Idaho Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living facilities in Idaho for couples

Are you and your spouse coming closer to senior age? Do you want a retirement living solution that covers all of your needs? If your answer to either of these two questions is yes, you might want to consider an assisted living facility. In the state of Idaho, ALFs are quite popular among seniors, not only because of the lower cost of living but also due to the exceptional care offered by the trained staff. Senior living facilities in Idaho usually welcome residents over the age of 62, or 55 in some cases.

Information about assisted living in Idaho

How many assisted living centers are there in ID? Idaho has over 140 assisted living facilities. These senior living centers are known as residential ALFs and can be found in the following locations: Lewiston, Idaho Falls, Boise and Pocatello. Such facilities are popular among married couples, as they allow them to live together for as long as it is possible. However, should one's health deteriorate, they might have to opt for different retirement solutions.

All residents who are admitted into the assisted living facility go through an assessment. This is necessary to determine the level and scope of care, as well as specific needs and challenges. For instance, some senior adults suffer from dementia, and they might only be accepted into an ALF that has an integrated memory care unit. Based on the results of the assessment, an individualized service plan is devised. This plan is updated on a regular basis, and particularly when major health events have occurred.

Every ALF has its own admission requirements, but almost all of them do not accept senior adults who require 24/7 skilled nursing care, are bedridden, or suffer from infectious conditions. If there is a history of mental health issues, with associated danger or violence, the application might be refused. It might be a good idea to check these requirements before applying.

Financing and costs of assisted living in Idaho

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Idaho is around $3,400. By comparison, the national average is of $4,000. Idaho is more affordable than all of its neighboring states, such as Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada. The only exception is represented by Utah, which has a lower cost.

Within the state of Idaho, the costs vary considerably. The most expensive ALFs are located in Lewiston, while Idaho Falls has the cheapest fees for this kind of retirement living. Generally-speaking, assisted living is more affordable than other long-term care solutions, such as nursing home care and in-home care. Adult day health care is the only retirement solution that has lower fees.

Assisted living costs in Idaho

Seniors who are unable to live alone, requiring specialized healthcare and assistance with ADLs, might consider moving into an assisted living community. These facilities offer everything an aging person might need, including in terms of housing, services, and amenities. However, it is worth mentioning that most Idaho-based assisted living communities do not provide skilled nursing care or have such services available for limited periods of time (three months maximum). We invite you to keep on reading and discover additional information on the costs of such specialized facilities. The details included in this article can help you find the best long-term care option for you or your loved one.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in Idaho

How much does assisted living cost in ID? In the state of Idaho, the average cost of assisted living is $3,800 per month or $45,000 per year. This is lower than the national median of $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive assisted living communities are found in Coeur d'Alene, averaging at $4,600 per month or $55,000 per year. Idaho Falls has the most affordable facilities of this kind, averaging at $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in ID? When it comes to memory care, the average cost in Idaho is $4,700 per month or $56,000 per year. This is also lower than the national median of $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive memory care communities are located in Coeur d'Alene, averaging at $5,800 per month or $69,000 per year. Once again, Idaho Falls has the most affordable facilities of this kind, averaging at $4,300 per month or $51,000 per year.

Assisted living costs more than home health care and adult day care. However, it is more affordable than nursing home care. Memory care costs more than home health care, adult day care, and assisted living, being surpassed by nursing home care. This long-term care option averages at $9,000 per month or $100,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

Deposit fees must be covered before moving into an assisted living community. These are returned when the contract is concluded. Assisted living facilities do not have entrance fees, seniors are only expected to be able to cover the monthly fees. These are influenced by the type of care one benefits from, his/her marital status, type and size of living unit, services, and amenities, etc. The access to various utilities and services is included, such as meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, laundry and linen service, general maintenance. Addition services might be offered within each facility, but at an additional cost.

Care fees are covered by seniors as well, depending on the daily living activities assisted living residents receive help with. Aside from medication management, care packages might include daily planned activities, emergency response systems, physical and occupational therapy, and scheduled transportation. An additional occupancy fee will have to be covered by spouses who decide to live together. Some utilities, including the Internet and cable access, might be available at an extra cost. The same goes for healthcare, which is usually available from third-party providers.

What goes into memory care costs?

Dementia seniors can consider moving into memory care communities, where elderly residents benefit from adapted housing, healthcare, and assistance with ADLs. They also have access to various amenities and services, not to mention the specialized personnel who offer 24/7 monitoring and support. These specialists cater to the specific needs of those who have been diagnosed with different forms of dementia. Care packages are designed with consideration to the form of dementia and the disease stage. Safety features are employed to reduce the risk of injuries and wandering, as well as to minimize the confusion experienced.

Memory care facilities provide seniors with daily therapy sessions, so as they are able to fight the progression of dementia. These therapies target their memory and cognitive skills, but also their speech. All residents have access to general services, including meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, laundry and linen service, etc. Additional care-related services might be available, including incontinence care, wound care, and mobility assistance.

Senior living in Idaho - cost comparison with other states

The average cost of assisted living in Idaho is below the national median. Idaho is more expensive than Utah and Nevada. In Utah, assisted living averages at $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year. As for Nevada, the average cost of assisted living is of $3,750 per month or $45,000 per year. Montana, Wyoming, and Oregon have more expensive communities of this kind; the costs are as follows: Montana - $4,400 per month or $52,000 per year; Wyoming - $4,100 per month or $49,000 per year; Oregon - $5,000 per month or $60,000 per year.

In Idaho, the average cost of memory care is below the national median as well. Idaho is more expensive than Utah, which averages at $4,300 per month or $51,000 per year. All the other neighboring states have higher rates than Idaho. The costs are as follows: Oregon - $6,300 per month or $75,000 per year; Montana - $5,500 per month or $66,000 per year; Wyoming - $5,200 per month or $62,000 per year; Washington - $7,500 per month or $90,000 per year.

Finding the best senior living facility in Idaho for your needs

The Internet represents a good place to research the different long-term care communities in your state. Whether you are thinking of an assisted living or memory care facility, keep in mind that the overall costs might vary from one community to the other. The overall costs are influenced by the available care packages, as well as the services and amenities offered.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in Idaho

Senior adults who move into an assisted living facility have access to several service categories, all of them meant to make their lives more comfortable and pleasant. The general category of services includes: housekeeping, general maintenance, emergency call system, Internet access, laundry and linen service, running errands, travel appointments, meal planning and serving. In some facilities, nursing services are available, but not 24/7. Diabetes care might be provided as well.

The scope of care includes assistance with activities of daily living. The rule of thumb is that ALFs accept residents who require minimal assistance, including when it comes to ADLs, such as eating, dressing, toileting, bathing, or grooming. These needs are determined at the admittance and re-assessed periodically, especially if the resident's health status has changed. If one requires 24/7 skilled nursing care, a change of facility might be required. Unfortunately, this might also mean couples would have to become separated, should their healthcare needs become different.

Medication management is an important part of the service list. Senior adults can be supervised while taking their medication, including insulin shots. Should they not be able to handle their treatment, a registered nurse will handle it. It is worth mentioning that spouses are not allowed to handle medication administration, unless this is specified in the service plan. Dementia patients might benefit from specific services, including non-stop monitoring and enhanced assistance with ADLs.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in Idaho

Idaho-based ALFs have two options to offer, for both married couples and individual residents: apartment-style units and bedrooms. The latter can be occupied by a maximum of two senior adults. All units have keyed entries, accessible bathrooms, thermostat, and a fully-functional kitchen. Some facilities have a pet-friendly policy, but you should always check before committing to a contract.

Even though amenities can vary from one community to the other, there are some general ones you will find in every ALF. These amenities can include: swimming pool, fitness center or gym, library, social club, garden, fine dining restaurant, religious service, computer room, painting studio. Dementia residents might benefit from specific amenities, including memory gardens, various therapies, and guided walks.