Mississippi Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living in Mississippi for couples

Assisted living facilities in Mississippi offer senior couples and single individuals the opportunity to spend their retirement in a comfortable manner. These senior living communities provide access to housing, services, and amenities, all to the purpose of allowing senior adults to live their golden years in peace. Usually, these senior living facilities accept residents over the age of 62, even though some facilities might accept people of younger age, with a limit of 55. As mentioned, couples can live together, which is a significant advantage to consider.

How many ALFs are there in MS? In the state of Mississippi, there are over 80 assisted living facilities. These senior living communities can be found in the following cities: Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg. All of these facilities are licensed and regulated by the State Department of Human Services. Assisted living programs are available not only in ALFs, but also in RLFs (Residential Living Facilities). Usually, the latter cater to the needs of people with cognitive deterioration or a diminished mental capacity.

All residents are examined by a physician within a month after being admitted into the ALF. Based on the results of the examination, an individualized service plan is created, which will include details on pre-existing conditions, treatments, and special needs. Sometimes, the service plan will refer to behavioral goals and strategies as well.

Assisted living facilities do not accept residents whose needs exceed the available scope of care, those who require physical restraints or might represent a danger to themselves or others. The presence of a urinary catheter might represent a reason for refusal, as well as the need for sterile wound care or other specific treatments.

Financing and costs of assisted living in Mississippi

The average monthly cost of assisted living in the state of Mississippi is of $3,490. Even though it is lower than the national median, which is around $4,000, these costs are higher than those encountered in neighboring states, such as Alabama and Arkansas. The only exception is Louisiana, with an average monthly cost of $3,500.

Within the state, the costs of assisted living vary significantly from one region to the other. The most expensive ALFs are located in cities with dense population, such as Jackson. On the other hand, both Gulfport and Hattiesburg have more affordable rates. Assisted living is considerably cheaper than nursing home care and memory care, but more expensive than in-home care and independent living.

Assisted living costs in Mississippi

Assisted living facilities have been developed for aging seniors, providing specialized healthcare and assistance with ADLs, as well as adapted housing, care, services, and amenities. These communities offer various care packages, taking into consideration one's needs and available budget. In the state of Mississippi, there are different types of assisted living centers one can choose from. It is worth mentioning that most of them do not provide skilled nursing care or have this service available for a limited period of time. Keep on reading to discover more information on the costs of assisted living in Mississippi, along other information that might help you take an informed decision.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in Mississippi

How much does assisted living cost in MS? The average cost of assisted living in Mississippi is $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year. This is considerably 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 Jackson, averaging at $4,350 per month or $52,000 per year. Gulfport, on the other hand, has some of the most affordable facilities of this kind, with an average cost of $3,800 per month or $45,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in MS? When it comes to memory care, the average cost in Mississippi is $4,300 per month or $51,000 per year. This is also significantly lower than the national median of $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive memory care facilities are located in Jackson, averaging at $5,400 per month or $64,000 per year. Gulfport also has some of the most affordable communities of this kind, averaging at $4,750 per month or $57,000 per year.

In Mississippi, assisted living costs more than adult day health care, but it is more affordable than home care, home health care, and nursing home care. Memory care costs more than home health care, adult day health care, and assisted living. It is surpassed only by nursing home care, which has an average cost of $7,300 per month or $87,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

To reserve a spot into an assisted living community, prospective residents are expected to pay a deposit fee. This will be returned when they move into the respective community and the residential stay concludes. Assisted living facilities only have monthly fees to be covered, there are no entrance fees required. The overall costs are influenced by several factors, such as the resident's marital status, chosen care package, living unit type and size. Aside from utilities, residents have access to housekeeping, general maintenance, meal plans, laundry and linen service. Some services might be offered at additional cost.

Care fees are paid in accordance with the daily living activities one requires assistance with, such as bathing, eating, or dressing. The available care packages might include daily planned activities, physical and occupational therapy, emergency response systems, scheduled transportation, and medication management. If spouses want to live together, they must be able to cover a second occupancy fee. Some facilities also require payment for specific utilities, such as the cable and Internet access. Healthcare is available from third-party providers and the costs are usually covered by the residents themselves.

What goes into memory care costs?

Dementia seniors might consider moving into memory care communities, where residents benefit from adapted housing, specialized care, and assistance with ADLs. Residents also have access to healthcare, monitoring, services, and amenities. Experienced therapists cater to the specific needs of those who have been diagnosed with various forms of dementia. Care packages are made available, in accordance with the type of dementia and the disease stage. Safety features are implemented to help residents feel less confused and also to reduce the risk of wandering or injuries.

Memory care residents can work on the memory, speech, and cognitive skills, taking advantage of the daily therapy sessions. In this way, memory care centers work to slow down the progression of dementia for as long as it is possible. The access to general services is guaranteed, including meal planning and preparation, general maintenance, scheduled transportation, laundry and linen service, housekeeping. Additional services include mobility assistance, wound care, diabetes care, and incontinence care.

Senior living in Mississippi - cost comparison with other states

The average cost of assisted living in Mississippi is well below the national median. Mississippi has a similar cost with Alabama, but it is also more affordable than Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee. The overall costs are as follows: Alabama - $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year; Louisiana - $3,700 per month or $44,000 per year; Arkansas - $3,700 per month or $44,000 per year; Tennessee - $4,100 per month or $49,000 per year.

As for memory care, the average cost in Mississippi is also well below the national median. Mississippi is more affordable than Arkansas, but more affordable than Louisiana. It also has a similar average cost with Alabama. The overall costs are as follows: Arkansas - $4,200 per month or $50,000 per year; Louisiana - $4,600 per month or $55,000 per year; Alabama - $3,500 per month or $42,000 per year.

Finding the best senior living facility in Mississippi for your needs

The search for the right long-term care community requires patience and perseverance. Whether you are interested in assisted living or memory care communities, do not forget that each senior living center has its own costs, in accordance with the care offered.

Allow us the pleasure of guiding you through the decision-making process. Just contact us and we will offer everything you need to know on the costs of various senior living facilities. We are happy to help caregivers discover the best long-term care communities for their seniors, with careful consideration to their needs and budget. In addition, we will discuss the factors that influence the respective costs, along any other information that you might deem to be useful.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in Mississippi

As previously mentioned, the state of Mississippi has two types of assisted living communities, meaning assisted living facilities and residential living facilities. The latter cover the needs, both in terms of care and housing, of dementia residents. On the other hand, ALFs are more suitable to active retirees, married couples included, who are looking to enjoy their retirement and benefit from social interaction at the same time. However, both types offer the same services, including: laundry and linen service, meals, limited mobility assistance, daily activities, personal grooming.

The assistance with activities of daily living makes the everyday routine easier to go through, but it is important for it to remain at minimal level. Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible, contributing to each task. Dementia residents, depending on how advanced their condition is, might benefit from added assistance and monitoring. All senior adults can be helped manage their treatment. The staff can monitor them while taking their treatment or they can handle the medication administration themselves.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in Mississippi

Assisted living facilities offer prospective residents, whether married or single, housing in the form of private apartments or bedrooms. These must have a minimum square footage and be equipped with keyed entries, private bathrooms with accessibility features, and emergency call systems. Apartments also have fully-functional kitchens.

It is worth mentioning that many assisted living facilities in MS now accept pets, which is a great benefit for senior adults looking to stay together with their furry friends. In addition, should the respective facility possess an integrated dementia care unit, all the entrances must be secured to prevent wandering and accidents. All outdoor areas must be secured as well.

In terms of amenities, all ALFs provide senior adults with access to educational and leisure activities. Exercise facilities, such as fitness centers or gyms are available, and many communities have swimming pools. They organize recreational activities, social clubs, and religious activities, all to the purpose of helping one feel relaxed and engaged at the same time. Dementia residents have access to specific amenities, including stimulating therapies, painting, guided walks, and memory gardens.