An assisted living facility is a senior-living establishment for those who require a level of care beyond what most people can provide for themselves.
Subsidized Assisted living is an option available to many senior citizens. In this article, we will discuss the difference between assisted living and nursing home care, how subsidized assisted living works, and the fees charged for this service by private companies. This will help you better understand your rights to affordable care.
It’s important to understand that assisted living is not a care space for the frail or elderly who might require the help of others for everyday tasks, such as getting dressed and bathing. Rather, it is intended for seniors who have the capacity to live independently, but need help with basic self-sufficiency tasks.
With nursing home care, you will be cared for by trained professionals. You will also receive 24-hour nursing care around the clock, which can be very expensive. Seniors are able to choose where they want to live; this may tie into their personal preferences (such as their health needs), or the recommendations of their doctors and loved ones.
What is Subsidized Assisted Living?
Subsidized assisted living is a housing program for low-income seniors. This option may be chosen by seniors who have been deemed ineligible for Medicaid (a state and federally funded health insurance program that provides medical coverage to qualifying low-income individuals). In some cases, people who are already receiving Medicaid benefits will be able to receive subsidies for assisted living.
If you qualify for subsidized assisted living, you may be able to find affordable housing in a senior facility in your area. Some cities offer additional assistance and programs to non-government entities that provide affordable housing facilities.
In certain parts of the United States, there are private companies that provide subsidized assisted living. These companies, which may be referred to as “subsidized assisted living care facilities,” get government subsidies in order to provide this service at a lower cost to the consumer. As stated above, these subsidies are provided with the express purpose of making housing more affordable for those seniors who need it most.
What is the difference between subsidized assisted living and nursing home care?
Nursing homes are considered long-term care, which is a level of care typically provided by an institution or organization for people with severe mental and/or physical disabilities or illnesses. People who are eligible for nursing home care must be 65 years of age or older, and must have a physical or mental disability that requires ongoing medical care and assistance with normal activities of daily living.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities are meant to provide more transitional care. This type of care is intended to help consumers get used to the idea of being in an independent housing situation, while still providing certain levels of supervision and support.
For example, assisted living facilities often offer services such as: home health aides; social workers; meal delivery services; housekeeping services; transportation services (available within a certain radius); and medications management. These levels of service partially overlap with those provided in nursing homes.
In addition, assisted living facilities do not provide medical care. Thus, if you require this kind of care, you will need to consult with your physician and then find a nursing home that suits your needs.
Is it possible to qualify for a subsidy?
You may qualify for a subsidy if you meet the following criteria:
Your income is low enough to allow you to receive Medicaid; this varies by state and by county. You should contact your local office of Medicaid and ask about the specific requirements for your area. If you are not eligible for Medicaid benefits, or if the available services are insufficient, you may be able to find subsidized assisted living through other means.
Your assets are also low enough that you do not need to spend them on your assisted living services.
You have a diagnosis with a life expectancy of six months or less. If you are recovering from surgery or illness, but your doctor expects you to live beyond six months, you may be able to find long-term subsidized housing (rather than short-term subsidized housing).
What costs may be associated with subsidized assisted living?
If you qualify for and receive a subsidized assisted living space, your monthly rent is likely to be much lower than the fees charged at most other senior housing facilities. However, there are still certain fees that might apply, depending on the individual company or organization.
For instance, some locations may charge for parking spaces, and may require you to pay for your own cable television service. In addition, certain locations have minimum stays that you must complete in order to be eligible for continued assistance with your rent. And, sadly, many facilities do not admit children under age 18 due to the high costs involved with providing care (the same laws that apply in nursing homes also apply to assisted living facilities).
Many seniors prefer assisted living because they find it more affordable than nursing homes, which may end up being an important variable if you expect to want or need this type of care in the future.