Can a Spouse Live in Assisted Living?

Can a Spouse Live in Assisted Living? Comprehensive Answers to Your Questions About Senior Living for Couples

Can a spouse live in assisted living? This can be a difficult question to answer. 

Assisted living as a senior couple is an option for many, but it can be hard to know if it’s right for your loved one because everyone’s personal and care situation is different.

There are many questions that need to be answered before making the decision to move into assisted living.

In this blog post, we will respond to some of the most common questions that arise when looking into assisted living options and allow you to determine if senior living for couples is right for you.

Options for Assisted Living for Couples

Choosing assisted living can be a difficult decision for couples. 

One person may need more care than the other, or one spouse can be resistant to moving while the other is ready. 

As couples are researching their options for assisted living, the good news is that there are many different options available that can meet the needs of both partners. 

Many communities can offer a variety of levels, from assisted living to high-level care like memory care.

Can a Couple Go Into Care Together?

Couples may be able to go into care together, depending on the type of facility. 

When considering what level of care will work best for them both, it’s important to understand each person’s individual needs and how to meet those needs.

Firstly, it’s important to review the differences between the types of facilities:

• Assisted living can provide independent housing and supportive services for someone who needs help but not constant monitoring by staff members. These types of facilities can usually handle differing levels of care between residents, but it’s best to ask when you tour the community to be sure. 
• Memory care provides 24-hour care in a residential setting for people with Alzheimer’s, or other dementias. Many communities accept second residents but it may not be the best environment for someone who doesn’t have memory impairment. 
• Nursing homes are for those who require 24-hour medical supervision and assistance with their activities of daily living, such as eating or bathing. This type of facility tends to be a temporary arrangement. 

Many senior living communities offer a range of care options within the same facility. This can be a great option for couples with very different care levels that want to stay close to one another. For example, if one spouse requires memory care but the other is independent, they can live in the same community and each get what they need from their living environment.

Can Married Couples Live in Assisted Living Together?

When a married senior couple is at a crossroads in life concerning their health and care, it can be difficult to know what their best options are.

However, there’s no denying that if a couple can move together into an assisted-living facility, living with one another can allow couples to continuously grow closer through new shared experiences.

While this change may present some challenges initially, it can be easy to get used to at assisted livingfacilities, as they can fit the needs of couples in different situations.

For example, if::

1. One spouse needs care, but the other spouse does not
2. Both spouses need similar levels of care; or 
3. Each spouse need different levels of care

Assisted Living for Couples With Different Needs

For many senior couples, the process of finding an assisted living facility can be daunting. 

It’s important to minimize transitions between settings so that seniors don’t move around as much.

Keeping this in mind can help both their spirits and their bank accounts. 

In order to ensure that a senior couple is living in the most appropriate care facility, it’s important for them to consult with professionals who are skilled at assessing needs and coordinating appropriate care.

Assessments at Senior Services of America

At Senior Services of America communities, the Director of Wellness meets with each prospective resident and their family to discuss the different levels of care available. 

After assessing the needs of each prospective resident, the Director of Wellness will:

• Develop an assessment plan
• Provide personalized assistance
• Encourage independence

The assessment plan is developed based on what works best for them as an individual, encouraging independence while not sacrificing quality of life.

What Happens When a Spouse’s Level of Care Changes?

When one spouse’s care needs change, there are various things to consider.

Assessments completed with the Executive Director, in conjunction with the Director of Wellness (Nurse) will be able to determine each spouse’s unique needs if and when they do change. 

Say Jack and Jill are looking to move into an assisted living facility — but Jack requires memory care and Jill’s needs are more suited to independent or assisted living. 

How can they find a facility that will not only accommodate but meet both of their needs?

One option for Jack and Jill is to choose a community with varying levels of care, so that Jll can still be close by while Jack can benefit from the services and amenities provided in memory care. A multi-level care community will also be able to continue to meet Jill’s needs if they change in the future.

Average Assisted Living Cost for a Couple

Senior living costs for couples differ greatly depending on the type of living setting they need and the level of care that each spouse needs.

According to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the median cost for a private one-bedroom apartment in an assisted living residence is $4,051 per month. 

However, be mindful that there are many other factors that affect this figure — such as location and amenities — which can alter your total price.

How Is Cost Determined for a Couple in Assisted Living?

There are a few factors that can affect the care charges for spouses in assisted living, including:

• Type of care setting
• Level of care needed for each spouse
• Lifestyle requirements

As a resident’s level of care increases, so does their care charge. Therefore, the type of care setting can either increase or decrease the cost of assisted living.

The type of assisted living you need can also depend on your lifestyle. 

For example, some communities offer a shared room option that accommodates two people with different levels of assisted-living care requirements at an affordable price per person.

In addition, seniors can choose to live in residential apartments or cottages which provide more independence than other types of senior living.

Assisted living can be a good option for couples with different levels of care needs, as it can provide more than one type of assisted-living service depending on each resident’s individual need.

The bottom line: You can find the right senior community and level of care for your loved ones while staying within budget.

Benefits of Assisted Living With Your Spouse

Assisted living facilities are a great option for couples who want to spend the rest of their days together. 

They provide safety and security that make it easier for seniors to age in place, without worrying about being alone. 

Keep reading to learn about more benefits of assisted living with your spouse.

Brings Familiarity 

The benefit of living with your significant other in assisted housing is that you will be able to share this next chapter in life together. 

You’ll have a companion and someone who understands the struggles, successes, and memories like no one else can. It’s also easier to live on a budget when there are two people contributing income to it.

Best of all, you can become even closer as a married senior couple.

Potential Monetary Savings

Spouses in assisted living can save money on a mortgage and the costs of homeownership which may allow for more savings down the road. 

They may also have access to amenities like meals three times daily, regular housekeeping, or 24-hour emergency medical assistance — which may cost much more if they were not on-site at an assisted living facility.

Both Will Have Access to All Levels of Care

Moving into senior living with your spouse can have many benefits. 

Not only will both spouses be in one place and able to take care of each other, but also it provides a continuum of care for the future if either needs help at any time.

Potential for Less Stress on Family 

Married senior couples can enjoy peace of mind knowing that they won’t have to worry about one another when it comes to safety and support — which could be especially comforting for those caring for aging parents or grandparents at home. 

Plus it helps adult children feel more secure knowing their parents are together all day long.

Explore Assisted Living Options as a Couple at Senior Services of America

Married couples in need of assisted living services often have a difficult time deciding which option is best for them.

Senior Services of America communities assess the needs of each couple so both spouses can receive the best care possible. 

Our assessments help to create a plan for senior married couples to stay together and live in the same community while still receiving all the benefits that come with assisted living.

The team at Senior Services of America will help you find your ideal senior living home by matching your needs and preferences to one of our many communities.

Find your nearest community to contact our team. We’ll be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about our services.