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Finding a home for a loved one living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease is an important decision. It’s important to consider a community that can meet the specific care needs your loved one has. In addition to staffing, quality care and services, cost is also an important factor for families to consider.

If you’re unfamiliar with the costs associated with assisted living memory care support, it’s important to understand the options available so that you can feel empowered in the decision you and your family make.

An Overview of Costs

Many family members may initially view assisted living memory care as an “expensive option.” However, when they consider that most essentials are often included within the monthly fee, many families find that assisted living is cost effective.

Though costs do vary slightly between assisted living facilities, let’s review what families can generally expect to pay for. Here is a list of costs families should take into consideration:

  • Private or shared room
  • Meals
  • Maintenance and utilities
  • Laundry and housekeeping
  • Social, physical, cultural, and recreational activities
  • Personal care
  • Medication assistance
  • Incontinence care
  • Toiletries, beauty products and hairdressing

Individual care plans based on assessments mean that the care your loved one receives will not only be personalized, but that the money you pay for care should directly reflect the specific services required. Most assisted living communities in San Antonio offer a standard monthly fee with additional services that can be added as a resident’s care needs change.

Standard Monthly Fee

Most assisted living communities charge a basic monthly fee for a private or shared bedroom and three meals and snacks per day. This baseline fee is usually also inclusive of utilities, housekeeping, laundry, and activities geared toward mobility and mental acuity.

Support with activities of daily living like toileting, bathing, dressing and medication assistance may or may not be included in the monthly fee and may be charged as an additional fee. Some communities may also charge additional fees for transportation and escorting residents to appointments. It’s important to ask every community you are considering what services are included within the basic monthly fee and what additional services are provided for an additional cost.

Additional Costs

Families should expect to incur some additional costs on top of the basic fee, although how much is charged depends upon the level of care a loved one requires, and costs vary by community.

For example, complex medication management, incontinence care supplies and other ancillary services necessary for quality care may not be included within a facility’s basic fee. Costs may also include services covered by Medicare or insurance providers. Be sure to ask the community’s Administrator what costs are self-pay vs. paid for by an insurance provider.

Alternative Pricing Structure

Although many assisted living communities quote monthly fees based on the specific assessed needs of a senior, some facilities offer an all-inclusive pricing model.

In this model, one monthly fee covers everything offered by the facility, including things like personal care and daily assistance, alongside housing, and meals. If your loved one requires most of the services offered, this pricing structure can be a great way to manage your budget.

Other Things to Consider

It’s important to note that assisted living and memory care in San Antonio conduct assessments of all residents to determine the level of care required. The cost of care depends heavily on the level of care needed. Additionally, these fees can change as a loved one’s care needs change thus requiring more care.

Other factors like staff-to-resident ratio, location and features can affect overall costs as well. For example, a family who would prefer a private bedroom for their loved one should expect to pay more than if their loved one shared a room.

It’s important for family members to conduct research to understand what assisted living memory care facilities offer and what all of the associated costs are to plan accordingly. Be sure to inquire about how these services are priced, what is included as standard and what would be an additional charge.

If your loved one needs memory care support, Pipestone Place is here to help. We are happy to speak with you and provide answers to questions you may have. Call or contact us today!

I enjoy working, but when I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and the coolest kid, my son.We visit the zoo and ride the train often. We play games and just have fabulous fun.I enjoy reading every chance I get.My favorite pie is pumpkin pie.
Samuel Vesa
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