7 Practical Ways to Pay for Senior Living

The cost of senior living can vary based on living option and levels of care, and once the need for senior living becomes a reality, how to pay for it becomes one of the biggest concerns for seniors and their families. However, with strong financial planning and thorough research, you can cover the cost of senior living.

Let’s look at seven practical ways to pay for senior living costs.

1. Personal Savings and Investments

Many seniors have planned for the potential cost of long-term care and can pay for it with personal savings and investments.

Regular contributions to 401(k), IRA, and other investment accounts can be used to pay for independent living, assisted living, and memory care communities.

2. Life Insurance Policy

Most think of life insurance policies for death benefits.

However, life insurance policies can be cashed in using the proceeds to fund senior living while retaining some death benefits.

Another option is to surrender your life insurance policy for the cash value without receiving any death benefits.

Reviewing the terms and conditions of cashing in your policy with your insurance provider is essential.

3. Long-term Care Insurance

If you currently have long-term care insurance, you’re in luck.

Long-term care insurance policies are through private insurance companies and can help cover the cost of assisted living, nursing home, and in-home care.

Most long-term care insurance policies begin when you need assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or toileting.

These policies vary greatly depending on your health, age, and coverage amount, so make sure you speak with your insurance professional.

4. Home Equity

If you no longer need a large home, consider selling or renting it and using the proceeds to cover senior living expenses.

Another great option is a reverse mortgage, which allows homeowners aged 62 or older to borrow from their home’s equity.

Reverse mortgages have specific rules and requirements, so consult a financial advisor before taking one out.

5. VA Aid and Attendance Benefits

If you’re a veteran or spouse of a veteran, the VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help cover some of the costs associated with long-term care, including assisted living.

This benefit provides monthly payments added to the monthly VA pension for qualified veterans and spouses.

To see if you qualify, review the requirements here.

6. Medicare

Although Medicare does not cover the cost of a senior living community, it will cover health-related expenses related to your stay.

Medicare will cover skilled nursing by a certified nursing professional or doctor.

It may also cover costs associated with assisted living, such as transportation to doctors’ appointments, preventative health services, or medication management.

7. Medicaid

Federally funded and state-regulated Medicaid provides health coverage for seniors with limited financial resources.

While Medicaid won’t cover the cost of room and board in a senior living community, it can cover services such as medication management and on-site therapy. Some states offer waivers that provide funding for services allowing individuals to live in community settings.

You must meet certain income and asset requirements, which vary by state. So, review your state requirements and make sure that your chosen community accepts Medicaid.