If you’re helping a parent or loved one research senior living communities, it’s likely you’re wondering what is included in their monthly costs or membership fees. A community’s amenities, services and features will all be considerations, and if assistance is needed with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing or preparing meals, your family may be discussing which options would be the best fit for your loved one.
Typically, the residence, meals and assistance are included in the costs associated with a community, but fees may fluctuate depending on the level of care required, or services that are incurred from month to month. In addition, most people are often surprised by the array of additional amenities that many communities include in their pricing; fitness classes, art programs, intergenerational experiences, transportation services and much more can often be a part of a community’s base rate.
Although you’ll want to speak to specific communities to understand their exact services and the fees associated, the following information is a brief summary of what you may find.
What’s Included in the Cost of Senior Living
While not a comprehensive list (or applicable to all senior living models), the following list will give you a good idea of what most communities include in their rates:
- An accessible residence and community
You won’t need to worry about expensive renovations to eliminate stairs or narrow doorways as senior living residences are designed for older adults as they age.
The community’s common areas are also tailored to be accessible and inviting. Your loved ones will look forward to sharing the space with family and new friends. - A maintenance-free lifestyle
A life free from home upkeep and repairs is often at the top of an older adult’s “must-have” list. Imagine the free time your loved one will have when someone else is responsible for the work.
Residents enjoy other activities while the community takes care of all the maintenance, including building repairs, painting, landscaping and lawn care. - Help when it’s needed
A great benefit of senior living is having someone there to assist with tasks. If your loved one needs a helping hand with bathing safely, dressing, grooming, preparing meals or managing medications, these services are typically included in the cost if the community offers assisted living.
Many residents find that having a little support can help them remain independent, longer. In addition, caring, dedicated professionals who are specifically trained to meet the needs of older adults also do much for the general health and well-being of the residents. - Opportunities to meet and make new friends
One of the best advantages of a senior living community is how easy it is to meet and make new friends. For many older adults, meeting new people can become more difficult as they age, as opportunities to do so are typically less frequent.
In contrast, community life is full of possibilities to connect with others. Most communities offer a host of activities, amenities or social events, and even the common areas are designed to encourage interaction. - Support to remain physically and mentally fit
Remaining in shape, both physically and mentally, can become more difficult when living at home, especially if access to activities, classes, equipment or transportation is a challenge.
Most senior living communities offer a fitness center, classes or other activities to keep your body in shape and your mind stimulated. - Social events and entertainment
Although remaining socially active can become more challenging as we age, the important role it plays in our physical and mental health is more vital than ever.
For most senior living communities, the many social events and activities planned by the community are included in the cost of residency. Just a few examples include movie nights, lecture series, happy hours or performances by musicians. - A monthly calendar of activities
There’s little chance of boredom or having nothing to do once a senior living community becomes home.
A vast majority of senior living communities offer residents a monthly calendar of scheduled activities, with most being offered right outside a resident’s door. If an off-site event is planned, transportation is usually included. The best communities will make sure there are enough choices to meet most individual preferences. - Nutritious and delicious dining options
Senior living communities understand the importance of a healthy diet and specialize in preparing and serving cuisine that is both nutritious and appealing. And who doesn’t enjoy the freedom of dining when someone else is responsible for planning, cooking and cleaning up?
If you choose an independent living community, you’ll likely have a full-sized kitchen or kitchenette in your private residence. But most residents report that they appreciate the choice to eat in the community’s dining venues when the mood suits. - Safety and security
As we age, it is not uncommon to become a little more anxious about our safety and security. Our homes may not be age-friendly, may be in need of repair or are possibly located in a neighborhood that has seen an increase in crime.
Another great advantage included in the cost of senior living is the security you’ll find, typically with personnel or community security systems. Personal residences will also have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and typically include individual call alarms for emergencies. - Scheduled transportation
Many older adults begin driving less or decide to no longer drive, but worry that they will lose their independence or miss out on activities they enjoy.
Many communities offer cost-free scheduled transportation, so there is no longer a need to rely on others for rides to medical appointments, shopping or activities.
Life at Eskaton Communities
The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.
The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents everything they need for purposeful living.
We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:
- Private residences
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
- Creative activities and therapies
- Fitness centers and exercise classes
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation services
- 24-hour staffing
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- And much, much more!
If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to choose the right senior living community.
To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (or 1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.
