The Affordability of Assisted Living Communities

As families try to figure out how make sure their parent or another elderly relative gets the proper care, many shy away from the option of assisted living as they think it is too expensive.  However, the opposite may be true.  Assisted living can actually be less expensive than the costs of trying to cobble together the care your parent needs.  

For instance, if your parent lives alone, their cost-of-living includes yearly taxes as well as a mortgage or rental payment and expenses incurred with routine maintenance and repairs.  They are also responsible for utility bills that continue to rise each year while their income may not be.

Your parent may also be paying for in-home care that cannot only be costly but may not be entirely adequate to ensure their safety 24/7.  Furthermore, if the home requires modifications to accommodate their limited mobility, these changes are typically expensive.  Also, the modifications may result in a lower selling price once you do sell the home.  

If your parent lives by themselves, they may be lonely and feel isolated especially if they no longer drive.  The website, aPlaceforMom.com, states that, “seniors who live alone often experience social isolation and poor nutrition which contributes to cognitive decline, health problems, depression and a lower quality of life.”  They may additionally require assistance to get to doctor appointments, to run errands or buy groceries, prepare meals, etc.

Many folks who tour an assisted living community initially experience sticker shock when they learn the cost of assisted living, but according to the experts, it actually is a great value.  The aPlaceforMom site has a chart that shows once you add up all of the services and amenities included in the cost; it may actually be less than half the cost of getting care for your elderly parent at home. 

If you are looking at Greater Reno assisted living communities, we encourage you to visit MorningStar of Sparks’ website to learn more about our comfortable, loving community.  When you are there, take a look at our photo gallery, amenities, and our well-designed floorplans.  Please use our online form or give us a call to set up a tour.       

MorningStar of Sparks’ mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other Greater Reno assisted living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to see for yourself our exceptional community.

Source: aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/seniors-stay-home-or-move