Fratello & Fox, P.C.

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ATTORNEYS AT LAW

              In the past, aging seniors had few housing options when a need for care arose – either stay at home or go to a nursing home.  Today, seniors have many more housing options that offer varying levels of care.  Each of us has a unique “aging schedule” requiring a continuum of care.  The following housing options provide for different degrees of care.

 

Active Adult Communities (AAC’s)

             AAC’s are communities that usually require residents to be 55 years or older and occasionally 62 years or older.  AAC’s are most often apartment-type living with the addition of recreational activities and offer no personal or medical care.  This type of housing offers a low-maintenance standard of living.

   

Adult Day Care

             Adult day care provides two different types of care: a socially focused day care which offers social activities and entertainment and medically focused day care which offers a more intense level of care that may include nursing and rehabilitative services.  Both types offer a caregiver rest during the day and may allow a senior to remain living in the home.  Under certain circumstances, Medicaid may fund adult day care.  Adult day care can cost anywhere from approximately $50 to $150 per day and may include transportation, meals, services and/or activities.

   

Assisted Living Facilities (ALF’s)

             ALF’s are an option for individuals who do not need 24 hour care.  The facility may offer a small apartment or single room, meals, activities, and assistance with daily living.  The facility may include transportation and accompaniment to local stores and doctor’s appointments.  In New York State, assisted living facilities can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per month depending on the facility, whether the room is private or semi-private and the totality of the resident’s needs.  Costs increase as a resident’s needs increase.  Very few ALF’s offer Medicaid financed accommodations. 

 

Nursing Homes

             Nursing homes are for individuals that cannot live independently.  Medical staff is available 24 hours per day to assist residents with bathing, toileting, feeding, transferring and medication administration, among other things.  Activities are also available.  The average cost of a nursing home on Long Island is approximately $12,000 per month.  Medicaid may cover nursing home costs for Medicaid eligible residents.

 

Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC’s)

             CCRC’s present three stages of care: independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing.  As a resident’s needs increase, he or she moves to the appropriate level of care.  Residents usually enter CCRC’s at the independent living stage and are most commonly required to be in good health.  CCRC’s may offer different types of contracts - some requiring a large down payment with additional monthly payments. 

 

             When choosing senior housing, it is important to thoroughly read any contracts involved and review the facilities rules and regulations.  You should consider having an attorney review the contract for you. 

 

Dated: 9/2006

Housing options for seniors

The information in this website is intended for information only and does not represent legal advice.  Receipt of materials from this website does not constitute an attorney-client relationship between Fratello & Fox, P.C. and the receiver.  Professional counsel should be sought before utilizing any information contained in this website.