The average cost of assisted living in the United States is approximately $4,000 per month. That means you’ll pay about $48,000 annually for these services, which breaks down to about $133 daily.
Although that cost may seem expensive at first glance, that rate is about half of the private room’s expense in a nursing home.
It is even comparable to home health aide services, which averages a cost of $127 daily in the United States – based on an eight-hour, five-day schedule.
Any care solution has expenses to consider. As you can see, the average cost of assisted living is one of the best full-time options you can provide for your loved one. Many families qualify for insurance coverage, reducing their out-of-pocket expenses even further.
Average Cost of Assisted Living in Washington State
The average cost of assisted living in WA is slightly higher than the national average. As of 2019, the median expense was just over $5,100.
When one considers the various communities and counties throughout Washington State, the expense range for assisted living varies from about $4,000 monthly to $5,750 at the high end of the scale.
The cost of in-home, non-medical care varies widely throughout the state, with most providers charging an hourly rate for these services. In the smaller, more rural counties, the cost of services can be as low as $20 per hour. If you live in King County or the Seattle area, that figure can rise to $31.95 hourly.
At the upper end of that spectrum, in-home care is about $5,200 per month for families in Washington. That also means family caregivers or friends are responsible for an individual’s needs during the weekend.
Why are the costs higher than the national average in Washington? Several factors, including minimum wage laws and overall availability, come into the equation. The state also has one of the fastest-growing over-65 population demographics in the United States.
How Washington Compares with the Other States
Affordable assisted living in the United States begins with facilities in Montana. You can expect to pay about $2,500 per month, or half of what similar services would be in Washington State.
Several states offer assisted living services for under $3,000 per month. South Dakota, Idaho, Oklahoma, Mississippi, North Dakota, Indiana, and Tennessee provide exceptional deals.
Although the $5,100 monthly seems expensive, several states charge more for these services. Delaware is consistently 60% above the national average, followed closely by Alaska and New Jersey. Massachusetts and Rhode Island average about $500 more per month than Washington State for similar care options.
The in-home care options follow a similar pattern. You’ll find rates are slightly cheaper on average, with the geographic location providing a significant influence on what to expect.
If you are willing to move to a different state, you could experience significant savings for these care needs. When relocation isn’t a possibility, finding alternatives is an essential part of the process.
One option is for a couple to live together at an assisted living facility when space is available.
Average Cost of Assisted Living for a Couple
One of the best values offered in the care industry today involves assisted living for a couple.
When living in an assisted living community, the price in the U.S. can be as low as $1,500 per month. That cost assumes that both individuals are relatively self-supportive. Prices can increase based on the additional services and supports that each spouse requires.
The median cost for a private one-bedroom apartment with assisted living features is about $3,750 in the United States. This price typically assumes that one spouse can function independently without additional supports while the other needs daily caregiving services.
Are You Ready to Explore Local Assisted Living Options?
Assisted living facilities are residential options for older adults who need or want some help with their daily living activities. It is an excellent choice to consider if you require more personal care services than independent living retirement communities, family caregivers, or in-home providers offer in your area.
The choice to leave home to receive an additional level of care can be a challenging one. You’ll discover that the best facilities offer several options to help you meet each need and concern.
If you’d like to learn more about the cost of assisted living in Washington State or King County, please contact A1 Senior Care Advisors at (425) 324-5592. You can find additional information about us and our services by liking our Facebook page or visiting our website.
