Myth:
“If an older adult has high care needs and/or memory loss and needs to move to a care facility, it has to be a skilled nursing home, not an assisted living community.”
Truth:
In Michigan, this is not always the case – and understanding your options can save you money and help you or your loved one maintain a higher quality of life.
Bottom Line:
Don’t bypass assisted living out of fear that you won’t get the care you need. Most seniors need help with ADLs as they age, and their medical needs are often best managed in hospitals or by visiting healthcare professionals. Moving directly to a nursing home can mean higher costs and a more medicalized environment than necessary. Evaluate your or your loved one’s needs carefully – assisted living may be the right fit for both care and comfort.
Key Facts about Assisted Living Communities
- Licensing and Scope of Care: In Michigan, many assisted living communities are licensed as Homes for the Aged (HFA) or Adult Foster Care (AFC) homes. These licensed settings are required to provide room, board, and supervised personal care, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting. They can also provide end-of-life (hospice) care, as long as the resident does not require continuous skilled nursing care.
- Medical vs. Personal Care: Assisted living communities generally do not provide extensive medical care. Most medical needs-like IV therapy, injections, or acute management-are handled in hospitals or by outside providers. Assisted living staff can help with medication management and health monitoring, but ongoing complex medical care is not their primary focus.
- Cost Differences: Assisted living is significantly more affordable than nursing homes in Michigan. The average cost for assisted living is about $5,050 per month, while nursing homes average over $10,500 per month for a semi-private room. Choosing assisted living when appropriate can help families avoid paying for a more medical, institutional environment that may not be needed.
- Independence and Quality of Life: Assisted living communities are designed to support independence and social engagement. Residents receive help with daily tasks but live in a more home-like, less clinical setting compared to nursing homes.