With Assisted Living Facilities Increasing their Rates, Seniors Are Having Financial Difficulties.

Most assisted living residents pay from their own funds, some with long term care insurance, and some veteran’s benefits or with help from family. Annual cost increases typically come in two forms: increases to cover rising expenses, or an upgrade to the next tier of care i.e. additional help with bathing, eating, medication management or dressing.

A MetLife Mature Market Institute study reported that assisted-living costs climbed 5.2 percent from 2009 to 2010, to a national monthly average of $3,293, outpacing both inflation and the interest earned on savings and bonds. Also, with Social Security not increasing in 2011, this is a major problem for seniors and their families.

As the costs increase a problem can arise between the senior, the family and the assisted living facility. Many times the increase appears subjective. However, if you disagree with the decision what are your options? Complain, but what happens to the resident’s care, and what bargaining power do you have? You can always threaten to leave. But, the resident is comfortable, has friends at the facility, and is it worthwhile disrupting their lives? It’s a fine balance between advocacy and finances.

Families must be aware ahead of time what will happen, and when, as a resident progress through care levels. Unfortunately, a number of assisted living facilities do explain the ramifications of increased costs, and what will happen, if you do not pay the invoice i.e. discharge from the facility.

Even if you are prepared, it sometimes cannot prevent genuine dissent over the cost of appropriate care. When managing your loved one’s care threatens to overwhelm you, the professional and independent expertise of Senior Life Care Planning, can help you prevail. We can review the situation and make recommendations to you. We will advocate for your rights, and negotiate with the assisted living facility on your behalf. This can lead to a money-saving solution.

“When they first sign people up, it’s affordable. However, after a few months, the facility increases the care level, and the rates increase. However, sometimes it’s hard to tell whether the health has declined. It’s a subjective approach,” states Terri Mason, of Senior Life Care Planning. “But you’re dealing with a corporation, they have all the bargaining power, and their assessments are weighted in favor of them.” However, with our expertize, and with clients in various assisted living facilities and nursing homes, we can succeed in reducing the price increase.