The United States is home to a lot of people who are into assisted living communities. In fact, statistics say that there are over 810,000 people residing in these communities, and 70% (or 7 out of 10) require assisted living care at one point in their lives. There are yet other fascinating assisted living statistics that are worth taking note of.
Older Adults And Assisted Living Communities Statistics
Some people think they are already lucky enough to reach age 60. In the United States, it is foreseen that numbers will double for the population reaching the age of over 85 by 2036. These figures will triple by the time we reach the year 2049.
The good news is despite this expected growing number, there are already 30,000 assisted living communities operational within the country. That gives the nation an average of 27 to 33 residents living per community. By the time we reach the year 2040, the country will already reach about a million new senior living units, just enough to accommodate the needs of those who will require assisted living care by that time.
Cost of Living in These Communities
What do numbers say when it comes to the cost of living for these communities? Assisted living costs about $4,300 monthly on average. When compared to the cost of hiring a health aide weekly for about 44 hours, numbers say that it can sum up to over $4,500. That will mean $18,000 on a monthly basis when hiring caregivers. This means that when older adults are placed in assisted living communities, you will save more on their costs of living.
When compared to those living in nursing homes, opting for assisted living communities is still the better option. On average, the monthly cost one will spend in nursing homes reaches up to $9,000 a month. That is double what you will spend in an assisted living community.
When to Transition to An Assisted Living Community
If these numbers do not convince you to transition yourself or a loved one to assisted living communities, then this might just be the deciding factor for you. Consider common conditions that need assisted living. Arthritis, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s or dementia, or heart disease are just among the causes to transition a loved one to this type of environment.
If these conditions are not enough just yet, you might as well look into the common features that come with these living communities. Physical and occupational therapy, pharmacy access, hospice care, and nursing care are offered. There is also nutritional guidance being given to make sure your loved ones will eat healthy all the time.
Choosing The Right Community for You Or Your Loved Ones
Moving to assisted living communities is a major expense that requires careful consideration. Note, that when compared to other options, it is considered the cheapest. That being said, you just have to go for communities that offer a wide range of services and programs. For instance, you can choose a facility that has community events lined up for your loved ones’ enjoyment. You can also go for those that provide access to area attractions.
