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How Do You Find Assisted Living for Couples?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
You can find assisted living for couples by contacting communities directly to see if they have shared accommodations for two new residents, including those with different care needs. Many assisted living communities offer apartments or units for couples, allowing them to stay together if living at home becomes difficult or unsafe.
Moving together can ease the transition to a new environment, making it easier to adjust. It may even reduce expenses, since they won’t have to worry about investing in home maintenance, buying groceries or paying for assistance with household tasks, including housekeeping or laundry.
How much does assisted living for couples cost?
Assisted living rates for couples vary, depending on a community’s unique pricing structure and the level of care each partner needs. According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the national average for an apartment or a bedroom in assisted living is $4,500 per month, but this price varies across cities and states.
Some communities charge additional occupant fees for couples, while others offer tiered pricing models based on level of care needed. For example, if one partner needs extra support, they may pay a higher rate.
How do assisted living communities accommodate couples with different care needs?
Assisted living communities accommodate couples with different care needs by providing each partner with an individualized service plan outlining their unique needs and preferences. If one partner doesn’t need personal care support, they may only pay for room and board and add-on services of their choosing. Additionally, many assisted living apartments have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms and safety features, including grab bars or pull cords, allowing couples to live together if one partner needs home modifications.
However, some communities prefer housing couples separately to better assess each partner’s care needs, especially if one has cognitive impairments. This is because some communities have specialized skilled nursing or memory care units for residents requiring around-the-clock medical care or specific treatments. Ask communities about their policies on couples living together before making final decisions.
Can couples visit each other if they’re housed in separate units?
Yes, couples can visit each other if they’re housed in separate units. In many cases, specialized units are in the same building as assisted living accommodations or a different building on the same campus. The partner with better mobility can visit their partner’s room, bring them gifts and enjoy shared meals and activities, depending on the community’s operation standards.