Assisted Living Under 55: Options for Younger Adults in New York

Picture this: your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia in mid- to late-adulthood. You’re considering support for your loved one, but you’re not familiar with many resources for who provides assisted living for 55-year-olds and under. What do you do for your loved one? What types of support exist for those who are under 55 and who live with a chronic health condition? Village Walk here: we understand that assisted living can be a touchy subject, especially for those 55 and under. Rest assured, help is available — and plenty at that. In this article, we’ll walk you through what options for assisted living exist for those who are 55 and under, as well as common challenges associated with those seeking assisted living at age 55 and under. Let’s dive in. Types of assisted living options for adults 55 and younger 1. In-home care services2. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)3. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs)4. Federal and state-sponsored subsidized housing (and privately-funded subsidized housing)5. Boarding homes and group homes6. Assisted living facilities Home care assisted living for adults younger than 55 Some individuals with disabilities live in their own homes or apartments but still need help with daily activities like shopping, cleaning, making appointments, or preparing meals. If volunteers, family, friends, or caregivers aren’t available, outside help can be an option. Cue home healthcare agencies. Home healthcare is an invaluable resource. Health aides can provide help with shopping, cleaning, making appointments, entertainment, scheduling appointments, and much more. Depending on the needs of the individual, Medicaid may cover the cost of a home health aide. And, while Medicare will pay for these services based on specific criteria, the extent of the coverage will depend on which Medicare plan the patient is enrolled in. If you’re not able to spend money on home care for an adult and younger loved one, consider an ADU — an accessory dwelling unit. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a detached second unit adjacent to or within a home or apartment. ADUs include a separate living area, kitchen, and bathroom; these living units provide a small, private living area for caregivers to live with independence, but close enough to a loved one to provide daily care as needed. If you do decide to reside in an ADU to help a loved one, you’ll want to check local zoning laws. The reason is that local municipalities have different rules and regulations around building and living in ADUs, so you’ll want to make sure you stay in compliance before choosing to build or live in an ADU. Continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) Often specializing in providing care for older adults, many continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) also serve younger people. You can reach out to a local CCRC and ask them about their progressive care options. Also, many CCRCs offer different levels of care, allowing younger adults to move through a series of levels of care. For example, the resident may live in an assisted living area of the community and then move into the nursing home area of the community when they need a higher level of care. Residents usually pay a down payment and a monthly fee for services rendered. If you’re deciding to choose a CCRC for your loved one’s care, make sure that the organization you’re choosing is an accredited facility that provides the highest quality healthcare possible for younger adults. Federal and state-sponsored subsidized housing In many cases, subsidized housing is an option for older adults who need extra help or long-term care. For example, subsidized housing services may include room cleaning, laundry, and shopping. What’s more, subsidized housing comes in all different shapes and forms. The most common subsidized housing is located within an apartment complex. Apartment complex residences are for individuals who have low to moderate incomes. With these complexes, the rent varies from complex to complex. Also, rent may differ depending on an adult’s situation, as state and federal programs provide help to subsidize and offset the cost of rent for residents. Boarding homes or group homes For adults 55 years or under, another option for medical care is boarding homes or group homes. Boarding homes and group homes are for individuals who need more care than living at their homes provides; at the same time, boarding homes and group homes are for those who aren’t quite ready for a nursing home or assisted living facility. With that being said, boarding homes often provide help with bathing, dressing, housekeeping, transportation to and from appointments, and management of medications. Depending on where the home is based, the home may be covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Also, state and federal programs may help cover the cost of staying in a boarding or group home. If you’re looking for a living environment with all the support of in-home residential care, but with a community feel, wrap-around health services, and 24-hour supervision and care, you’ll want to look into assisted living facilities. We’ll take a look at this last residential setting in the next section. Assisted living facilities Assisted living care often refers to residential senior living facilities where seniors and older adults can receive support with daily tasks and activities of daily living. But did you know that assisted living facilities are also for those who are 55 and under? For example, at our facility, residents who need very little care all the way to those with stage-7 Lewy body dementia can receive around-the-clock, on-site support with daily care, meal preparation, transportation, and medical needs. But, every assisted living facility is different. Some are housed in apartments, others in group homes, and still others are separate, single-floor areas within a larger cluster of residential buildings. What’s more, some facilities provide on-site healthcare, while others provide transportation to residents for all their medical appointments and needs. But note: most assisted living facilities aren’t funded by federal programs, like Medicare or Medicaid. You’ll want to check with each assisted living facility

Your Guide to Understanding Level 3 Care in Assisted Living

As seniors age, if they’re receiving care from an accredited facility, if they’re lucky enough, they’ll find themselves in a community that offers not just the base levels of assisted living, but what the industry terms as assisted living level 3 care. But understanding level 3 care in assisted living can be tricky. Why? Because different factors qualify a person for level 3 care — and level 3 care can include specific services and care that other levels of care don’t. Fortunately, we’re here to help you understand what level 3 care is in assisted living. Village Walk here: our senior care angels culled our resources and created this short guide to understanding level-three care in assisted living. In this guide, we’ll cover the following topics: A list of key assisted living level 3 care services 1. Support with activities of daily living (bathing, grooming, incontinence, and more)2. Mobility support services3. Medication administration and management services4. Safety and supervision services5. Specialty healthcare services for medical issues Understanding levels of care in assisted living To put the levels of care into context, assisted living facilities divide the types of care they offer into different levels based on the amount and type of help that residents need. By dividing care into levels, each resident can receive personalized support without paying for services that don’t meet their lifestyle and healthcare needs. Assisted living offers five levels of care, with each differing in the amount of support provided to residents. We’ll define and explore what’s involved in one of the key levels of care — level three — in the following sections. A complete explanation of assisted living level 3 care “What exactly does level 3 care include?” You might be wondering. Level 3 care is for residents who need a great deal of help with most if not all activities of daily living (ADLs). At level 3, residents need continuous support and supervision throughout the day. Many residents who make use of level 3 care in assisted living communities often struggle to do two or more activities of daily living on their own. Multiple caregivers may help residents with everything from medication management to bathing, grooming, eating, and even transferring from one room to another. Caregivers must also complete most if not all, ADLs for the resident. For example, many residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s need comprehensive care plans that fall under level 3 care in an assisted living community/neighborhood. These “level 3 care plans,” if you will, address mobility challenges, medication management, and the need for round-the-clock supervision. But not just anyone can qualify for level 3 care. “What exactly does level 3 care include?” You might be wondering. Level 3 care is for residents who need a great deal of help with most if not all activities of daily living (ADLs). At level 3, residents need continuous support and supervision throughout the day. Many residents who make use of level 3 care in assisted living communities often struggle to do two or more activities of daily living on their own. Multiple caregivers may help residents with everything from medication management to bathing, grooming, eating, and even transferring from one room to another. Caregivers must also complete most if not all, ADLs for the resident. For example, many residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s need comprehensive care plans that fall under level 3 care in an assisted living community/neighborhood. These “level 3 care plans,” if you will, address mobility challenges, medication management, and the need for round-the-clock supervision. But not just anyone can qualify for level 3 care. We’ll turn to the topic of who qualifies for level 3 care in the next section. Who qualifies for level 3 care As mentioned above, seniors and older adults who need extra support and ongoing supervision qualify for level three care. A strong candidate for level 3 care are: We always recommend checking in with a healthcare provider first to better understand which level of care in an assisted living facility is right for you or your loved one. Taking a professional medical-administered assessment will give you a better idea of which level and type of assisted living services is best for you and your loved one. 5 Types of services involved in level 3 care The reason level three care is so significant is because of all the levels of assisted living care available, the amount of specialized care and help with daily activities increases at this level. Let’s take a look at five common services provided in level three care and beyond. 1. Extensive support for activities of daily In level three care, caregivers provide help with most, if not all ADLs for residents. Bathing and hygiene, dressing and grooming, toileting and incontinence care, & even eating and nutrition are all ADLs that qualified senior caregivers provide in level three care. 2. Motility and transferring from one place to another Assisted living and memory care residents will also receive support from qualified caregivers with mobility and transfer-related tasks, such as: 3. Medication management For seniors with complex treatment plans that involve specific dosages, schedules, and medication treatments, a specialized senior care team will help with the following: 4. Round-the-clock supervision for safety For individuals who live with cognitive decline, impairments, or memory loss, they’ll receive: 5. Specialty health care services Every assisted living community is different. But, most assisted living communities include specialty health care services, such as the ones below, in their community’s offerings: Factors affecting the cost (and quality) of care A recent data set found that a private room in an assisted living facility costs about $70,800 annually (Statista.com, 2024). As such, this number is affected by a variety of factors. Factors that can affect the cost and quality of care in an assisted living community include: You can expect that as the level of care increases, the monthly cost of care will increase as well. We always tell our residents and their loved ones to evaluate a facility’s pricing

How to Pay for Assisted Living & Senior Living: Financing Options

If you’re considering whether assisted living is right for you, you’ve likely asked yourself how to pay for assisted living. When you’re equipped with the right knowledge, you can make an informed decision, thereby making paying for assisted living nothing but smooth sailing. At its worst, if you don’t have the right information, you could find yourself in a pickle with how to pay for, let alone qualify for assisted living. Our senior care team put their heads together and researched some of the many financing methods and options available for seniors and their families. What resulted is this article all about how to pay for assisted living. In this article, we’ll discuss the following topics: Grab your favorite beverage, and make yourself comfortable. This is all about how to pay for assisted living. How to pay for assisted living: 5 common sources 1. Private savings (like personal savings, income, and pension plans)2. Physical assets (like homes, insurance policies, and retirement accounts)3. Veterans benefits4. Public assistance (like Medicaid)5. Social security (and other supplemental benefits) Options for paying for the cost of assisted living As you learn about options for paying for assisted living, you’ll likely come across a number of both private- and public-pay options. Most families use private funds to pay for assisted living. Funds like personal savings, pensions, retirement accounts, or a combination of private investments are all fair game. Some public health insurance policies — like Medicaid — can help cover some assisted living costs. But, Medicaid is reserved for those with limited income and resources, so it shouldn’t be relied upon as a primary source for funding assisted living. As you consider whether private-pay or public-pay options are best for you and your loved one, consider which type of services, features, and care you and your loved one prefer. Also, consider which combination of the below-mentioned options for paying for assisted living you prefer: Each state will have different regulations about how to use private-pay and public-pay assets. So, you’ll want to check in with your local municipality to determine how, when, and where funds can be applied for your assisted living needs. To paint a clearer picture of your funding options, let’s dive a little deeper into private- and public-pay assisted living funding options. Private-pay and financing options for assisted living (Medicare and more) Private-pay options include any options that are not government-funded. Many seniors pay for basic services, monthly costs, and programs that help them fulfill activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, grooming, and medication management through the following private funding sources: Private-pay options can help cover the bulk of the cost of assisted living. That’s why it’s important to consider all your options for private pay-related funding. Nevertheless, should you also choose to use public funding, we’ve also included public-pay options for assisted living funding in the section below. Public-pay options for funding assisted living (Medicaid) Public-pay options like Medicaid can help cover medical needs for seniors who are considered low-income. But, because Medicaid is a state-sponsored resource, you’ll need to apply and qualify for it. As such, every state holds different eligibility criteria for Medicaid. What’s more, not every assisted living community accepts Medicaid. With that being said, if you can’t find an assisted living facility that accepts Medicaid, you might be able to apply for a waiver. Nevertheless, paying for assisted living with Medicaid can be very beneficial for seniors who qualify for this state-sponsored program. It never hurts to ask a senior care specialist about whether their assisted living facility works with those who identify as low-income seniors and who use Medicaid to pay for services and long-term care. Paying for assisted living with benefit plans Many seniors and their families use stipends and other benefits to pay for long-term care and to cover assisted living costs. For example, if your loved one served in the military, worked for the government, or worked on a railroad site, certain federal benefits programs can help provide coverage for assisted living. What’s more, wartime veterans and their spouses may qualify for a pension program by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). VA benefits can help cover assisted living costs. Also, federal and postal employees — and their families, so long as family members qualify — can apply for Federal Long-Term Care Insurance Programs (FLTCIP) before retirement. Just note that some medical conditions may disqualify a person from being approved for FLTCIP. You can always ask one of our senior care specialists what it takes to qualify for and use FLTCIP to help cover assisted living expenses. They’re here to help and would be happy to do so. Ways to make the most of an assisted living budget Senior living, nursing home care, home health, and board and care can be expensive. We understand the struggle with finding affordable, yet comprehensive community living for older adults. By taking the time to understand how to make the most of your assisted living budget, you can enjoy greater peace of mind when considering the range of senior care options available to you. Here are a few tips for helping pay for assisted living costs: How to maximize the value of your assisted living payments Last but not least, now that we’ve covered how to pay for assisted living, we’ll talk about how to get the most bang for your buck when paying for assisted living costs. Here are a few suggestions for how to navigate the assisted living payment process. Did you know? Did you know that assisted living communities offer financial support to help lower the cost of assisted care? Many senior living communities can accommodate new residents with their seasonal promotions. At Village Walk, we recently extended our May summer promotion to June to pass along the savings and better support families and their loved ones with their care needs. Learn more about assisted living community promotions — among other topics like how to reduce assisted living costs for qualifying veterans — on

How Much Memory Care Facilities & Memory Care Costs (2025)

Deciding the next steps in your or your loved one’s care can be one of the most challenging tasks to take on. After all, do you choose assisted living, board and care, memory care, or adult day care? And how much do memory care facilities cost anyway? With so many questions, the task can feel somewhat daunting. Not to worry, though. Village Walk here: our senior care specialists are here to explain the ins and outs of memory care facility costs. Whether looking at a community’s location, the type of amenities and services provided, or funding options, our team will guide you through the costs linked to memory care communities. In this article, we’ll discuss what’s covered with memory care fees, including: The most and least expensive states for memory care costs Some of the most expensive states for memory care Some of the most expensive states for memory care 1. Hawaii2. New York3. New Hampshire4. Vermont5. Massachusetts6. Maine7. California 1. South Dakota2. Alabama3. Mississippi4. Utah5. South Carolina6. Wyoming7. New Mexico On average, how much does memory care cost? Here’s a sobering fact: on a nationwide level, aggregate care for older people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia cost about $157 billion in 2023 alone (Statista, 2025). Needless to say, caring for dementia and other forms of Alzheimer’s can cost a great deal. While Medicare and Medicaid will cover about two-thirds of these costs, the remaining costs are left to the care recipient and their families to cover. Thus, you’ll want to know how these costs break down from month to month — and what’s covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and other forms of insurance — to determine how much you’ll pay out of pocket. About monthly memory care costs Speaking of memory care settings, memory care communities are located inside assisted living communities. But, assisted living costs don’t include or cover memory care expenses. The reason is memory care staffers must undergo special dementia training to help prevent memory loss-related behaviors such as wandering. The extra staff qualifications and facility adjustments can explain away the difference in average monthly costs of memory care. Breaking down monthly memory care costs The monthly cost of memory care units, especially those located in assisted living communities, charge a base monthly fee for the services and amenities offered in memory care. Some of those services and amenities include the cost of covering a shared or private room, three daily meals, planned social activities, and 24/7 emergency support. With that being said, if you decide to add extra personal care services such as medication administration, help with activities of daily living (ADLs), bathing, dressing, and more, you may incur additional fees. Often, the base fee cited by a memory care institution won’t include these extra fees, so you’ll want to ask the memory care community which services are covered in their general fees. What’s more, memory care units that are located inside nursing homes also charge an all-inclusive monthly fee. The monthly fee covers planned social activities, snacks, three daily meals, medical care, and personal care (sans hospitalization) for residents. But, this monthly fee doesn’t always include secondary memory care costs. We’ll discuss secondary memory care costs at greater length in the next section. Secondary memory care costs (and tax deductions) A couple of secondary memory care costs that may be tax deductible include the following fees: Memory care communities and other senior living communities charge residents an initial fee prior to moving in. This fee may be refundable, but receiving a refund varies from community to community. What’s more, you’ll find that in memory care communities — among other senior living communities — rates increase each year. The next time you book a tour of a memory care facility, ask a senior care specialist about their rates, by how much rates increase, and when. In fact, long-term care services that help treat and maintain the well-being of individuals with chronic illnesses may be tax-deductible. A resident who can’t perform at least two ADLs without at least 90 days and who needs help due to cognitive impairments may be eligible to write off care services as a tax-deductible expense. As always though, check with a tax professional or elder care specialist, as each person’s health and financial situation is different. Considerations to determine if memory care is best Consider this: memory care can be expensive — but it can also help provide family caregivers with respite from 24/7 caregiving for a loved one with dementia. Before determining if memory care is right for you, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons of assisted living communities. Understanding how assisted living and memory care work will help you determine if memory care is right. You’ll want to keep in mind whether caring for your loved one at home is a viable solution for you and your loved one for the long-run. If symptoms progress to a point where extra help is warranted, you might want to consider assisted living options. For example, for a person with slight physical limitations and few health care needs, staying at home might be best for them. But, for an individual with memory impairments and who relies on multiple care professionals for their healthcare needs, memory care may be a better option for them. As you consider which health care option is best, do your research and check all care options in your area. Doing so will give you a better understanding of which care setting and level of care is best for you and your loved one. Key factors that affect memory care costs As you do your research, you’ll notice four key factors that affect memory care costs: We’ll explore each in the sections below. The location The cost of senior living communities and residential care will differ based on where you live. Sometimes, the price can vary as much as $2,500 or more per month depending on the type of memory care facility and services provided.

Assisted Living Vs Nursing Home: When Do You Choose Each?

For those considering assisted living and nursing homes, you’ve likely heard of these terms before. Not knowing the difference between these two types of senior care can lead to confusion about which is better — and most suited to a senior’s needs. And with so many different types of senior care facilities available — memory care versus nursing homes, assisted living versus memory care, and more — you’re now faced with more decisions than ever. Choosing between more care options is a great problem to have. We’re here to help you simplify the decision-making process, so you can focus on spending more quality time with your loved one and less time worrying about the level of care they’ll receive. If you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between assisted living versus nursing homes, this article is for you. Join us! In this article,  we’ll discuss: Assisted living and nursing homes: 5 key differences Assisted living Nursing homes 1. Assisted living facilities provide help with activities of daily living2. Restaurant and pub-style dining — plus happy hours3. A full social calendar of activities, outings, and in-house events4. Apartment-style options including one-bedroom and club suite living arrangements5. Less medical attention needed 1. Skilled nursing care specialists provide extensive, 24-hour medical care to nursing home patients2. Significant help with meals and feeding Increased safety features3. Private and shared rooms4. More medical attention needed Let’s take a deeper look at assisted living communities Assisted living communities: these are long-term housing arrangements for older adults who are active but need some support with activities of daily living (such as bathing, dressing, and medication management). Assisted living facilities tend to provide opportunities to live a social lifestyle for seniors who are active but need help with everyday tasks. The strong sense of community can be a huge selling point for those looking for community-style living with comprehensive amenities and benefits that won’t break the bank. And let’s explore nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities In contrast, nursing homes are for seniors and older adults who need full-time monitoring and medical support. Nursing homes offer some of the highest levels of medical care for individuals who don’t need full-time hospitalization, monitoring, or medical support. Comparing services in assisted living and nursing homes Assisted living communities offer services and amenities to keep residents healthy, engaged, and independent. Whereas the main focus of nursing home care is to provide round-the-clock medical care to monitor involved health issues. Skilled nursing care is a key feature of nursing homes. In skilled nursing facilities, medical professionals are available 24/7 to help support older adults and seniors. Nursing homes are best suited for individuals with serious medical conditions, and individuals who need specialized care from a licensed healthcare professional. While assisted living can provide healthcare, its main focus is on the activities, entertainment, socializing, and light help at meal times. In contrast, nursing homes focus on providing activities that nourish residents and patients who are ill or need more medical support. Common services and amenities in assisted living communities Common services and amenities found in assisted living communities include the following: A few assisted living facilities that provide enhanced medical care also offer the following: Common services and amenities in nursing homes In contrast, nursing homes offer some of the same services as assisted living facilities. But, the scope of medical care at a nursing home is often greater than at an assisted living facility. Some of the services provided include the following: At nursing homes and many assisted living facilities —for patients who’ve been in the facility for a long time — external companies contracted by the facility provide medical care services. Individuals who need more extensive medical care from nurses and physicians can qualify for a nursing home. Individuals who’ve had major strokes, disabling falls, or chronic diseases may qualify to stay in a nursing home. The benefits of assisted living and nursing homes While nursing home care tends to focus on people with chronic medical conditions, assisted living services tend to serve active seniors looking for a community that offers a social lifestyle and help with everyday tasks. Nursing homes are ideal for seniors who need higher levels of care or who live with chronic or severe health problems. Note: A loved one’s physician should always be included when any type of care placement is discussed. Some assisted living facilities state that bloodwork or chest X-rays are conditions for admission. In fact, nursing homes state that a physician must determine a person’s eligibility. Older adults who are self-sufficient but need a little extra help staying safe, socializing, and taking care of light housekeeping tend to benefit from assisted living. Whereas a person with significant challenges with activities of daily living — that is, people with severe or chronic illnesses — can benefit from the medical care and supervision offered in a nursing home. In sum, assisted living benefits those seniors who may: Nursing home care benefits those seniors who may: Entry criteria for assisted living versus nursing homes When deciding between assisted living and nursing homes, consider that each has different criteria for entry. While assisted living communities mention that residents need to meet certain health standards and functional requirements, nursing homes are different. One of the only entry requirements to confirm that a senior is eligible for a nursing home is that they need a higher level of care. For example, assisted living communities tend to say that residents need to be able to eat and transfer from a bed or wheelchair without much help. What’s more, assisted living communities may also not accept residents with severe cognitive impairments and behavioral issues. To enter a nursing home and qualify for ongoing medical care, prospective residents must complete an assessment. Most states mention that seniors must complete a physical assessment per a physician’s order to be eligible to receive care from licensed nursing homes. And, as always, a senior must meet each state’s criteria to enter a nursing home.

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care? What You Need to Know

Medicaid, Medical, and Medicare: these government-funded programs all help people cover the costs of dementia care. But is memory care covered under Medicare? At Village Walk, our senior care concierge team answers this question more than you know. The short answer is yes — but only somewhat. Nothing’s worse than paying for medical services you’re not completely familiar with, which is why we’re here to shed light on the role of Medicare with memory care. If you’re looking for answers about whether Medicare covers the cost of memory care, you’ve come to the right place. In this article we’ll discuss the following: What’s covered (and not covered) by Medicare Services covered by Medicare Services not covered by Medicare 1. Cognitive assessments to confirm a diagnosis of dementia2. Up to 100 days of skilled nursing care following an event like a hospital stay3. Planning for continued care and counseling4. Prescription medication for dementia5. Other custodial services depending on the case or situation 1. Room and board, and rent, associated with memory care or assisted living2. Long-term memory care Long-term help with activities of daily living (ADLs)3. Non-western-style therapies like acupuncture or herbal medicine Making sense of Medicare and memory care Medicare sounds like Medicaid, but the two programs are very different. Let’s make sure we have our definitions straight. Americans age 65 and older — and some younger people who live with a qualifying disability or health condition — are eligible for Medicare. Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program that covers a wide range of services, including inpatient hospital care, outpatient doctor visits, and more. Medicaid is a public health insurance program administered by each individual state. The goal of Medicaid is to help reduce barriers to care for low-income people of all ages. Finally, memory care is a type of residential long-term care service for people with Alzheimer’s and forms of dementia. In memory care neighborhoods, in-house caregivers provide services to keep residents safe and supported. Continuing care communities — like assisted living and memory care neighborhoods — provide a smooth transition from one community into the next. For older adults who need a higher level of support, the senior care staff at continuing care communities can transition older adults from assisted living to memory care with ease. Skilled nursing facilities, stand-alone memory care centers, adult day services, and board and care homes: these facilities all provide memory care support to those living with dementia. What’s more, a person can receive memory care services within the comfort of their home. But, in-home and facility-based memory care is different from assisted living and independent living. With the latter, any older adult can apply and sign up. A person is only eligible for memory care if they’ve been assigned an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis by a medical professional. Did you know? Did you know that our community often holds informational seminars about the A, B, C, and D’s of Medicare? Check us out on social media for more details. Medicare coverage for memory care expenses “Medicare may cover some memory care expenses, right?” You might wonder. Yes, that’s right. If someone with dementia is 65 years or older and enrolled in Medicare, Medicare may cover some of the health care related to dementia care and long-term nursing home care. The three main forms of Medicare that can cover memory care expenses include: We’ll detail how each can cover memory care costs in the following sections. Original Medicare provides limited coverage for memory care With original Medicare — often called Medicare Part A and Part B — original Medicare won’t pay for rent or other living costs associated with staying in memory care units. However, Medicare Part A and Part B may cover services that a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia would need as part of a hospital or inpatient stay. Coverage under Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care and skilled nursing facility care, includes: Coverage under Part B, which covers medical preventive services for routine healthcare conditions, includes: Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and memory care costs Also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare Advantage includes private health plans that contract with Medicare to offer the same services that Medicare Part A and Part B offer. “Why not choose Part A and Part B coverage instead?” you might be wondering. Well, many different Medicare Advantage plans exist. Some plans offer more coverage for popular healthcare services like dental, vision, and hearing care. Other Medicare Part C plans offer prescription drug benefits through Medicare Part D, the Medicare program responsible for providing prescription drug coverage. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) and memory care costs Medigap is optional. This coverage plan is purchased through private insurers. Medigap bridges the gap between what Medicare Parts A and B cover and what those services cost out-of-pocket, that is, any deductibles, copays, and coinsurances owed by the insured. Similar to Medicare Part A and Part B, Medigap won’t cover most long-term memory care costs. They will, however, pay for the services that Medicare Part A and Part B offer. Understanding payment options for memory care We’ve covered Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, Part D (briefly), and Medigap. Now, does memory care cost the same throughout the U.S.? As you guessed it, costs depend on the geographical region and type of facility providing memory care. For example, memory care in states in New England and along the Western end of the United States, like New York, Massachusetts, California, and Hawaii, tends to cost more than in southern states like Alabama and Georgia (Statista, 2024). Since Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of room and board, seniors and their loved ones should do their research to discover how to pay for dementia care room and board costs. Fortunately, financial assistance for memory care is available. People often use financial assets, long-term insurance, personal savings, and other benefits to cover care services provided in a memory care facility. Let’s take a look at some of the ways people

Assisted Living 101: Who Provides Assisted Living (and More)?

At a certain point in our lives, we all need a little extra help with daily living tasks. No one understands that better than our senior care staff at Village Walk. Seniors and families: if you’re thinking about assisted living — or who provides assisted living — you’ve come to the right place. Our expert team of senior living advisors, recreational staff, and caregivers have heard your questions, and we have answers. In this article, we’ll discuss: Grab your favorite beverage and note-taking device. This is Assisted Living 101. Services provided with assisted living Caregivers, recreational therapists, nursing staff, culinary chefs, and nurse aids provide the bulk of the following assisted living services: Senior living staff in an assisted living facility provide the above-mentioned care services. The staff at an assisted living facility can also contract out services, should a resident need specialized care or support with activities of daily living. Choosing an assisted living facility As part of a better understanding of who provides assisted living and what assisted living can provide, older adults and their families should note that the potential for needing assisted living exists in all of our lives. The following suggestions can help make searching for a safe, secure, comfortable, and caring assisted living facility more tenable. Getting a feel for an assisted living unit’s reputation What’s more, when trying to understand the level of care that assisted living offers — and the reputation of the facility — consider the following three tips: Assisted living costs Assisted living costs less than nursing homes. The costs depend on the type of services, caregiving, and living arrangements present. Assisted living facilities tend to charge a base cost and extra costs for extra services. Residents and their families should note how much each extra service costs because fees can add up. In general, in the U.S., assisted living residents and their families can expect to pay anywhere from $40,000 to as much as $100,000 or more per year for assisted living. Depending on the state, certain long-term care insurance policies and plans can cover some of the costs. Alas, the federal Medicare program doesn’t cover the costs of care that assisted living communities offer. But, in some states, Medicaid can pay for some assisted living services. More resources about assisted living For older adults and their families looking to learn more about their options for assisted living, they can contact their local area agency on aging (AAA). Aside from AAAs, We’ve also compiled a few websites and personal resources about assisted living communities that might help: Did you know? If you or a loved one is a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, financial assistance is available and may cover the cost of assisted care. Our senior living facility has held webinars on this hot topic in the past. Learn more here on our Facebook page. Village Walk’s assisted living care specialists can help Every facility is different. With every assisted living facility, expect a wide range of services and opportunities, everything from occupational therapy to speech therapy to fitness and music. The short answer to the question, “Who provides assisted living?” is: many people. After all, it takes a village to build something beautiful. To learn more about what our Village offers — or to inquire about personal care and residential care at an assisted living facility near you — don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d love to get to know you and see how we can help! Frequently asked questions about what assisted living provides 1. Who provides care in assisted living facilities? Assisted living care communities are comprised of a team of care specialists who provide many diverse services. For example, the specialists who provide care in our facility include: Many retirement communities and senior life space communities provide similar services. Nevertheless, the goal of assisted living community staff members is to assist residents with their care needs. 2. How do assisted living staff provide personalized care? Before move-in day comes, assisted living residents must be assessed. According to state regulations, the level of personal care a resident receives is determined by a health assessment. Throughout the year, a resident is reassessed to make sure that the care they receive is in line with their needs. A more involved assessment procedure exists for those in memory care units and/or for those living with memory loss. 3. What are activities of daily living? Activities of daily living (ADLs) is a term used to describe the basic skills that all individuals need to live in life. Some of these ADLs include: Individuals looking for assisted living care tend to need help with at least two or more ADLs.  “Feels like they’re at home, not in a home” “My mother had been living in an assisted living facility upstate, but as she got older, I felt it was time to move her closer to where I lived. Armed with a list of about 30 pivotal questions, I interviewed 10 different facilities on Long Island. As I continued to interview other facilities, Village Walk became the place I was comparing them to, and I found that nothing really did compare. I moved my mother in three days before her 91st birthday and she just loved it. She eagerly got involved in arts and crafts, went on all of the outings to museums, restaurants, shows, parties on the roof, prom, etc. I loved talking to her every evening to find out what wonderful things she did that day. I often told my friends that my mother was living her best life — and she was! She became very close with the staff and  thought of them as family. I think that’s one of the things that sets Village Walk apart, the care of the staff, which is the heart of any assisted-living facility. I highly recommend Village Walk If you were looking for a place where you want your loved one to feel like they’re at home, not

What to Know About Assisted Living Facilities that Accept Medicaid

If you’ve ever tried to find assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid, you know how challenging it is. After all, a national database doesn’t exist for assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid. Moreover, many states have databases that note which assisted living facilities accept Medicaid, but it’s worth noting a few important points: We’re here to deliver some good news, though. Medicaid can be used to pay for care in an assisted living facility, even if the facility doesn’t accept Medicaid as a form of payment for the facility itself. Village Walk Senior Living here: we provide memory care and assisted living solutions to people of all different backgrounds and financial needs. We understand what it’s like to look for the right care for a loved one that won’t break the bank — and that’s covered by Medicaid. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why finding assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid can be challenging. We’ll also provide helpful information about Medicaid and assisted living for you and your loved ones on the journey ahead. Join us! Let’s chat about Medicaid and assisted living. Why finding Medicaid assisted living facilities is so challenging Some assisted living referral agents provide services to families to help families find assisted living residents. What you may not know is that these organizations receive compensation from assisted living facilities when a new resident moves into the facility. As such, assisted living residences won’t provide compensation to a referral agent for Medicaid beneficiaries. The result? Most placement agencies will include a clause on their website asking if people need “public assistance.” While most placement agencies care about and genuinely want to help people find the right care for their needs, unfortunately, the contact information provided to these facilities can fall into the wrong hands. As such, people sometimes take advantage of low-income seniors and their families. If you need help — or consider yourself low-income — when it comes to paying for assisted living, having a lengthy phone conversation with a referring agent can be more of a rarity than a common practice. But in the best case scenario, the assisted living residence and/or placement agency works with the senior and family to provide care services that are within the senior’s financial and Medicaid-related needs. Key information to help with finding assisted living facilities that accept Medicaid Families and seniors: before searching for assisted living residences that accept Medicaid, you’ll want to keep in mind four key pieces of information — or news — about Medicaid and assisted living facilities: We’ll dive into greater detail about each of these pieces of information in the sections below. Medicaid only covers assisted living care That’s right. No room and board or “rent” coverage, alas. Medicaid beneficiaries are responsible for covering the cost of housing in an assisted living community. The facts are that a private room in a nursing home costs, on average, $10,025 a month (Statista, 2024) — and care costs are expected to continue to rise in the next 25 years (Statista, 2024). Given that 50% of the cost of assisted living is allocated to care services and the other 50% to room and board, the good news is that many states and facilities offer different ways to make room and board more affordable. For example, where we’re located in Patchogue, NY, our state offers waiver programs and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE). Waiver programs and PACE help seniors who may need financial assistance to better afford the cost of care in our assisted living facility. Seniors and families: if you’re thinking of assisted living, check with your state’s local healthcare organizations, or the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), for more comprehensive information about Medicaid coverage for assisted living. You have discretion with how you use your Medicaid funds With Medicaid, you’ll have options for how funds are disbursed. For example, assisted living residences either have a direct relationship with Medicaid where the Medicaid program pays the residence for care, or Medicaid pays a 3rd-party caregiver to deliver care. What that means for you is that if you ask most assisted living facilities if they accept Medicaid, they may not always say yes (see the above sections for reasons why). But, a “no” answer doesn’t mean you can’t have a direct relationship with Medicaid when it comes to your assisted living needs. For example, a caregiver not associated with an assisted living residence can come to the assisted living residence and provide long-term care to a resident. Thus, Medicaid pays the caregiver — and not the assisted living residence. In other words, Medicaid beneficiaries can choose and hire their own caregiver to come to an assisted living facility. In short, you’ll have options with how you use Medicaid funds. Multiple Medicaid programs exist for assisted living The other bit of great news about Medicaid is that you’re not locked into one Medicaid program. Two different types of Medicaid programs provide financial support for assisted living services. With that said, each offers different benefits and has different limitations and criteria for eligibility. The two types of programs are: HCBS waivers are for individuals using Medicaid for nursing home-related needs. People using the Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers should be aware that due to their popularity, a person can expect to be placed on a long wait list as part of the HCBS waiver enrollment process. In contrast, with ABD Medicaid programs, people aren’t often placed on a waitlist. If eligibility criteria are met, a person can be enrolled in an ABD Medicaid program, and the program must provide benefits to that person. You have options for determining eligibility for Medicaid “Speaking of eligibility criteria, how do you determine eligibility for Medicaid?” You might be wondering. You can check your eligibility for Medicaid aid by doing any of the following: Once you’ve equipped yourself with the right information, you can then determine

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Patchogue, NY (2025)

How much does assisted living cost in Patchogue, NY? The answer is more complex than it may seem. And with so much information these days, finding the right information can be downright dizzying. Not to worry. We have your back. For more than 30 years, Village Walk has helped families and older adults break down the cost of assisted living and memory care solutions for older adults. In this comprehensive think piece, we’ll provide the following: Paying for assisted living costs: influencing factors People are motivated to choose to pay for and relocate to assisted living for three main reasons: The last reason — the economy and finances — is worth paying greater attention to. The research is important because it points out the importance of the economy (and finances at large) when selecting help with assisted living. After all, older adults and families can’t ignore that assisted living comes with significant costs. But, we’ve found that assisted living can be more affordable than other senior care options. We’ll share why in the rest of this article, as we discuss the costs of assisted living. How Village Walk calculates assisted living costs Our senior care advisors are committed to providing clear, transparent, and complete information to older adults and their families in their quest to find the right senior living information. To provide you with the most up-to-date and accurate information on the cost of assisted living here in Patchogue, NY, and across the United States, our caregivers have: Some of our caregivers have served the Long Island, NY region for more than 30 years, so we have a finger on the pulse of the Patchogue, NY assisted living market. Speaking of the Empire State, let’s take a look at how much assisted living costs in New York. How much does assisted living cost (Patchogue, NY)? According to a recent Genworth (2023) survey, assisted living costs $5,350 per month. Because state level authorities regulate assisted living facilities, services and costs might vary. For example, according to the same Genworth study, the average monthly cost of an assisted living facility in 2023 in New York City, NY was $6,508. And the price rises to $12,471 for a semi-private room in a nursing home facility. Compare these numbers to $4,888 a month for an Oklahoma-based assisted living facility, and $5,748 a month for assisted living facilities in Los Angeles, California. As you can see, the base price of assisted living in New York tends to be higher than the rest of the nation. Adding on different services and pricing tiers will yield different results. We turn to this topic in our next section. Understanding assisted living price tiers Most assisted living facilities include a base rate for services. This rate includes room and board and other monthly fees based on the level of care residents need. As a general rule of thumb, the more care needed, the more expensive the assisted living plan will be. Before moving in — or concurrently with enrollment — assisted living facilities have residents take an assessment. Why an assessment? The assessment provides a resident with the right level of care for their needs and ensures that the assisted living facility can provide the care the resident needs. Each assessment is different, but generally, seniors can expect to be tested on the following criteria: After the assessment, most assisted living facilities will include a general pricing structure with three levels: Note: most facilities test residents often to determine the best level of care for each resident at any given time. Know that the price of assisted living can increase as the need for more caregiving increases. Hidden fees involved in assisted living costs Every assisted living facility asks residents and their caregivers to sign a contract. Overlooking key parts of the contract can lead to issues, which at their worst, can lead to distrust in staff, discharge for nonpayment, and stress for all parties involved. We recommend asking questions about the following fees before signing on with an assisted living facility: Hiring an elder law attorney and/or asking key questions to staff members will help you better pay for assisted living facilities and assisted living options that meet your needs. How to locate assisted living arrangements The internet can be your best friend for locating assisted living facilities. You can browse dedicated websites with extensive directories of assisted living communities. Websites listing assisted living communities explore the monthly cost of assisted living and average cost of assisted living communities in each state across the continental United States. Most of these websites allow you to filter based on locations, levels of care needed, amenities, and costs of add-on care services. Best of all, these websites allow you to speak with senior care advisors to assess needs, navigate options together, and find the right resources to help you afford assisted living. Factors that affect the cost of assisted living Speaking of affording assisted living, several factors affect the average monthly cost of assisted living. These factors influence how much you’ll pay for assisted living. To make an accurate estimate of how much you can expect to pay for assisted living for different senior living options, the following factors influence the cost of assisted living services: We’ll take a closer look at each in the next sections. Assisted living levels of care Assisted living levels of care influence the total cost of monthly assisted living fees. Some services cost $300 a month, whereas others can cost $1,700 or more. As you or a loved one transition into assisted living, keep in mind what level of care you think is best for your and your loved one’s needs. Amenities and services Consider the cost of hiring and compensating assisted living staff for the services they provide. Physical, speech, and occupational therapy incur extra fees beyond the base cost of assisted living. Assisted living costs vary by facility. As such, you’ll want to do your due diligence before picking your or

Comparing Home vs. Inpatient Hospice Care (Pros and Cons)

When you or a loved one are dealing with a terminal illness, making the right decision for end-of-life care can be heart-wrenching and challenging. Most important, though, is knowing whether to choose inpatient hospice vs. home hospice. This choice requires extensive research and preparation. After all, ensuring the highest quality of life is paramount. With each choice, you want to make sure you’re making the most informed and compassionate decision for yourself. To help you take the guesswork out of the decision-making process, we created this cross-comparison article that dives deep into inpatient hospice vs. home hospice. Our caregivers have more than 30 years of experience providing dedicated and compassionate memory care and assisted living solutions to seniors. If you’re wondering what the difference is between inpatient and home hospice, this article was made for you. Join us as we explore the difference between inpatient and home hospice care. Defining “hospice care” Hospice care is a form of medical care for patients who have about six months or less to live. This type of care can be offered in a home, hospital, or treatment center-style facility. The goal of hospice care isn’t to cure a disease. It’s to provide comfort and quality care to people in the final days of life’s journey. In hospice care, the focus is on improving the quality of — not the quantity of — life for those in need. Breaking down the 4 levels of hospice care With hospice care, each level offers different value to the hospice patient. The four levels of hospice care include: Routine home care includes daily visits from a nurse or social worker to help support a patient with activities of daily living (such as bathing, grooming, medication management, and eating). Inpatient care is similar to routine care, but with inpatient care, patients are tended to 24/7 by professional caregivers in hospital-like settings. Continuous home care is similar to inpatient care, but caregivers provide care in the comfort of a person’s home. Finally, respite care provides relief to primary caregivers by providing different levels of care to the patient either in a facility or at the patient’s home. The goal is to relieve the primary caregiver of their responsibilities for a short, designated amount of time. The difference between inpatient hospice vs. home hospice One of the key differences between inpatient hospice care and home hospice (also called outpatient hospice care) is that the services are provided in a licensed medical facility, such as a nursing home, board and care, or memory care facility. At an inpatient facility, caregivers and family members can return to work or to their homes to complete daily tasks. Inpatient hospice caregivers provide therapy, nutritional counseling, pain management, incontinence support, and more. With home hospice, caregivers stay in a patient’s home throughout the patient’s end-of-life journey. Patients receive the same above-mentioned services, but from the comfort of their homes. Both inpatient and outpatient home hospice services share similarities in that licensed medical professionals provide care from start to end for the patient’s end-of-life journey. Did you know? Both inpatient and home hospice share the same goals: to provide comfort, relief, and quality support as a patient navigate the latter stages of their terminal illness. For example, at Village Walk, our signature Meet Me Where I Am approach places patients at the center of their treatment. We provide round-the-clock, 24/7 attention to seniors with terminal illnesses as they navigate their end-of-life journey. We do our best to offer comfort, relief, and joy in the final stages of their journey, empowering patients to keep us posted on their needs 24/7. To get a better idea of the ways we let our patients guide our caregiving, check out our Facebook photo gallery here. The goal of long-term hospice care Whether navigating inpatient or home hospice care, the goal is always the comfort, dignity, support, and well-being of the person receiving care. Hospice patients are kept as comfortable as possible. They’ll receive regular visits from nurses, aides, social workers, and community members to help ease pain, discomfort, and other uncomfortable symptoms. At Village Walk, we also provide a suite of therapy services to make the final days of the journey as smooth and comfortable as possible. Whether providing physical therapy for our older adults, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or counseling with our hospice social workers and psychiatric team, we’re all about nourishing emotional, physical, social, and mental well-being in our hospice community. Table: Inpatient hospice vs. home hospice Inpatient Hospice Home/Outpatient Hospice Location Private nursing care facility, skilled nursing facility, or resident hospice facility In a patient’s home Supervision 24/7 dedicated monitoring and emergency care Scheduled visits & 24/7 on-call emergency care and support Caregiver support Professional medical team with trained and licensed caregivers Family support with contracted caregivers and hospice support Environment Apartment-style neighborhood setting with medical support designed for comfort and dignity A patient’s home Cost Flexible payment plans and affordable options; can be covered by insurance (depending on the insurance) Often covered by insurance Village Walk: compassionate and quality inpatient hospice for seniors When it comes to palliative care, you have options: inpatient or outpatient (home) hospice care. But only with a memory care inpatient facility can a patient rely on the 24/7 dedicated support and community of like-minded residents and caregivers for all their needs. At Village Walk, our memory care community treats each patient like family. We treat our patients as if they were our own family — because they are. Our patients are an extension of family. With more than 30 years of end-of-life caregiving experience, we’re all about making the final days of seniors’ journey as comfortable and dignified as possible. To learn more about what our cozy Village can do for you or a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re more than happy to explain our hospice offerings to you and your loved one. FAQ: Inpatient hospice vs. home hospice What makes hospice “inpatient” vs. “outpatient”?