Hi.My mom has recently fell and my dad has come to realize that he really is going to be unable to care for her should this happen again.He's 84, sharp mentally, but getting frail; my mom is 80- losing her balnce and getting more confused versus it appearing that way secondary to very bad hearing..My dad feels they will need to go into a "retirement" type home where eventually you can transfer to assisted living if one know how much these places cost? I know it depends on how many bedrooms you have, if you pick meal plans and if it is assisted living option etc..Just trying to get a general idea on costs..Also, any ggod ways to convince your mom that this is a good option?/ She has Never wanted to live in a place such as this..Living with me or my brother won't work out either..Thanks..

No idea how much it costs.. but read something about a woman living on a cruise ship, it was cheaper?

Here in C alifornia it is expensive, but worth it as far as the places I have seen. In my area the rents are from 1600 to 3000 a month, depending on size of apt., meal plans, etc. However, these are nice places, basically apartments. They can start as independent totally, and, as needs change can be assisted living arrangements. It is nice for seniors who want a sense of community. There are lots of activities available--and you can choose to participate in none, one or as many as you care to....all included in monthly cost. Also on site are beauty salons, work out facilities and even masseuses of desired. Also, transportation to Dr. appts., weekly to daily scheduled bus available to local malls, grocery stores, movies, etc. Each area and each facility is different of course. Each facility should be readily available for tours to help you make your decision and you can, at that time, speak with the residents without staff around to see how they really feel about their surroundings. Good luck as this can be a very upsetting decision for you and your family to make.

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Hubbys grandma pays over 3000 a month. She was in independent and now in assited in FL.

"jeanief" described it perfectly. My Mom moved to a retirement village about six years ago after my Dad died and it has been the best thing for her. She's in Florida where there are a variety of these type homes. Six years ago she "bought" her apartment, a one bedroom, for a sum(not sure how much) and she pays about $2000.00 per month. When she dies her estate will get back a % of the money she invested. There are yearly increases to her "rent" each year, so be prepared for that. She doesn't drive so when I'm not available to drive her somewhere she has transportation (Lincoln Towncars) to rely on. Her dinner meals are provided for in a beautiful dinningroom, with breakfast and lunch her responsibility. She's active there playing bridge and other cards 3 to 4 times a week, along with chorus, bingo, weekly movies and more. Just the socialization she gets was worth the price and a burdon off my shoulders!! I know she's safe and well cared for even though I live close by. She is totally independant now but should she need nursing care for a short time, it's available there. There is an on-site bank as well as two small restaurants where she can buy breakfast or lunch if she chooses. There is a nurse on duty there during the week for minor medical needs and a Dr. is on-call and on-site one morning per week. It really is a wonderful living arrangement and she has made many new friends. Good luck with your decision.

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I think there are trained people who can help you with this.
We have a free Senior newspaper in our area that tells about different senior living choices. Sometimes they list prices too. The papers are on racks in stores here.

If you don't have them in your area check the phone book for a Senior resource Center or Elder Care in your area.
I would start with them and ask for information.
Good Luck

Thanks for all your input!!

A friend's dad (84) is in a assisted living home near St Louis. He has one room- (bring your own furniture) and bathroom. He is responsibile for his own meds, dressing, locomotion, but he does get assistance with bathing. He goes to the dining room for all meals. He is not a social butterfly so he usually holes up in his room by himself. The staff are there for problems but no RN on site. He pays roughly $60 a day which I think is a steal. There is no more comprehensive level of care at this facility. He would have to move if he needs more than minor assisitance. Another friend's mom near Chicago "bought" into a retirement center with the assorted levels of care. I think it was sponsored by the Catholic church. She had darn little and the price was pro-rated to her finances. At the end all of he remaining money would go to the retirement center. I think they lost money on her. What state are you in?

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If your dad is a veteran, look into the veteran's homes. Not necessarily a "veterans hospital", but homes subsidized by the gov't for vets (and sometimes their spouses). You can probably get more info on this from the Veteran's Administration.


Good luck!

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My Grandfather is in an Assisted Living Home. He has his own room and pays $3300/mo. This covers all the food, around the clock-assistance, and whatever he else he needs. It is really nice, and we figure that he might as well live comfortably & spend his money - - he worked hard all those years to earn it, so why not spend it!

Thanks again all..My dad did serve in the war in the 40's- he was a marine..We live in Michigan..Another question if anyone knows..What happens if my parents start out in the independent living part and later on only one needs the assisted living area..do they still move together?? I can readily see them falling again, but hopefully not injuring themselves..