Memphis Assisted Living

One of the biggest decisions you may have to make for yourself or a loved one is moving into an assisted living facility. This is a major life decision but can be advantageous as many assisted living communities offer health and wellness programs, independent living, and continuum of care. Memphis, the home to Graceland, offers a wide range of assisted living communities.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Memphis

The 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey for Tennessee reports that Tennessee’s average rate for a one bedroom, single occupancy room in an assisted living facility is $3,395 per month. The average cost in Memphis is higher due to a higher cost of living at $3,710 per month. The national median rate is slightly lower at $3,600.

Rates vary depending on location. Facilities can begin at $1,360 per month for a studio apartment in a gated community in Memphis to more than $6,300 for a two bedroom apartment in Germantown. Additional services may contribute to the rate difference among locations. SeniorAdvisor.com awarded two assisted living communities in Memphis the 2016 Best of Senior Living Award as rated by families: Elmcroft of Bartlett and Apple Grove Alzheimer’s and Adult Day Care.

Assisted Living Services and Options

Many assisted living communities offer services like dining and snacks, and housekeeping. Some facilities allow small pets, individual outdoor areas, and a pool. High-quality communities offer resident activities to keep you or your loved one engaged, active, and fit. Transportation and on-site medical services are often included. Choose the community that is the best fit for you by comparing facilities listed in an online directory.

Choosing an Assisted Living Community in Memphis

Review the range of services offered to meet your physical, emotional, and social needs. Many of the communities in Memphis offer health and wellness programs to keep you active and fit, both in mind and body. Ask which services are included at no extra cost and which ones charge a fee. Directories like SeniorAdvisor.com feature service checklists that you can take with you on a tour. The following are a list of services many top-rated facilities offer their Tennessee residents:

Housekeeping

Transportation

On-site medical care

Personal care

Toileting and incontinence

Bathing and dressing

Alzheimer’s and other dementia care

24-hour staff and security

Emergency systems

Exercise programs

Meals and dining

Medication management

Laundry service

Social and recreational activities

Before any final decisions are made, invite family members and caregivers to visit and ease any concerns. You can find online reviews of facilities written by the residents or their immediate family.

Paying for Assisted Living

Medicare will not cover assisted living, however, there are several options available. Life insurance policies, normally allocated for after-death expenses, can provide care for a Memphis resident. If you cash in the policy, the company buys it back at 50 to 75 percent. If the company does not, selling to a third-party company that will continue paying the premiums is an option. The company will collect any remaining benefits in the event of the policyholder’s death. The policyholder only receives a percentage of the policy’s face value, averaging 50 to 75 percent.

Veterans should check with the Veteran’s Administration about The VA Aid and Attendance. It is available for individuals that served in any branch of the military during wartime. This benefit covers care in an assisted living facility in Memphis. A veteran must have served at least 90 days active duty and/or one day during wartime to qualify. The medical condition does not need to be service related. Military spouses are eligible, however, certain medical conditions must qualify for assistance.

Tennessee Medicaid funding for assisted living facilities is not available at this time, however, the program will cover nursing homes through the state’s PACE program.

Long-term care insurance policies covering “home care” or “facility-only” should include the cost of assisted living. Review the policy carefully and check with your financial advisor about the verbiage and what services are covered.

If you have made the decision on a location and facility, confirm that the community offers continuity of care, also known as a continuum of care. With a continuum of care, you or your loved one will remain in familiar surroundings with long-term care from staff and physician-led care team. Take the time to research and tour several Memphis communities to find the best fit for you or your loved one.