How much does it cost to live in a senior living facility?

The cost of living in a senior living community varies according to the type and level of care the resident will need. Other factors affecting cost include location, type and size of dwelling, number of amenities, and lifestyle type. That being said, the nationwide median cost of care for assisted living is about $4,300 a month or about $51,600 a year according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. In Texas, the median cost is $3,998 a month or $47,970 a year. For more information about individual Community Rates, Click Here to connect with one of our Team Members at the community closest to you!

Is senior living the same as assisted living?

Yes and no. Assisted living is a type of senior living. Senior living is the generalized category we use to describe the various types and levels of senior housing and care available. These include independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Assisted living is a type of care where senior residents need and receive some assistance with daily living activities such as meal preparation, medication, and bathing, but are able to live independently most of the time. Many assisted living communities also provide housekeeping, transportation, and social activities.

Does living in assisted living mean I have to give up my independence?

Not at all! In fact, it may increase your level of independence and your overall satisfaction with life. Living in assisted living means that as you age in place in our community, we help you with the challenges you may face with any activities of daily living so that you can get back to living an engaged life more quickly. We customize your care plan to help you only in the areas you need and then highly encourage you to be as independent as possible in as many areas as you can. For more information on how assisted living at a SilverPoint Community can improve you or your loved one’s life, email us at StaySocial@SilverPointsl.com

How do you evaluate senior living facilities?

It’s important to evaluate a senior living community both from an overall perspective and from the more narrow viewpoint of the needed level of care. Overall, you should look at cost, location, types of living arrangements, amenities, and desired lifestyle. It’s also important to pay attention to the cleanliness of the community, the friendliness of the staff, how happy the employees seem with their jobs, and the staff-to-resident ratio. For assisted living, talk to the residents about what they do and do not like about the community. In memory care, look for generally happy, engaged residents supported by plenty of staff in a safe environment. If you need assistance finding a senior living community that suits your needs, please contact us via the link here.

Does Medicare cover assisted living costs?

While Medicare doesn’t pay for general memory care in an assisted living facility, there may be some dementia-related care or services that are covered. For example, if the dementia patient can’t leave their home; needs speech, occupational, or physical therapy; or requires intermittent skilled nursing care, Medicare may cover home health services to address these needs. Medicare may also cover hospice care for memory care residents. Medicare Part D may cover a dementia patient’s prescriptions. Additionally, there is a specific type of Medicare Advantage plan available for purchase - called a Special Needs Plan - that specializes in care and coverage for beneficiaries with dementia. Need more information about how to pay for memory care services in assisted living? We’re happy to help! Contact us today!

What state has the cheapest assisted living?

Assisted living costs vary according to the level of care provided as well as location, type and size of dwelling, amenities, and lifestyle type. However, according to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Missouri is the state with the lowest median cost of care for assisted living at about $36,000 a year. For reference, the annual median cost of assisted living in the United States as a whole is $51,600.

Is assisted living good for memory care patients? 

Yes! Assisted living is ideal for memory care patients during all stages of dementia - especially in communities like ours with a specialized, separate memory care unit. Assisted living offers several care levels and is great for mild to moderate dementia, when residents need occasional check-ins, provided meals, medication reminders and assistance, socialization opportunities, and help with activities of daily living like bathing and grooming. Residents with late stage dementia benefit from specialized, 24-hour, person-centered care and supervision in a separate, secured memory care unit. We believe in boundaries not limitations.

What is the difference between a memory care facility and a nursing home?

Memory care and skilled nursing are two very different, specialized forms of long-term care. Although there are memory care-only communities, memory care is frequently provided in a separate, specialized unit of an assisted living community. These memory care units provide a secured wing where residents receive around-the-clock care tailored to their needs. This care is usually provided in a warm, home-like, community setting and includes housekeeping, meals, medication management, help with daily activities, secured entrances and exits, social activities, and dementia-specific therapies. Additionally, the staff is usually specially trained to provide person-centered care specifically for those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Skilled nursing care - such as that provided in a nursing home - is usually given in a more clinical setting and includes most of what memory care communities provide, with the exception of specialized dementia therapies. However, skilled nursing facilities do additionally offer rehabilitative therapy and care, as well as specialized medical care from certified nurses for other moderate to severe medical conditions. Need help figuring out if memory care or skilled nursing at a nursing home is right for your loved one? Connect with us today!

 Is Irving a good place to live?

We think so! But don’t just take our word for it - a study by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate HomeCity ranked Irving #6 on its list of the best 25 places to live in Texas based on quality of life, affordability, growth, food, and parks. Irving includes part of the DFW airport and provides a convenient proximity to Dallas while avoiding its higher violent crime rates. Irving is also known for its racial and ethnic diversity and, according to Trulia.com, contains one of the most diverse neighborhoods in America. It is home to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Irving and Medical City Las Colinas. Additionally, the City of Irving offers a wide variety of programming and activities for adults aged 50 or older through the Heritage Senior Center, a 29,000 square-foot facility that features classrooms, a craft room, a fitness room, a library, a dining room, and a ballroom among many other great amenities.