I was speaking with a friend tonight, and she told me that one of the facilities in our area--that has a good reputation--charges $280 per day for their dementia area. They also request proof that the responsible party has sufficient funds to pay for 4 years. I was wondering if this is typical in others' experience?
Marilyn, I have checked out a number of facilities in the Houston area and most of them require a high credit score and verification of funds or assets. I understood you were expected to show the ability to pay for one full year, but perhaps the age of the applicant is taken into consideration. (My husband is 82)
With the economy as it is, I would expect they would be somewhat more lenient than to look for four years...but definitely expect to show financial ability for a year. The buy-in facilities (CCF) are outragiously expensive. The first time I visited one, I almost needed to be carried out on a stretcher.
In the past, they basically looked toward the sale of the patient's home to provide proof of funds for their stay, but with today's market, they cannot depend on these funds to be readily available.
One member of the caregiver group I attend had to bring his bedridden wife home from a Memory Care Facility after he lost so much money in the market last Fall. He was unable to support himself and keep her there with his income and reduced assets. His situation is very very sad.
Nancy--She also said that they can accommodate twenty some people in the dementia area, but now have only 6! I guess their setup isn't too affordable, especially considering the economy. Interesting about the credit score, I never would have thought of that, but it makes sense.
A PRIVATE room is usually $250-$280 a day, and a semi private is more like $180 average. I was told that they do better in semi private rooms. I naturally wanted him to go into a private room...because it would be more...."private!!" for want of a better word. This was during the time he was sundowning after hip surgery and I was paying health care nurses 24/7. Thank God he got through that time and we're holding steady for the time being.
Is this a regular nursing home type center? What about adult foster care homes..that is what I plan on looking into when and if. My mother wa in one and Oregon has some quite adequate ones for dementia patients, I have been told.
Kathi--Yes, I'd call it a regular nursing home. My friend's husband wanders--has to be in a locked facility--adult foster care home wouldn't be appropriate for him. He also has agitation--so, he needs a really intensive type setting. She's looking into other places because of the expenses quoted.
Nancy--Interesting that they said dementia pts do better in semi private--I would think with all the "quirks" of the illness, private would be advisable. I guess it just depends on the situation.
I live in Southern California, San Diego County and there are facilities that charge much less. Jerry is in a small Bed & Board home that charges 95 per day and requires no verification of anything -- it's just month to month. I am, however, moving him to a much larger facility which will cost me just under 4K per month. It's a lot of money, I am using up DH's retirement account and it should last about 3 years. I am also applying for Veteran's Aid & Attendance which can pay about 1700 per month to a war veteran. That payment will extend the time I can keep Jerry at the more expensive facility to over 5 years. DH is 81 in two weeks so I pray he won't outlive his money and go on Medicaid. I used a service called Elderlink http://www.elderlink.org/ which was incredibly helpful in finding facilities within my budget. In all of the States if you run out of money you can apply for medicaid which will take over the payments. You may have to move your LO to a Medicaid (in CA it's Medical) facility. The cost is high but since Jerry has been at the home for one week I am getting my life back. I am twenty years younger and I just could not do it any more, I have to take care of my own health. If something were to happen to me, he would have to be put in a facility anyway and no one would really care where. At least I have chosen a nice place beginning on May 1st.
You can also click on the Eldercare Locator on the home page - www.thealzheimerspouse.com - Scroll down on the left hand side. It helps you find services in your area.