If you live in Spokane Valley, Washington, you may be thinking about the long-term care costs you will need to cover in the future. The reality is that long-term care expenses can be quite significant, especially if you haven’t planned for them. Also, different types of long-term care will have different costs, whether you plan on living in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or want to receive in-home care. If you are in the process of researching long-term care costs, it can be helpful to hire an elder law attorney to assist you with this process.
How Much Does Long-Term Care Cost Per Month in Spokane Valley?
Depending on the type of long-term care you need, the costs can vary significantly. This is why it is so essential to thoroughly plan for long-term care so that the expense will not be something that you have to worry about.
With that being said, here is a breakdown of the long-term care costs based on the type of long-term care and the type of facility:
- Assisted living costs: Assisted living tends to be the most affordable as the residents still have a significant amount of independence. On a monthly basis, the majority of assisted living facilities cost anywhere between $4000 to $6000.
- In-home care cost: In-home care is very different from living in a facility, as a nurse will come to your home to provide the care that you need. Because of this, in-home care is calculated per hour, which can vary between medical professionals. However, You can usually expect to pay anywhere between $28 to $35 an hour.
- Adult daycare cost: Like in-home care, adult daycare expenses aren’t necessarily calculated on a monthly basis as this is a more flexible long-term care option. So, adult daycare is usually calculated per day and averages at $62 to $168 a day.
- Nursing home cost: Nursing homes are more clinical facilities and have a similar atmosphere to a hospital with plenty of medical staff. Because of this, nursing homes tend to be a bit more expensive and average at around $12,000 per month for a semi-private room.
Something to keep in mind is that these are not strict numbers as every facility is going to be different. In regards to Spokane Valley residents, this can also impact the cost as Spokane Valley tends to be a little bit more affordable.
Factors That Impact the Average Cost of Long-Term Care
If you are evaluating your long-term care options, cost is most likely a deciding factor. There are many things that can contribute to the average cost of long-term care, which could impact your specific situation.
Level of Care
The number one factor that will impact your long-term care costs is the level of care you need. Understandably, the more care you need, the more expensive it is going to be. Also, if your care needs are significant, you may need to live in a facility that is much more expensive so that it can accommodate those needs.
Before deciding on a long-term care option, it is always best to hire an elder law attorney first. An attorney will be up-to-date with the elder laws and regulations and can help you find a facility that has a fair price and offers the right level of care.
Location
Where the long-term care facility is located can also impact how much it costs on a monthly basis. Especially when it comes to Washington state, larger cities like Mount Vernon and Seattle tend to be more expensive. Whereas cities like Spokane Valley and Longview offer more affordable options.
The location can also include where in the city the facility is located. Facilities that are located in the heart of the city may be a bit more expensive as they provide access to more resources.
Accommodations
The type of accommodations the facility provides will significantly impact the price point. For example, private nursing home rooms can cost several thousand dollars more per month than semi-private rooms.
Facilities that have more special features, such as shared spaces, fine dining, outdoor areas, and activities may also have higher monthly costs. Some facilities may also adjust monthly expenses as your care needs change, which is something you need to evaluate beforehand.
How to Pay Long-Term Care Costs
As your care needs are changing, the last thing you want to do is have to worry over the cost of long-term care. This is already a challenging time and you want to be able to proceed with confidence and the resources you need. That is why it is so essential to begin long-term care planning early on so that you can be financially prepared.
You can get this process started as early as you like with the help of a long-term care planning attorney.
Depending on your situation, you may be eligible for some of Washington’s financial assistance programs. Here are some programs worth looking into if you need financial assistance:
- Medicaid Personal Care Program
- Community First Choice Option
- Medicaid Alternative Care
- Home and Community-Based Services
- Washington State Nurse Delegation Program
- The Washington Community Options Program Entry System
- The New Freedom Medicaid Waiver
You should also look into whether or not you meet the qualifications for Medicaid eligibility. Otherwise, if you don’t qualify for any of Washington’s Medicaid assistance programs, there are some non-Medicaid options. For instance, you may qualify for The Washington State Volunteer Services Program or The Washington Tailored Support For Older Adults Program.
The Program of All-Inclusive Care For The Elderly, or PACE, is a joint initiative that combines Medicare and Medicaid. This is another option that you may qualify for if you meet Washington’s requirements for nursing home care, are over the age of 55, reside in a service area, and can safely live in a nursing home-level community.
Get in Touch With an Elder Law Attorney Today
If you are looking into the assisted living costs in Spokane Valley, reach out to an experienced elder law attorney at Legacy Law Group for additional guidance. Contact us today at 509-315-8087 to speak with one of our attorneys to get the process started.
