When you are in the process of exploring assisted living facilities, there is a great deal to think about before making the final decision. Transitioning a loved one into an assisted living facility means you have a lot of variables to consider, cost typically being at the forefront of those considerations. You want the experience to be a positive one, but making sure that the new living environment is affordable for you and your family is a big factor in your choice.
According to NCOA, the average cost of assisted living in the United States is $4,500 per month, or $54,000 annually. However, the numbers vary greatly depending on the type of care, level of care, and the state that your loved one resides in. In addition, each facility includes different amenities within its assisted living costs. Learning about the overall cost of assisted living will help you make the best decision for your loved ones.
What is the Cost of Assisted Living?
While most assisted living facilities operate their pricing models by looking at the cost of rent, care services, meals, utilities, etc in an itemized fashion, Copeland Oaks has an all-inclusive pricing model. This is extremely beneficial not only to the senior who will be residing in the facility but also to the family paying for their care. An all-inclusive pricing model means that all amenities are included in your monthly costs, and the assisted living costs do not increase or change if a senior develops greater needs along the way. Let’s break it down so that you are aware of what’s included in the assisted living cost and are prepared.
What is Assisted Living?
First and foremost, what exactly is assisted living? Before deciding to move your loved one into an assisted living facility, it is important to know that there are different types, various ways to pay, and many different hidden fees to avoid paying.
Assisted living is a residential senior living facility that provides a vibrant and safe lifestyle for your loved one. They offer activities that nurture their daily living, social events, and community that many seniors would otherwise not have access to living at home. It is an opportunity for your senior to live as independently as possible, while still being in a secure environment catered to their unique needs.
Copeland Oaks Assisted Living Apartments
In addition to Copeland Oaks’ assisted living facility, there are also options for your senior to live in our villas or apartments, which are a great choice for active seniors who want to keep an independent lifestyle, but also enjoy the comforts of a close-knit neighborhood and occasional support care.
Our All-Inclusive Pricing
Unlike many assisted living facilities, Copeland Oaks offers all-inclusive pricing. This includes access to the Chapel, gift shop, beauty and barber shop, three dining venues, art studio, community garden, game room, woodworking shop, and more wonderful activities!
All utilities are also included, as well as basic cable and local phone services. To help maintain your senior’s living space, both exterior and interior maintenance are also included. For your senior’s safety and health, added benefits of residing at Copeland Oaks include 24-hour security and access to their 24-hour health center.
| Average Ohio Pricing | Copeland | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Rent | $4,635 | $4,152 |
| Activities | Extra Charge | Included |
| Dining | Extra Charge | Included |
| Medical Care | Extra Charge | Included |
Avoiding Assisted Living Hidden Fees
Choosing an assisted living facility that offers all-inclusive pricing is the easiest way to avoid any hidden fees. This way, you will always know what your monthly fees are, what is included, and when they are due.
Factors That Affect The Cost Of Assisted Living
Other factors can play a role in the cost of assisted living, so doing your research and being as prepared financially as possible is the best way to plan. Even with all-inclusive pricing, there are a few additional elements to include such as:
- Transportation (to and from the facility)
- Moving costs (packing, moving, putting items into storage)
- Monthly storage costs for items that you don’t bring to your assisted living facility
- Extra care (Copeland Oaks residents can choose an all-inclusive package with a continuum of care and avoid hidden assisted living costs)
How to Pay For Assisted Living
After estimating the cost of the assisted care facility you have chosen, it’s important to have a plan for paying the monthly fees. There are various ways to pay for assisted living including out-of-pocket, Medicaid, and Medicaid waiver programs. Medicaid is an insurance program for low-income Americans, co-managed by the U.S. government, and each state government. Within the Medicaid program, there are three relevant Medicaid waivers — also referred to as Home and Community Based Services Waivers. These are available in Ohio and offer financial assistance to the elderly.
The first program is a Passport Waiver, which offers home-based care services to those who qualify. The Assisted Living Waiver pays for the cost of certain assisted living services at participating assisted living communities. Lastly, the MyCare Ohio Plan is the newest waiver program and is available in 29 counties throughout the state. MCOP is for dually eligible Medicaid and Medicare individuals and allows a single point of contact for services from both programs.
Participation in these programs varies, with eligibility depending on the senior’s financial holdings, which includes their monthly income and total countable resources.
Schedule a Tour
Overall, choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision you don’t want to make lightly. We invite you to schedule a tour and visit the Copeland Oaks campus to see for yourself how much of an impact our wonderful environment will have on your loved ones!