Cost of Senior Care in Latrobe: What Families Should Know
Close to Pennsylvania's stunning Chestnut Ridge sits the city of Latrobe - a small city with everything needed for a fulfilling retirement. If your parents are considering spending their golden years in Latrobe, it's natural to be concerned about the cost of senior care. According to the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program, currently, a year of personal care costs $100,740 on average. These costs are projected to rise by almost $60,000 in 20 years' time.
The cost of senior care can vary significantly depending on the type of community your loved one needs. Other factors include the amenities, location, and the services included.
In this blog, we will explore factors influencing senior care expenses. We'll also look at how families can plan for these expenses and potential avenues for financial assistance for aging adults.
The Cost of Senior Care for Latrobe Residents
If you have started long-term care planning, you may have been faced with a bamboozling array of new terms. For example, what's the difference between independent living and personal care?
Independent Living
Independent living is designed for adults who are totally independent but no longer want the stress of running their own home. These communities provide on-site meals and activities but do not provide personal care.
As there is no personal care element, independent living is usually the most affordable senior living option.
Personal Care
Personal care communities are for adults who are largely independent. However, they need assistance with one or more of the activities of daily living. Remaining in their own home can be fraught with dangers, while a personal care community provides the support and reassurance they need.
As highlighted by the Cleveland Clinic, the activities of daily living include:
- Going to the bathroom
- Cooking and eating
- Dressing and grooming
- Walking
- Getting in and out of bed
Personal care communities have caretakers on site at all times. If your loved ones' care needs increase, the level of support will also increase.
As staff are on hand to provide personal care 24/7, the costs of personal care communities are higher than those of independent living.
Factors Affecting Personal Care Costs
Let's refocus on personal care communities for a moment. Various factors can impact the price seniors pay for a comfortable home where their personal care needs are met.
Amenities
Some personal care communities are set up like resorts. They have swimming pools, fitness centers, concierge services, and different restaurants. However, as you can imagine, being on a permanent vacation costs a lot.
What most Latrobe seniors are looking for is comfort, enjoyment, and great company. Personal care amenities focus on making this happen. Most communities include:
- Activity calendar packed with enjoyable pursuits each day
- Regular outings to local places of interest
- Outdoor areas to socialize and get some fresh air
- Fitness and wellness classes and events
These amenities help seniors thrive during their senior years. Your loved one may find they have the best social life they have had in years.
As part of your long-term care planning, ask each community whether these amenities are included in the base price. It's important to factor in extra charges when deciding which community is best.
Accommodation Options
The floor plan you choose for your loved one can also have an impact on senior care expenses. Typically, the smallest units are suites that do not have a separate bedroom. These are the most affordable options and offer a cozy, comfortable private home for your loved one to relax in.
One-bedroom apartments are a little more expensive. They offer more space and privacy. Some seniors appreciate having more space to personalize and fill with their personal furniture and decorations.
Usually, one-bedroom apartments are the largest type in personal care communities. However, independent living communities may have larger units with multiple bedrooms for when the family comes to stay. However, these attract higher price tags!
Location, Location, Location
When it comes to property, location always matters. Personal care communities in exclusive parts of town or close to excellent amenities are likely to cost more.
It's important to think about what really matters to your loved one. Often, this is being close to the community they love and having family and friends nearby.
Planning for Personal Care Costs
It's a good idea for families to talk as early as possible about how to care for senior care expenses if and when the time comes.
Financial advisors who specialize in senior care may be able to discuss options that could work for your loved one. Some choose equity release programs, selling their home, or renting it out as a source of income. At other times, family members decide to chip in to cover the costs.
Long-term care insurance could also be an option to cover these vital expenses. However, it is also important to find out whether your loved one qualifies for financial assistance for aging adults available in your state.
Financial Assistance for Aging Adults in Pennsylvania
Seniors on low incomes may be able to access some support to allow them to live in a personal care home. If your family member receives Supplementary Security Income (SSI), this could be used to cover part of the cost.
It is important for each family to undertake research based on their parents' circumstances. Those on lower incomes may be able to take advantage of programs that provide additional assistance. An experienced eldercare financial advisor may be able to help you explore these options.
Time to Choose Barnes Place Personal Care
It's true that the cost of senior care can be significant. However, it is impossible to put a price on peace of mind. If your loved one can no longer live alone, give them the chance to truly thrive again at Barnes Place Personal Care.
We pride ourselves on providing personalized care that meets the needs of each resident. Community amenities include delicious chef-prepared meals three times a day, a packed activity calendar, and outdoor spaces for relaxation.
Contact us today to learn more about personal care costs at Barnes Place and why we're the right choice for Latrobe residents.