Is Assisted Living a Type of Long-Term Care?

Assisted living facilities provide help with daily care for aging and chronically ill or disabled adults and seniors. Many families ask, "Is assisted living a type of long-term care?" The answer can depend on the level and duration of care needed. However, assisted living facilities do fall under the umbrella of what's covered by long-term care insurance.

A local independent insurance agent can help you find the right type of long-term care insurance. They'll ensure you get set up with a policy that covers long-term assisted living. But first, you can use our guide on how assisted living qualifies as long-term care to learn more. 

What Is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a service that provides help with daily activities for seniors and aging adults. Assisted living facilities don't provide the same level of help as nursing homes do, as they don't offer nonstop medical care. These facilities typically offer several assisted living services, including communal meals, medication management, social activities, housekeeping, laundry, 24-hour supervision, security, and various types of personal care. 

What Is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care (LTC) refers to ongoing care needed for an extended period of time, typically 12 months or longer. Long-term care can be medical and require the help of skilled nurses, home health aides, or residence in a nursing home. However, LTC can also be non-medical, in which a person just needs support with daily activities. Non-medical LTC can also involve help in the home from skilled nurses or home health aides, or it can include residence in an assisted living facility. 

Is Assisted Living Considered Long-Term Care?

Yes, assisted living is typically considered a form of long-term care, but of a non-medical nature. Assisted living provides long-term housing, ongoing support, and personal assistance for seniors in need. 

Assisted living facilities vs. nursing homes

Nursing homes provide a level of medical and personal care beyond what's offered by assisted living facilities. Residents of nursing homes require full-time medical care. Nursing homes provide the highest possible level of medical assistance and personal care to residents. Assisted living facilities also provide round-the-clock personal care, just not at the same depth as a nursing home.

How Long Do People Typically Stay in Assisted Living?

The average time spent in assisted living is 22 months. However, a common duration for the average length of stay in assisted living ranges from two to three years. Several factors can influence the length of someone's stay in assisted living, including health changes, finances, personal needs, and their level of independence. 

What Are the Signs It's Time for Long-Term Assisted Living?

Difficulty managing daily tasks (e.g., bathing, toileting, dressing, eating, etc.), mobility issues, and caregiver burnout are common signs that it's time for someone to transition to long-term care and assisted living. When asking when to move to assisted living, consider how well someone is able to care for themselves and the level of assistance they require from family or other caregivers. Transitioning someone to assisted living can be beneficial not only for them but also for their loved ones, who primarily offer them support.

Alternatives to Assisted Living for Long-Term Care

There are several alternatives to consider instead of assisted living for long-term care, including the following:

• In-home care: This can be appropriate for people who prefer the comfort of their own homes and don't require the level of assistance necessary at a facility. 
• Nursing homes: These can be appropriate for people who need the maximum level of support with medical care. 
• Memory care: This can be appropriate for people with memory issues, such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia. 
• Independent living: This can be appropriate for seniors who don't require daily support or medical treatment but also want community and fewer housing responsibilities, like yardwork. 

There are many senior care options to consider when reviewing your long-term care choices. Assisted living facilities are the right choice for many people, but not for everyone. Depending on the level of care required and independence desired, one of these alternatives may be a better fit for you or your loved one.

Does Long-Term Care Insurance Cover Assisted Living? 

Yes, long-term care insurance covers assisted living. However, you can also financially plan for long-term care and assisted living by building a strong savings account and retirement fund, or by opening a health savings account. Medicaid may be able to cover assisted living expenses, but this coverage has strict income limitations that vary by state. 

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Does Medicare Pay for Long-Term Assisted Living?

No, Medicare is not designed to cover long-term care, including assisted living. You'll need to look into other alternatives, such as long-term care insurance, to help cover the cost of LTC and assisted living. An independent insurance agent can help you find the right coverage.

How Can an Independent Insurance Agent Help?

Independent insurance agents can help you find the right long-term care insurance to help you pay for long-term care assisted living. These agents have access to multiple LTC insurance companies, so they're free to shop and compare policy options and quotes for you. And down the road, your agent can help you file LTC insurance claims and update your coverage when necessary.