Assisted living can be a great option for seniors who need help with daily tasks but want to maintain their independence. However, the cost of assisted living can be prohibitive for some individuals and families. In this article, we’ll look at how to get into assisted living with no money, or at least some of the ways to make it more affordable.
Can You Get Into Assisted Living With No Money?
If you or a loved one is in need of assisted living but has little money to pay for it, there are a few options available to help cover the costs:
- Medicaid – Medicaid—not to be confused with Medicare—is a government-funded program that can help cover the cost of assisted living for individuals with low income and limited assets. To be eligible, individuals must meet certain income and asset limits. You can check with your state’s Medicaid office or a local Area Agency on Aging to find out more about how to apply for Medicaid and what services are covered in your area.
- Veterans Benefits – Another option is Veterans Benefits. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides benefits to veterans and their surviving spouses to help cover the cost of assisted living. Veterans and surviving spouses who are eligible for a VA pension and meet certain qualifications—such as having a permanent and severe disability—may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance benefits. These benefits can help cover the cost of assisted living as well as in-home care services.
- Talk to an Assisted Living Facility – Some assisted living facilities offer sliding fee scales based on the individual’s income and assets. It’s important to ask the facility about any options they may have available to help reduce costs. This can make assisted living more affordable and possible for those who may not be able to afford it otherwise.
- Seek Assistance from Nonprofit Organizations – You can also look into nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance for assisted living. Some of these organizations may have programs specifically for low-income seniors, or they may offer grants to help cover the cost of assisted living. Additionally, there are many assisted living communities that are nonprofit organizations themselves, so they may offer you the most assistance in covering costs.
There are several different options available to help cover the cost of assisted living for those without money. You can check with your state’s Medicaid office, look into Veterans Benefits, or seek out nonprofit organizations that provide financial assistance. Additionally, it is important to inquire about sliding fee scales with the assisted living facility. The effort you put into exploring these different avenues could result in you finding the living situation and care that is right for you, and it might even be more affordable than you think.
At Celebrate Senior Living, we are committed to celebrating the moments, victories, and memories that will last a lifetime for our residents and their loved ones. We are a Midwest-based foundation that serves Illinois and Indiana residents by offering Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing living options. We also provide three delicious, healthy meals a day to ensure our residents get the nutrients they need!
If you or a loved one are interested in senior living options, schedule a tour with us today! You can also learn more by exploring our communities, which include South Holland, Niles, and Fort Wayne, or by contacting us with any other questions!
