintenance, activities, socialization events, meals, utilities, parking, and transportation. When identifying the best community, prospective residents should first identify amenities that are important to them then seek those facilities that offer those conveniences at the lowest price. Unexpected fees for homeowner’s associations or community fees can endanger carefully managed assets and limit the amount of time the resident is able to live there.
I believe it is important to tour the community and get a feel for the people among who you will be living. Review the activities … will they engage you and fulfill your unique interests? Visit several times and try the food, if offered. Tour and observe the cleanliness. Is it up to your standards? Finally, and importantly, do you feel safe? Safety is one of the primary concerns we have as we age, and one reason seniors choose to bypass independent living for another alternative.
If seniors are approaching or at the age where they can use additional assistance in sorting and applying medication, reminders about eating or showering or other activities, or consistent nutritious meals, it is probably time to consider assisted living. An option to assisted living at this stage is to seek assistance from a home health agency. Seniors should speak to their medical professional about what is best for their individual circumstances.
Next month, I will discuss assisted living and the costs you will find available to you here in our county and those surrounding us. If you have topics you would like addressed, please just let me know. Thank you for reading!
— Amy McDonald is a guest columnist for The Dublin Citizen and can be reached via email at Amy. Mcdonald@ laurelglenatstephenville. com. Have topics you want discussed for Aging Matters? Email her!