Is Sharing an Assisted Living Room or Apartment With a Roommate Right for You?
If you have been thinking about a move to assisted living, you may wonder whether or not you should share a semi-private room with a roommate. You need to consider a number of considerations when it comes to having a roommate in assisted living.
Definition of Assisted Living
Before discussing whether a roommate in assisted living makes sense, we provide a brief overview of what an assisted living community is. Assisted living is a type of long-term care that assists with activities of daily living for seniors who need help to live safely and comfortably. This type of care can be delivered in various settings, including assisted living communities, in-home care, and adult day care centers.
Assisted living communities are designed to provide seniors with all the amenities they need to live comfortably, including dining options, social activities, and on-site healthcare facilities. In most cases, residents can choose their own apartment or home within the community, which allows them to maintain a sense of independence and privacy.
Other options are available to you if assisted living (with or without a roommate) is not a good fit. In-home care is a more personalized option for seniors who need assistance but want to stay in their own homes. A caregiver will visit the home regularly to help with bathing, dressing, and grooming. Adult daycare centers are another option for seniors who need assistance during the day but want to spend their evenings and weekends at home. These centers offer a variety of activities and social opportunities, as well as meals and snacks.
Costs of Assisted Living
Assisted living can be a seemingly costly option, but it may be worth the investment for many good seniors. The average monthly cost of assisted living in the United States is $3,500, but prices can vary significantly depending on location, type of facility, and services provided.
Some seniors may qualify for government assistance to help pay for assisted living. The Medicaid program offers financial assistance to low-income seniors, and the Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits to veterans and their spouses.
Others may choose to self-fund their assisted living costs. Families can save money by finding a facility that offers lower rates but still meets their needs, downsizing before moving into assisted living, and taking advantage of tax breaks and other financial incentives available to those who pay for long-term out-of-pocket care.
Ultimately, whether assisted living is the right choice for a particular senior will depend on many factors, including income, health status, and personal preferences. But for those who can afford it, assisted living can provide a safe and comfortable environment with access to all the necessary services and support.
One key way seniors can reduce assisted living costs is by having a semi-private room or a roommate. We discuss some of the important considerations of having a roommate in an assisted living community.
Contemplating a Move to Assisted Living and the Prospect of a Roommate
Many seniors face the difficult decision of whether or not to move into assisted living. For some, having a roommate is a major factor in their decision-making process.
Assisted living can provide many benefits to seniors, including socialization, access to medical care and support, and convenience. For those who are hesitant to move into assisted living because they are worried about having a roommate, it is important to remember that many different accommodations are available in these facilities.
Most assisted living facilities offer private apartments or rooms and shared accommodations. If you are uncomfortable sharing a room with someone else, you can opt for a private apartment. This will give you your own space and privacy. Alternatively, shared accommodations may be a better choice for you if you would like to be around other people and enjoy the social aspects of assisted living.
In either case, it is important to remember that you are not obligated to spend more time with your roommate than you want. You can come and go as you please, and you are free to socialize with other residents or keep to yourself. The important thing is that you feel comfortable in your new home.
Basic Thoughts About Having a Roommate in Assisted Living
For those on the fence about assisted living, it’s important to know what to expect when sharing a space with a roommate. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
You May Have Different Schedules
One of the biggest challenges of living with a roommate is accommodating different schedules. If your roommate likes to sleep in and you’re an early bird, there’s bound to be some conflict. Be sure to discuss your schedules upfront and devise a plan for when each of you wants privacy.
You’ll Need to Share Common Areas
In most cases, seniors moving into an assisted living will have to share common areas like the kitchen, dining room, and living room. This can be tricky if you have different opinions on how these spaces should be used. It’s important to develop a plan for sharing these areas, so everyone is comfortable.
You’ll Need to Communicate Effectively
The key to living successfully with a roommate is communication. If you’re uncomfortable communicating openly with your roommate, assisted living may not be right for you. Make sure you have regular conversations about everything from noise levels to cleaning schedules to avoid misunderstandings.
Tour an Assisted Living Community
Finally, if you are considering moving to assisted living, you will want to schedule a tour of any community you are interested in. As part of such a tour, you will want to examine different live unit options closely. If you are considering having a roommate in assisted living, you must look closely at semi-private room options.
You will want to make certain that you discuss semi-private room options with staff to learn more about the pros and cons. Similarly, you will want to discuss life with a roommate for residents in a particular assisted living community.