Assisted Living for Couples: Expected Cost and Care Explained

As you think about your parents’ living situation, you naturally want what’s best for them. However, aging looks different for everyone, and what works well for one parent might not be ideal for the other. This can make finding the right community challenging — especially if each parent requires a different level of support.

The good news is that many senior living communities offer flexible housing options and pricing structures to help couples stay together while receiving the support they need. In this blog, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about assisted living for couples, to help you make a confident decision about your parents’ future.

Understanding Assisted Living for Couples

When exploring living options for a spouse or aging parents, many families often wonder, “Can couples live in assisted living together?” While not all assisted living communities allow spouses to live together, many communities provide senior living options for couples with different needs.

Typically, residents in these communities live in private or semi-private apartments and have access to convenient amenities. Caregivers are usually available to help with activities of daily living (ADLs), including bathing, dressing, medication management, and housekeeping. This living arrangement ensures that both individuals get the right level of support while continuing to live together.

Before deciding if assisted living for couples is right for your parents, it’s generally a good idea to consult with people who have been through the process, such as friends, family, or your local aging commission. You can also contact us at StoryPoint Group for more information. Our ultimate goal is to guide families, and help support you on this journey.

Benefits of Couples Staying Together in Assisted Living

Many assisted living communities provide a comfortable and supportive environment where aging couples can continue sharing their daily lives while they receive the right assistance for their needs. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of couples staying together in assisted living:

Emotional Comfort and Companionship: Staying together provides emotional support and comfort, which can help combat feelings of loneliness and anxiety that sometimes come with moving into a new environment. For many seniors, having their spouse close by allows them to enjoy meals together, participate in their favorite activities, and continue to receive the love and support they’ve always had.
Personalized Support: Sometimes, your parents may not have the same needs. Assisted living for couples is designed to provide personalized support for older adults as they continue to live together.
Less Taxing Lifestyle: Assisted living for couples takes away many of the daily tasks your parents might face at home, such as cooking, cleaning, and maintaining the house. Instead, they can focus on enjoying their time together while community employees take care of these tasks.
Peace of Mind for the Family: When it comes to finding support for your loved ones’ needs, it’s natural to want the best for them. For adult children, knowing both parents are in a safe and caring environment can bring a sense of relief. Assisted living for couples can ensure your parents receive the support they need while staying together, which can bring comfort and peace of mind.
Flexibility for Changing Needs: Many assisted living communities offer multiple levels of assistance, including memory care or advanced nursing support, within the same location. This means that even if one partner requires a higher level of support in the future, your parents can still remain together in the same community.
Opportunities to Stay Active Together: Most assisted living communities provide a variety of enjoyable activities and social events, including game nights, exercise classes, and outings, for residents to enjoy while receiving the support they need.

Assisted Living for Couples With Different Needs

As our loved ones age, their needs will likely change. One parent might require more assistance with daily tasks, like dressing or managing medications, while the other may remain mostly independent. Thankfully, many communities offer assisted living options for couples that can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each individual.

How Assisted Living Meets the Unique Needs of Couples

Some communities offer multiple levels of assistance, such as independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all within the same community. This flexibility allows couples to remain in the same community even if one partner’s needs change over time. For example, if one spouse develops memory issues or needs more help, they can move to a memory care neighborhood while still being close to their partner.

Living together in an assisted living community can be the best option for many couples. Here are some signs it might be the right choice:

Strong Emotional Connection: For couples with a close bond, staying together in a supportive environment can bring comfort and help reduce feelings of loneliness.
Shared Routines: Couples who enjoy doing things together, such as sharing meals, participating in activities, or simply spending time side by side, will likely find assisted living for couples a comforting and appealing option.
Need for Ongoing Support: Even if your parents have different needs, living together allows them to receive the support they require while remaining close to one another.

Although living together in assisted living can be a wonderful option for many seniors, it might not work for every couple. Let’s take a look at some reasons why assisted living for couples might not be a good choice for some seniors:

Desire for Independence: Some couples might prefer to have separate spaces to maintain a sense of independence. In these cases, the community might offer the option for couples to have separate apartments while still being close to each other.
Personal Preferences: Some individuals might simply prefer more privacy or quiet time apart, even though they still want to remain close to their spouse.

Other Considerations

When considering assisted living for couples, there are several important factors that can affect the decision-making process. Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

Financial Planning and Cost Management

Assisted living costs can vary widely, so it’s important to plan ahead. Some communities offer pricing that is based on the level of assistance required, while others may charge a flat fee for accommodation and amenities. It’s helpful to understand what’s included in the cost and what may be extra, like additional support services or activities.

Space and Living Arrangement Options

It’s important to consider what kind of arrangement works best for both loved ones. Some assisted living communities offer private apartments, while others may provide semi-private rooms. Think about whether you need separate spaces or if sharing a room is comfortable.

Legal and Administrative Considerations

Sometimes, there are legal and administrative matters to consider when transitioning your parents into assisted living. For example, you may need to update the power of attorney or health care directives to match the current wishes of both parents. It’s also important to check if the community requires any specific legal documents or agreements.

What Happens When a Spouse’s Needs Change?

As couples age, one partner may experience changes in their health or support needs. It’s important to know how the community handles these changes. Many assisted living communities offer different levels of support, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care, all within the same location. This flexibility can help ensure that if one partner’s needs increase, they can continue living in the same community, even if they need a higher level of support. However, it’s generally a good idea to check with the community about their policies and how they manage transitions for couples when one partner’s needs change.

The Best Support for Both Partners

In many couples, one partner takes on the role of caregiver when the other’s health begins to decline. While this comes from a place of love and dedication, it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. Assisted living provides an opportunity for both individuals to receive the support they need. With professional caregivers available to assist with daily tasks, the caregiving partner can focus on their own well-being, enjoy social activities, and engage in a fulfilling lifestyle while still remaining close to their loved one. This balanced approach allows both individuals to thrive, maintaining their bond while benefiting from a higher quality of life.

Average Cost of Assisted Living for a Couple

When considering assisted living for couples, one important factor to think about is the cost. While the price can vary depending on location, community, and the level of support needed, it’s helpful to understand some general guidelines to prepare financially.

On average, the cost of assisted living for a couple in the United States ranges from $4,000 to $7,000 per month. This estimate includes both individuals living in the same apartment, with the costs generally covering support services, meals, housekeeping, and access to community amenities.

There are several key factors that can influence the cost of assisted living for a couple, including:

Location: The cost of living in the area where the community is located can greatly impact the price. Communities in larger cities or more expensive regions tend to have higher costs than those in smaller towns or rural areas.
Level of Support Required: If one or both parents require additional support, such as memory care or specialized medical support, this can raise the overall cost. Many communities offer different levels of assistance, so the price will vary based on the individual needs of each person.
Size and Type of Accommodation: Couples often choose larger apartments, which can cost more than standard rooms. The amenities and features of the apartment, such as private bathrooms or kitchenettes, can also affect the cost.
Community Services and Amenities: Some communities provide extra services, such as transportation, recreational activities, or enhanced wellness programs. These added benefits may come with an additional cost.

How to Pay for Assisted Living for Couples

Paying for assisted living can be a big financial commitment for many families. Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for assisted living costs, including:

Private Savings: Families can use personal savings or income from investments to cover assisted living costs.
Long-Term Care Insurance: Some long-term care insurance policies may cover part or even all of the assisted living costs. However, it’s important to review your loved one’s policy to understand exactly what’s covered.
Veteran Benefits: Veterans and their spouses may be eligible for financial assistance through programs like the VA Aid and Attendance Benefit. In some cases, these benefits can help cover assisted living costs.
Medicaid: Medicaid can help pay for assisted living, but eligibility requirements vary by state. While Medicaid may cover some medical expenses, it may not cover all the costs of living in an assisted living community.
Family Support: In some cases, adult children or other family members contribute financially to help cover the cost of assisted living for their parents.

Learn How Much Assisted Living Costs in Your Area

When considering your parent’s living situation, budget can be an important factor. Our cost calculator can give you an estimate of what different support services, like assisted living, may cost in your area. Keep in mind the final cost will depend on the specific community and the level of support your loved one requires.

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