Senior care facilities are becoming increasingly popular in Bergen County, NJ because they sometimes feature amenities that are unavailable elsewhere. Opportunities for socializing, meeting new friends, and learning new hobbies abound in a good senior care facility. The cost of senior care living facilities are not necessarily any more than a comparable independent living situation, considering the ancillary costs of things like transportation, utilities, and nursing care.
Amenities
Issues that can affect the cost of living in a senior care facility include the level of autonomy expected or desired, the staff to resident ratio, the background and training of the staff, and the types of facilities and amenities on hand. Some senior care facilities have elaborate setups with more than one swimming pool, tennis court, and even a golf course. Others have minimal real estate but still have stellar, caring staff.
Daily Living Services
When in doubt about the relative value of a senior care facility versus other independent or assisted living options, keep in mind the total cost of life for a person living on their own but in need of regular care. Hiring home health aides is costly, even when Medicare covers some of the costs. Senior care facilities usually integrate the costs of daily living services into th price, and may include services you had not thought about such as regular haircuts and grooming, transportation to and from outings or shopping, food and dining, and entertainment.
Quality Of Medical Staff
The cost of living in senior care facilities also reflects the quality of medical staff. Medical staff will be trained in the special needs of all seniors. The backgrounds of doctors and nurses in the senior care staff can include those who specialize in Alzheimer’s and who are therefore better able to diagnose and assess memory care concerns. When it comes to senior care, the most important issue is not actual monthly costs, but the overall value of the experience.
