Seniors may choose to leave their homes later in life for any number of reasons. For example, some seniors need a little extra support, making Tallahassee, Florida, assisted living a great option for them. But transitioning to assisted living is a big decision, especially for couples.
For most senior couples, separating is not an option. So when making decisions about living arrangements, it’s a deal breaker if they can’t stay together. Fortunately, there are many options for couples in assisted living.
Assisted Living Options for Couples in Senior Communities
Most senior living communities can accommodate couples who want to live together. Seniors can share space in a single-room or one-bedroom apartment, or they can opt for some extra room in a two-bedroom apartment or townhome.
Sometimes, both seniors need extra help, and transitioning to a shared space can make caretaking easier for both of them. Other times, one senior needs more help than the other. In this instance, their partner can step in to help when needed while also having the support of a caregiver.
Financial Considerations for Couples
Assisted living cost for couples is not one size fits all. Generally, how much care is needed is the number one variable that determines costs. Seniors who are still healthy and relatively independent will not have as many expenses as seniors who need a high level of support.
However, there are a number of other factors that can impact costs, including:
- Food options
- Amenities
- Size of living space
- Location
- Caretaker to resident ratio
- On-site activities
One benefit of couples living together in assisted living is that they are generally only charged rent for one unit. However, they may sometimes be charged an additional fee for a second occupant.
The Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey states that the monthly cost for couples in assisted living can be as low as $1,500. However, the median cost in the US is closer to $4,000.
It’s important for couples to consider both the short- and long-term financial implications of transitioning to assisted living together. Often, financial considerations are made with the help of family and even with assistance from a financial professional.
Care Planning for Couples
When transitioning to assisted living, it’s important for seniors to consider what their future needs may look like. Even if one senior needs more support than the other today, that could change in the future. Health can change overnight (for better or worse), so seniors and their families need to plan accordingly.
Seniors should plan for a variety of care situations down the road and ensure that the community can support caring for both of them. In addition, if the health of one or both seniors declines significantly, the community should be able to provide varying degrees of support.
It is impossible to predict what might happen, but planning for different situations is the best way to ensure a stable future.
Finding the Right Community for Senior Couples
Every senior living community is different, and not all of them will be able to meet the needs of every senior couple. Couples should carefully consider what their priorities are when transitioning to assisted living and seek the help of family to help them find the right accommodations.
Families can work with professionals, talk to a variety of communities, and schedule a tour to get a better idea of the day-to-day life and services.
Couples in Tallahassee, Florida, Assisted Living
Couples transitioning to assisted or independent living in Tallahassee have a lot to think about, which can be stressful. However, many couples move to senior communities and live happily together with the support they need.
