Assisted living is one of the fastest growing senior care options in the United States, but many families are unprepared for its cost. And with the cost of assisted living oftentimes being dependent on a variety of factors, it can be difficult to answer the question, “How much does assisted living cost?” This guide will outline assisted living pricing in Michigan, what drives that cost, and what you should be doing as a family to plan for the future.
What can affect the cost of assisted living?
The cost of assisted living can look different from one community to another. And while that monthly cost can be easy to solely focus on, it’s important to look at what each assisted living experience includes and whether the level of support can adapt as needs change. Some factors that affect the cost of senior living include:
Services – What services are included in the price? Housekeeping, meals, transportation, activities, etc.
Care – How much support to do you or your loved one need? This can range from minimal assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) to requiring round-the-clock care.
Accommodations – Is there a specific size or type of apartment that you are looking for? This is often one of the largest cost drivers.
Location – What does the cost of living look like in your area?
Why should you look beyond the cost?
Because the cost of assisted living is only part of the decision. Most families also want to know whether a community offers the right support, a comfortable environment, and engaging opportunities for their loved one to thrive.
How can families plan & budget for assisted living?
Planning for assisted living costs requires careful research. A good place for families to start is by looking at the resources they already have and deciding which of those they would like to allocate to fund ongoing care. Think of resources like retirement savings, Social Security, pensions, long-term care insurance, and other personal assets.
But remember that planning for assisted living is not only about finding a way to pay for care, but about understanding what you will receive in return. Sunset Senior Communities operates using an aging in place model, which allows us to provide care to our residents from independent through end of life. And while the cost of assisted living throughout our communities varies, the following services are included in the monthly cost for every assisted living resident: housekeeping, assistance with activities of daily living, three meals & snacks, a calendar filled with activities, & more!
So, what is the actual cost of assisted living?
While many factors play a role in the monthly cost of assisted living, you can get an idea of what you’ll pay based on geographical location here. Here in Michigan, the annual cost of assisted living averages $51,000, which is roughly $4,250 per month. Missouri comes in with the lowest average cost at $36,000 annually (roughly $3,000 per month) and the District of Columbia with the highest average cost annually at $83,730 (roughly $6,980 per month).
Assisted Living at Sunset Senior Communities
Each of our three campuses offers assisted living services. Please fill out our website contact form for additional information or to schedule a tour!