While senior living isn’t inexpensive, the adage ‘you get what you pay for’ certainly holds true here. Because when it comes to senior living in Somerset County, you get so much more than just basic care and housing. It offers a value that’s simply hard to match at home. Here’s what’s included in the cost of senior living and why it’s so worth it.
The Cost of Senior Living
First, it’s important to understand that senior living in Somerset County isn’t just one type of care. Rather it’s more like a continuum that offers different types of care and amenities based on different needs and wants. While a number of factors affect the cost of senior living, in general, the more care you need, the more you’ll pay.
Independent Living
This type of senior living is ideal for older adults who can still live independently as the lifestyle is focused on convenience and active living with home upkeep, cooking, and cleaning taken care of for you. Residents also enjoy a range of amenities as well as social and enrichment opportunities. Published data on the average cost of independent living varies, but you can typically expect it to be between $1,000 to $4,000 monthly.
Assisted Living
This level of care provides many of the same services, amenities, and activities as independent living. Still, you’ll also have assistance with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and medication management. Onsite medical care is also available. According to the most recent Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost for a private one-bedroom is $4,500.
Memory Care
This level of care is just for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia and offers 24-hour support in a secure, nurturing environment with specially trained staff. Published data on the average cost of memory care also varies, but you can usually expect a range between $2,000 to $7,000 a month.
The value here is that not only do you have the flexibility of different types of care for different needs, but you also have flexibility in what you pay as well. So, for example, if you don’t currently need daily support but would enjoy a more active, social, and convenient lifestyle, you could choose independent living and pay less now. Then move to another type of care, if necessary, down the road. What’s more, many senior living communities offer multiple types of care on the same campus, which offers even more value, not to mention peace of mind!
Comparing the Cost of Senior Living in Somerset County to Home
When considering the cost of senior living in Somerset County with staying at home, the mistake families often make is to compare the monthly cost in a community to their mortgage or rent alone. However, that’s not your total monthly cost of living at home. You must also add food, utilities, home maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and entertainment to that cost. And don’t forget the cost of care at home as well as what you’ll pay for safety and accessibility modifications if needed. Why? Because all these things are included in the monthly cost of senior living! This worksheet can help you more easily compare apples to apples between the two using your specific circumstances.
| Monthly Expenses | Costs at Home | Cost of Senior Living |
| Mortgage or rent | ||
| Caregiving | included | |
| Property tax and insurance | included | |
| Home maintenance and repairs | included | |
| Lawn care and yard maintenance | included | |
| Housekeeping | included | |
| Utilities (electricity, gas, water, trash removal, etc.) | included | |
| 24-hour security | included | |
| Transportation (insurance, gas, registration, repairs) | included | |
| Dining | included | |
| Social and Entertainment | included | |
| Exercise and wellness | included | |
| 24-hour emergency alert system | included | |
| Total Actual Costs |
But even if your comparison shows the cost of senior living is more than home, make sure to consider the positive impact on quality of life as well because that’s perhaps the greatest value of senior living in Somerset County. You’ll find it’s often easier to be more active, social, and engaged in communities like ours than at home. In fact, we make sure residents have a full calendar of opportunities to choose from; and it’s all right outside your door, which couldn’t be more convenient.
Not to mention the freedom to enjoy it all without the burdens of unexpected expenses, chores, and upkeep at home. Plus, the peace of mind that comes with knowing help is always available if and when needed.
For more help determining what’s most important to you for senior living in Hillsborough Township, download our Choosing the Right Community Guide today! Or contact us today to schedule a tour.
