Whether you’re an older adult or have a loved one considering making the move into a senior care facility, you may be wondering about the average length of stay in assisted living.
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, there are a few common factors that can affect the length of your stay.
Here, we unpack the average length of stay in assisted living, factors that can affect this number, and how to find a facility that’s right for you.
What Is the Average Length of Stay in Assisted Living Before Death?
Studies cite that the average length of stay in assisted living is about 30 months.
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
- Health of the resident
While women typically spend twice as long in assisted living facilities as men, they are more likely to be discharged to an in-home solution, while men are more likely to move to another facility or into spousal care, if available.
3 Factors That Affect the Average Length of Stay in Assisted Living
#1: Seniors Are Delaying The Move
Sometimes, seniors don’t move into an assisted living facility due to:
- Opting for longer in-home care
- Not seeing the need to leave their current homes
- Seeing the need for a change, but preferring to remain at home
Senior living residents generally find that, upon moving into one of our assisted living facilities, they’re greeted with new friends, superb care, and a community that loves and values them.
Opting for In-Home Care
Some seniors and families are setting assisted living aside and instead choosing in-home care options. This may be due to:
- Feeling their current needs are being met at home
- Desiring to remain at home to spend more time with family
- Preferring the lifestyle they currently enjoy and fearing a move might change their level of independence
We value our residents’ 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.
Not Seeing a Need to Leave Their Current Home
Some seniors simply do not see a need to move to an assisted living facility, believing the care they need can be adequately provided at home by family or an outside provider.
While in-home care might be a good solution for some seniors, moving into an assisted living facility often provides benefits that can dramatically improve quality of life, such as:
- Help with daily tasks
- Medication management
- Prepared meals
- Enhanced safety
- Social connection
- Chore-free living
- And more
Seeing the Need to Move, but Preferring 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, including:
- Fear of losing freedom and independence
- Fear of being unable to visit with friends and family in person
- Lack of financial resources
- Fear that their current lifestyle will no longer be possible
While these reasons may be valid for some individuals, many people find that assisted living can be a better all-around option. For example:
- Senior living communities place a high value on residents’ freedoms and work hard to ensure everyone is equipped to live as safely and independently as possible.
- Family and friends are encouraged to connect in person and through video chats.
- Assisted living facilities are often 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’s possible to keep much of their previous lifestyle intact while adding enriching activities and experiences.
#2: Seniors Are Dissatisfied with Their Care
Families and seniors may leave assisted living facilities when they are not satisfied and seek other options, whether it be another facility or a different type of care.
It’s 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 help over time.
Many facilities are equipped to offer different care levels.To get the most out of assisted living, ensure you have a general understanding of the different care levels and what level the facility you’re interested in offers.
Level 1/Low Care
Level one care is the basic care 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 a few reminders to do them.
Residents are mostly independent and only require minimal assistance.
Level 2/Intermediate Care
Someone receiving level two care is still mostly independent but might need assistance with a few ADLs.
For instance, they might be able to get around on their own but 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.
Level 3/High Care3
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 in Care
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 sometimes doesn’t cover the specific facility or required level of care. As the market fluctuates, prices can rise and fall, leaving families and seniors thinking they need to seek more affordable options.
Depending on the care requirements, assisted living can be more affordable than comparable in-home care. Reach out to a Senior Services of America community to learn about options for financing assisted living.
Average Range of Care Cost
While every facility and individual care plan is unique, the average monthly cost of assisted living is $9,000.
While these numbers might seem high, it is important to remember that many living expenses are covered under these costs, including:
- Housing and utilities
- Food
- Medical supervision
- 24-hour staff
- Assistance with various needs
- Enrichment activities
- Community experiences
- Community amenities
- Housekeeping
- Personal help
- Transportation
Commonly Asked Questions About the Average Length of Stay in Assisted Living
Can Someone Stay in Assisted Living for the Rest of Their Life?
Possibly. Some communities have the means to accommodate residents as their needs change, while others have limits on the level of medical or personal care they can provide.
What Is the Average Life Expectancy After Entering Assisted Living?
There is no official life expectancy for people who move into assisted living because each resident has unique health conditions, age, and care needs.
Factors influencing life expectancy after entering assisted living include:
- Age upon entering
- Overall health
- Cognitive health
- Mobility
- Independence
- Access to quality care
What Happens if an Assisted Living Resident Needs More Care?
If a resident’s medical or personal care needs become too complex for assisted living, they may transition to:
- Memory care for dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Skilled nursing care
- Long-term nursing home care
- Hospice or palliative care, if appropriate
Senior Services of America: Personalized Care Plans That Evolve with Your Needs
Deciding what type of care you or your loved one needs and how long they might need it doesn’t need to be a stressful, difficult process.
We’re here to walk with you through each step of your assisted living journey and can help you choose the best option for you and your family.
Find a senior living community that’s right for you today.
