The Average Stay in Assisted Living: Key Facts for Families and Caregivers

Are you planning for the future and want to know how much you ought to save for your care needs? Maybe you are a senior or their loved one looking into what it will take to make the move into an assisted living facility. You probably want information about how long you’ll most likely be there.

How long do most people live in assisted living?

While there is no one-size-fits-all style answer to this question, there are a few common components that can affect the length of your stay.

Read on to discover how long most people live in assisted living, factors that affect this number, and how to find a facility that’s right for you.

How Long Is the Average Stay in an Assisted Living Facility?

The average stay in an assisted living facility is about 22 months, according to data from the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). 

However, this number can vary significantly based on factors such as:

• Level of support offered by the facility
• Personal preferences or family decisions
• Financial resources – Cost can influence how long someone remains.
• Health status of the resident – Those with progressive conditions may transition to nursing care sooner.

While women typically stay longer in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, they are more likely to be discharged to an in-home solution than men, who are more likely to move to another facility or into spousal care, if it is available.

3 Factors That Affect the Average Length of Stay in Assisted Living

#1: Seniors Are Delaying Their Move

Sometimes, seniors do not want to move into an assisted living facility in the first place. They may:

• Opt for longer in-home care options
• Not see a need to leave their current homes
• See the need for a change, but prefer to remain at home 

At Senior Services of America, we understand your concerns. However, our residents usually find that, upon moving into one of our communities, they are met with incredible new friends, superb care, and a community that loves and values them. 

Seniors and Families Are Opting for In-Home Care Options

Some seniors and families are putting off a move into assisted living and choosing in-home care options instead. This could be because they feel their current needs are being met at home. 

Some choose to stay at home so they can spend more time with family. 

They also may prefer the lifestyle they currently enjoy and fear that moving to an assisted living facility might change their level of independence and ability to live as they please.

Our team members value your freedom and independence. Our communities provide the assistance you need to maintain the highest possible quality of life while equipping you with the tools you need to live safely and comfortably.

We offer you and your family the resources you need to decide what is best for you. 

Seniors And Families Do Not See a Need to Move from Their Current Home

Some seniors simply do not see a need to move to an assisted living facility. They often feel that the care they need can be adequately provided at home, whether from family or an outside provider. 

While in-home care might be a good solution for some folks, moving into an assisted living facility can provide benefits that dramatically improve quality of life. 

Seniors And Families See the Need to Move, But Prefer to Remain at Home 

Sometimes the need to move to an assisted living facility is abundantly clear, but the decision is made to remain at home.

This can be for several reasons, such as:

• Fear that freedom and independence will be taken away in a facility
• Fear of being unable to visit with friends and family in person
• Lack of financial resources
• Fear that their current lifestyle will be impossible in a facility  

While these reasons can be real concerns for some, many people find that assisted living is actually a better all-around option. 

For instance:

• Senior Services of America places a high value on our residents’ freedoms, and our team members work hard to ensure that everyone is equipped to live as safely and independently as possible. 
• We encourage family and friends to connect in person and through video chats. 
• Assisted living facilities are far more affordable than many realize, especially when you factor in financial assistance, insurance, and more. 
• While moving to an assisted living facility naturally changes a resident’s lifestyle, it is possible to keep much of their previous way of living intact while adding enriching activities and experiences. 

There may be valid reasons to opt out of assisted living, but the pros often far outweigh the cons.

#2: Seniors Are Dissatisfied with Their Care

Families and seniors often leave assisted living facilities where they are not satisfied and seek other options, whether it be another facility or a different type of care. 

It is important to consider what levels of care the facility can offer. Some seniors may find themselves dissatisfied with their care because their needs have changed, and their community can’t keep up.

While all residents in assisted living facilities receive basic care, some may require more care over time. 

Many facilities are equipped to offer different care levels. For you or your loved one to get the most out of assisted living, you must have a general understanding of the different care levels and what level the facility you’re interested in offers.

Low Care

This is the basic care that all residents receive. 

Someone receiving level one care can usually perform most activities of daily living (ADLs) on their own without assistance, but might need reminders to do them. 

They are mostly independent and need minimal assistance. 

Intermediate Care

Someone receiving intermediate care is still mostly independent but might need assistance with a few ADLs. 

For instance, they might be able to walk on their own, but they need assistance with bathing. 

Or perhaps they can bathe on their own but are at a fall risk and need someone close by to ensure safety. 

High Care

Residents receiving high care typically need substantial assistance with everyday tasks. 

These residents may need assistance from more than one caregiver and are minimally independent. They often need frequent reminders and assistance to complete basic ADLs.

Sometimes, when a family or senior is not satisfied with their care, investigating the different levels of care available in their facility and seeking a change to the appropriate level may be all they need to do.  

#3: Seniors Cannot Afford to Stay

While multiple programs and insurance options are available to help cover the costs of assisted living, sometimes finances are just too tight to make the move.

Insurance often doesn’t cover the specific facility or care needed. As the market fluctuates, prices can rise and fall, leaving families and seniors thinking they need to seek more affordable options. 

What you may not realize is that assisted living can be more affordable than comparable in-home care. Also, there may be financial assistance available. 

Average Range of Care Cost

While every facility and individual care plan is unique and therefore incurs unique costs, the average monthly cost of assisted living is $5,030. 

While these numbers might seem high, it is important to remember that many living expenses are covered under these costs. 

For instance, your monthly cost for assisted living typically includes things like:

• Housing and utilities
• Food
• Medical supervision
• 24-hour staff
• Assistance with various needs
• Enrichment activities
• Community experiences
• Community amenities
• Housekeeping 
• Personal help
• Transportation 

Assisted living is often one of the more affordable care options after considering the costs for all the above.

The Most Common Options for Transitioning Out of Assisted Living

When people leave an assisted living facility, it’s often because they need more care than their current residence provides. Two of the most common transitions made after assisted living are memory care or skilled nursing facilities.

Memory Care

Memory care is a solution for residents who are battling dementia or other memory issues. These facilities are tailored to patients’ specific needs and provide specialized, safe spaces for seniors. 

Senior Services of America understands memory care, which is why our facilities are created to provide as much independence and safety as possible.

Skilled Nursing

When the need for care becomes intensely medical, making the move to a skilled nursing facility can be a great option. 

Skilled nursing facilities typically have nurses on staff 24/7 and usually provide specialized care for each resident. A skilled nursing facility is a great fit for someone who needs frequent medical supervision on a short term basis, such as after an accident.

Senior Services of America Provides Assisted Living Care for As Long as You Need

Deciding what type of care you or your loved one needs doesn’t need to be a stressful, difficult process. 

We can help you choose the best option for you and your family. Our team members are here to walk with you through each step of your assisted living journey. 

From helping you understand what assisted living is to walking you through alternative options, we are here for you. 

Find a senior living community that’s right for you today.