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Assisted living is a type of residential senior care designed for older adults who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs) but don’t require 24/7 medical and nursing care. The national average cost of assisted living for a single person is around $66,200 annually, while the monthly cost is estimated to be $4,500-5,500. For couples, costs can vary based on various factors like accommodation, activities, care needs, and more.
Key Insights
The average monthly cost of assisted living for a couple is $6,350 to $7,350, which translates to $76,200 to $88,200 annually.
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Over 800,000 people currently reside in assisted living communities, and about 50% of them are seniors who are at least 85 years old.
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ALFs in the District of Columbia cost the highest ($114,700 annually), while the lowest ($46,000 annually) in Mississippi.
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The average monthly price for assisted living in New York City is approximately $5,900 and around $5,350 in California.
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Seniors stay in assisted living facilities (ALFs) for approximately 2 years.
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Over the past decade, assisted living has expanded to support independent living among seniors. More than 800,000 Americans currently reside in assisted living communities, and about 50% of them are at least 85 years old.
This article is a detailed look into assisted living facilities for couples, what type of services they provide, and how much they can cost for you and your loved one.
What Is the Average Cost of Assisted Living for a Couple?
The average cost of assisted living in the U.S. for a single resident is around $4,500-$5,500 per month. ALFs typically charge an additional fee for the second person (the partner), which usually ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per month.
This brings the average monthly cost of assisted living for a couple to $6,350 to $7,350, translating to an annual cost of approximately $76,200 to $88,200.
The average cost of assisted living varies on various factors such as ADLs like eating, bathing, or bed transfer, type of accommodation (private room or shared), and other amenities for health conditions that require a higher level of care.
For example, a senior might need help with toileting or bathing while their partner is completely independent. This can affect the overall pricing plan for a couple.
Below are statistics on the common health conditions among assisted living residents in the US, providing further insight into how these factors contribute to cost variations.
Many assisted living facilities (ALFs) use different pricing structures for senior couples. Some providers offer fee-for-service, where you pay for individual services, while others provide all-inclusive package plans.
Most facilities use a tiered pricing model, where independent seniors usually incur no extra out of pocket charges, but costs increase as the level of care needed rises. To provide a clearer picture, here is a table showing the average cost of assisted living over the years, illustrating how pricing trends have evolved.
| Year | Cost of Assisted Living Facility |
|---|---|
| 2004 | $28,800 |
| 2006 | $32,294 |
| 2008 | $36,090 |
| 2010 | $39,600 |
| 2012 | $45,536 |
| 2014 | $51,600 |
| 2016 | $54,000 |
| 2018 | $61,165 |
| 2020 | $64,200 |
| 2023 | $66,165 |
Source: Genworth.com
These costs also depend on the state and city. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2023, ALFs in the District of Columbia cost the highest ($114,700 annually), while the lowest ($46,000 annually) are in Mississippi.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost For a Couple in NYC?
The average price for assisted living in New York City is approximately $5,900 per month, which is nearly $2,000 more than the state average.
What Is the Average Monthly Cost of Assisted Living For a Couple in California?
According to a Genworth survey, assisted living in California costs around $5,350 per month. After reviewing various plans for ALFs, the average monthly cost can range between $4,500 and $5,300, depending on the city.
What Affects the Cost of Assisted Living for Couples?
The cost of assisted living for couples is described in the following table:
| Factor | Description | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rate | Every facility has a base rate monthly fee for basic services | These are standard services, so no additional costs might incur |
| Type of Unit | Whether the couple shares a one-bedroom apartment, studio, or separate units | One bedroom costs less than two separate units; expect an additional charge for the second person in a shared unit ($1,000-$2,000/month). |
| Level of Care | Assistance required for daily activities (e.g., dressing, bathing) and medical care | The more care needed by one or both individuals, the higher the cost. Specialized care options like memory care and skilled nursing care increases fees significantly. |
| Meals and Utilities | Additional meals, utilities, and services for the second person | Typically added to the base rate, increasing monthly costs. |
| Location | Geographical location | Highly populated states tend to have higher costs compared to rural or lower-cost areas. |
| Additional Services | Services like transportation, wellness programs, and on-site activities | Optional services can add extra fees to the monthly rate, depending on the facility’s offerings. |
| One-Time Fees | Administrative fees or community fees | Some facilities charge a one-time move-in or setup fee. |
| Payment Options | Payment structure (monthly, tired, or annual) and insurance | Flexible payment options may reduce or increase monthly costs depending on insurance coverage or other financial arrangements. |
What’s Included and Excluded in Assisted Living for Couples?
When exploring senior living options, compare the different assisted living options available. Understanding what is included in these plans helps you choose the best care solution that meets one’s needs and budget.
Here is what’s typically included and excluded in assisted living package plans:
Included
- Housing & meals
- Personal-care assistance like activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Basic utilities
- Social, educational, or well-being activities
- House-keeping and laundry
- Medication management
- 24-hour supervision
Excluded
- Personal medical checkups
- Advanced medical care
- Memory care services
- Insurance coverage
- Skilled nursing
The excluded services might incur extra fees, or you might need to look for separate care options such as private nursing homes, a skilled nursing facility, or home health aides.
How Long Do Most People Live In Assisted Living?
According to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, seniors live in assisted living care facilities for 22 months.
After that, seniors with serious health conditions might move to private nursing centers or hire personal caregivers.
However, the length of stay can vary, as no one can predict the future. Many seniors may choose to stay longer, depending on the facility’s environment and whether their needs are fully met.
Does Insurance Cover Assisted Living for Couples?
Insurance coverage depends on the type of insurance and whether you have bought insurance for both you and your partner. Here’s what you need to know about the most common insurance plans:
- Medicaid: Medicaid is for low-income individuals and couples and can cover some costs of assisted living, but coverage varies by state. It generally does not cover room and board but may assist with personal care services.
- Medicare: Medicare is a health insurance program for medical care and hospital stays for seniors aged 65 and older. It generally doesn’t cover assisted living costs.
- Long-term Insurance: Long-term care insurance for couples may cover the costs of assisted living, nursing home care, or in-home care based on the policies.
Other Insurance types:
Some life insurance policies allow couples to convert the death benefit into funds for long-term care costs, including assisted living. However, this option reduces the payout for beneficiaries.
Social Security or pension income doesn’t directly cover assisted living, it can help you pay for the expenses. Veterans benefits include assistance for spouses for senior living care as well through Veterans Affairs Aid and Attendance.
Bottom Line
The cost of assisted living for couples varies depending on factors like accommodation type, level of care needed, and geographic location. On average, couples can expect to pay between $6,350 and $7,350 per month, translating to $76,200 to $88,200 annually.
Facilities often offer discounts for shared accommodations, but the overall cost can increase if one or both individuals require additional assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) or medical care. Understanding these cost variables, along with exploring flexible payment options and insurance coverage, is key to making informed decisions about assisted living for couples.
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