Southern California Eldercare: How Much It Typically Costs

| Friday, April 18, 2014
By Rue Nichols


In the United States, more than 90 million Americans are aged 60 or older and about half of these individuals need some level of help or care. For many, a friend or family member can help with a few household chores or perhaps a housekeeper can be hired to manage laundry and cleaning. For many others, a higher level of care is needed, such as help with dressing and bathing or managing prescriptions or providing healthy meals.

Families can be with options for eldercare especially if they expect it given at some levels even when family members can address some tasks. Corresponding costs come with whatever care you expect given at a certain level. An example is when you hire an in-home caregiver. When you hire one, expect visits several times a week, daily or if you wish, make him a live-in helper. Costs would vary according to the level of care. Typically, daily help extended is about $700 weekly or as much as $3,000 a week for nursing care. About $14 to $45 is the basic hourly rate but still it would depend on the eldercare level extended.

Because board and care facilities are located in actual homes accommodating not more than six residents at a time, these are often called residential care homes. For 24 hours in a day, a caregiver is present and the fee you pay here includes meals and help for daily tasks, including also medicine management but not reaching true medical care. Living in these types of homes vary as well, playing around the amount of $1,500 to $4,000 monthly.

Eldercare comes with another option - assisted living. These are basically communities wherein elders live in apartments, a choice between studios or two bedrooms. Many assisted living facilities also cater elders requiring memory care. Of course the cost you will be paying depends on the size of the apartment and if you are in memory care apartments, the cost will definitely be higher because of more personal care and security. You will be paying for meals, laundry, housekeeping and help for some tasks required daily. For assisted living, you will pay the amount ranging from $2,500 up to more than $3,000 monthly. Yes, it may be the most expensive of the care options but they come with a variety of amenities and social activities for residents.

The abovementioned types of care will make it almost impossible for you to use benefits like Medicare or Medicaid in covering services costs. Your only option to avail of these benefits paying for your expenses would be to turn to skilled nursing facilities. This particular facility is actually the most cost effective option for many seniors who find it already impossible to live on their own. Expect around $50,000 spent on the cost for nursing home care per annum but the amount is often deferred, thanks to Medicaid, some kind of assistance or insurance.

Finding the best option for your loved one can be a difficult process, and few of us truly even know where to begin. To make the process much easier, contact a service such as Care Placement. This service offers a variety of options for you to consider, including assisted living facilities, board and care, in-home care, skilled nursing care and even help with Veteran's homes. The staff at Care Placement will take into consideration the needs of your loved one, as well as your budget restrictions and provide you with a list of suitable, pre-screened facilities to consider.




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