Assisted living facilities are an ideal option for seniors that are looking to receive a measure of aid in order to go about their day to day living. The scope of this particular service is pretty wide, as it can stretch from preparing daily meals and helping them take medication to driving them around to handle various errands during the day. It should also be noted that these special services are not just reserved for those that need help completing various activities for daily living. Indeed, assisted living is a terrific option for those that want a break from having to handle home maintenance and would prefer to spend more time on enjoying the leisurely life of a retiree.

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The cost of assisted living in Portland

According to the 2015 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, assisted living facilities around Portland costs more than the nationwide average. The average price of assisted in Portland is about $46,740 compared to $43,200 for the United States overall. That breaks down to $3,895 per month for people seeking assisted living within Portland.

However, assisted living in the area seems to be a better deal compared to other similar services like nursing home care and home health aide services. The homemaker service will, for instance, cost $53,196 per year. If you decide to get home health aide service then you should be prepared to spend about $53,196 per year. Again, these costs are far below what you will be charged when you opt for the nursing home care services. The nursing home care services for a semi-private room costs about $96,725 per year and the cost of a private room in a nursing home facility will be around $101,835 per year.

For qualified veterans and their spouses, further assisted living savings may be obtainable via the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, which can otherwise be known as the A&A Pension Benefit. This special benefit can provide a veteran up to $1,788 per month, a surviving spouse up to $1,149 per month, or a couple up to $2,120 per month. Furthermore, a veteran with a sick spouse that applies for the program is eligible to receive up to $1,406 per month. The process to qualify for the A&A Pension Benefit is relatively simple.

Eligible veterans or surviving spouses of eligible veterans must show the need for help with activities for daily living, otherwise known as ADLs. Some of these activities include bathing, cooking, dressing, medication management, leaving the house for errands and appointments, and grooming. With that being said, seniors do not need to demonstrate that they need help for all of these activities. Aid and Attendance funds can assist in paying for ADL services in numerous places, such as an assisted living community, skilled nursing home, or within the confines of the senior’s own home. For those that are interested, it should be noted that the application process could take several months from beginning to end, but retroactive payments are sent upon the program’s approval.

What to Expect in Assisted Living

Portland, Oregon is an excellent retirement choice for seniors, especially since it has plenty of nursing homes and assisted living centers. The city has excellent hospitals, mild weather and a robust transportation system. The city has always been a nationwide leader in senior care and continues that trend today.

The assisted living facilities are located all around Portland. Some of the common facilities include: the Cherry Blossom Cottage, Markham House, Brookdale Sellwood, and the Regency Park. Other nearby assisted living facilities include: Prestige Senior Living Beaverton Hills located in Beaverton, Royalton Place in Milwaukie, Town Center Village in Happy Valley, and Homewood Heights in Milwaukie. The costs and services offered in these facilities are different yet similar in some ways.

What’s Included in the Assisted Living Package?

Most often, many of Portland assisted living homes will provide:

• Private apartments – this could be a 1 bedroom apartment or a studio.
• Emergency call systems that you can use to call for help when you urgently need it.
• 24/7 security and supervision, including on-call nursing assistance and on-site security.
• Daily meals that are often served in a common dining area.
• Medical services and this would include refill reminders and reminders to take medication.
• Wellness and fitness programs and this would include a gym, a pool, a jogging or walking club, or yoga, among others.
• Housekeeping services and this would include laundry services.
• Basic utilities like water, natural gas, electricity. Some facilities will provide cable TV, Internet and more.
• Social and recreational activities including movie nights, game nights, holiday parties, birthday parties, religious services, trips to museums, among others.
• Transportation and shopping assistance often provided on a regular.

What may be available for an extra fee?

Some communities may also offer additional on-site perks that residents can pay extra to utilize. Typically, these perks can include private transportation, personal laundry service, beauty salon services, and massage sessions.

The continuum-of-care option

Additionally, many seniors look for an assisted living service known as a continuum of care, which essentially describes a facility that can provide accommodation for residents regardless of what their specific need may be. Residents in these particular communities typically don’t have to deal with as many big moves should their health or daily needs shift, and they will also remain in a familiar setting even if their health dictates that they have to move to a different building within the facility’s complex. Prices on continuum of care do fluctuate based on the actual service that is needed.

Resources, volunteer opportunities and points of interest for veterans

There are many opportunities for Portland, Oregon veterans and among them is the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program that provides veterans with service-related injuries and disabilities with assistance and services to prepare them and even find them suitable employment. Veterans can also use find A&A pension help at the VeteranAid.org website.