Idaho Assisted Living: How to pay, Licensing and Questions to ask…
Idaho is one of the best kept secrets in the United States. Retirees and seniors enjoy living in Idaho because of the Splendid nature, the serene and lush landscapes and fresh air. On top of these perks, the cost of living in Idaho is much less than the national average. Spending so much less on housing allows our aging adult population to save money for things they want and enjoy rather than only having money for the necessities. Idaho has other advantages as well, like the low cost of medical care and the very low sales tax; not to mention the low crime rate makes Idaho one of the safest places to live in the country. Being comfortable is important and as people age, it is common that some may require care at some point. Typically, when people think of senior care or housing they envision a nursing home. But nursing homes are far from the only option for aging adults who may need a change of scenery or some care. When the time comes to move into a new housing situation, Assisted living communities offer your loved one the benefit of security and peace of mind. These communities are a specific level of care in a community setting.
- Idaho Assisted Living: How to pay, Licensing and Questions to ask…
- Assisted living in Idaho
- What services are offered in assisted living in Idaho?
- Laws and regulations in Idaho
- Expected monthly costs of assisted living in Idaho
- How to pay for assisted living in Idaho
- Assisted Living: Questions and inquiries when visiting communities and facilities
- Common terms that differentiate levels and types of senior living:
- Questions to Ask
- Resources and Links – Idaho
- Search Other Areas Assisted Living
As we mentioned, there are a variety of types and levels of care aside from a nursing home or an assisted living community. It’s good to be informed as you find the right fit for your loved one.
Common terms that differentiate levels and types of senior living:
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)- typically include independent living, assisted living, residential care and skilled nursing services all on one campus.
- Independent Living Communities – provide residents a setting without the burden of home ownership. Residents commonly live in fully equipped private apartments or cottages from a studio to large two-bedroom units.
- Care Home or Adult Family Care Home- are private residences in a home-like setting that provide care services to a smaller more limited number of residents (typically 5-12 residents, depending on each state’s regulations).
- Assisted Living- provides housing and supportive care in a community setting, but the residents do not require 24-hour nursing care.
- Memory Care- a care setting for residents with memory loss or confusion. The community typically has a “secured” entry for residents that may wander. This care can be provided in different care settings depending on the state licensing requirements.
- Skilled Nursing is state licensed to provide a safe, therapeutic environment for people who require rehabilitative care 24 hours a day.
Assisted living in Idaho
Most Assisted Living Communities will provide a bedroom, restroom, meals, and assistance with care. Additionally, the size and amenities of each community can vary greatly and affect cost. Residents may experience increased socialization, classes for health and fitness, and quality nutrition plans.
Assisted living in Idaho is referred to as “residential assisted living facilities.” Federally, The most common universal term is assisted living. The lay person sometimes groups all senior housing into the term of “nursing home.” Assisted living communities are NOT nursing homes.
What services are offered in assisted living in Idaho?
Residents may move into these communities to receive assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs):
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Medication assistance and reminders
- Eating
- Toileting and incontinence management
- Transferring
Most Assisted living communities provide meals, light housekeeping, and activities program. Additionally, some may also offer support such as scheduled transportation and linen service.
Other possible services and amenities in Assisted Living
Life enrichment: Activities should be provided for the enrichment of residents. Typically, these include light exercise, social opportunities, or spiritual programming.
Additional activities and amenities may include:
- Clubs
- Game nights
- Classes
- Parties and other social events
- Planned outings
Laws and regulations in Idaho
Housing
Residences may be provided apartments or bedrooms, accommodating for single or double occupancy. Each resident must be provided their own bed and all rooms and apartments must have locks and keys. There must be a kitchen area as well as a thermostat that may be adjusted by residents.
Staffing
Each community and facility must have an administrator who is responsible for all direct care staff. There is no minimum staff requirement in Idaho, but there must be sufficient staff on site at all times to service needs of residents. An RN must be on-call 24/7 and there must always be one staff member who is CPR trained.
All staff must meet training requirements. 16 hours of training is required for all employees before they may work unsupervised.
Expected monthly costs of assisted living in Idaho
The average cost of assisted living in Idaho is $3,850 per month. This is less than the national average of $4,500 per month.
- National average cost of assisted living per month: $4,500
- Idaho: $3,850
- Montana: $4,500
- Wyoming: $4,200
- Utah: $3,500
- Nevada: $3,800
Costs will vary within the state of Idaho, depending on the city or county and the community and what it offers.
- Idaho: $3,850
- Lewiston: $4,450
- Idaho Falls: $3,500
- Boise: $3,600
- Coeur d’Alene: $4,700
How to pay for assisted living in Idaho
You want to consider your payment options for assisted living, memory care, and care homes. For these services, Medicare is NOT an option for payment.
The most common payment for these services would be out of pocket Private Pay and assessing a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
Medicaid can also be an option, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
Long-Term Care insurance is also a possible option in cases of chronic conditions, be sure to see if you or a loved one qualifies.
For our Veterans and spouses of veterans, be sure to assess Veteran Aid and your eligibility for these benefits.
Medicare – NO:
- Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
- People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
- Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.
Private pay – YES:
- Many families pay for assisted living with private funds.
- Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments.
- Family members may contribute funds to pay for assisted living or other senior housing and care.
Medicaid – MAYBE:
- Medicaid provides health coverage to millions of Americans. Eligible participants include: low-income adults, elderly adults and people with disabilities.
- Medicaid is administered by state, according to federal requirements. The program is funded jointly by each state and the federal government.
- Every state has their own individual Medicaid assistance program.
- National guidelines are in place do decipher how states must spend Medicaid money, but with allowances toward the guidelines.
- The state determines what levels of care will be covered by Medicaid, who is eligible, and how much the state will reimburse the care community.
- If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicaid, you should apply. You may be eligible depending on your household income, family size, age, disability and other factors.
Long-term Care Insurance – MAYBE:
Long term care insurance is a great way to pay for assisted living, and planning ahead is important when considering how to pay for senior housing and care. Nearly 75% of people over the age of 65 will require long-term care and services at some point. Buying into long-term care insurance when a person is in their 50s and 60s is the most common time to do so.
- Long-term care insurance helps cover the costs of chronic medical conditions.
- Individuals and couples with the ability to pay into long-term care insurance have the advantage of a head start in allocating funds for senior care.
Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:
This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.
- There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
- A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
- If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.
Questions to Ask
Finding an assisted living community, can be overwhelming. Here are some tips on things to be observant of:
Assisted Living: Questions and inquiries when visiting communities and facilities
- Do the admission criteria match my needs?
- Have I reviewed the terms of the financial/provider agreement?
- Is the unused portion of the rent refunded upon transfer/discharge?
- Do I have a choice in the selection of medical/health care providers if additional services are needed?
- Are the specific services offered Clearly identified in the agreement?
- Have I reviewed The House rules?
- Have I reviewed all of the reasons for which I may be transferred of discharged?
- Is the bedroom private or shared?
- Is the bathroom private or shared?
- Are the shared areas clean?
- Is there space for personal belongings?
- Does the floor plan allow for easy mobility for me?
- Are there private areas other than the bedroom for visits?
- Is bathroom safety equipment installed or available if needed? (grab bars, raised toilet seat)
- Is there a call system?
- Are walkers/wheelchairs permitted?
- Are hallways and doorways wide enough for wheelchairs?
- Am I involved in the care planning process?
- Is my family/responsible party involved?
- Is my physician or other health provider involved?
- Are the care plans updated to reflect changes in care needs?
Resources and Links – Idaho
Idaho Commission on Aging General information about state-wide aging services and programs for Idahoans 60 years of age and older, Area Agencies on Aging and long-term care services.
SHIBA A service of the Idaho Department of Insurance – is Idaho’s provider for the federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). The program is partially funded by and operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL).
Idaho Legal Aid Services We are a non-profit law firm that provides free civil legal assistance to eligible low-income people throughout the state.
Area Agency on Aging of North Central Idaho Community Action Partnership’s Aging and Disability Resource Center/ Area Agency on Aging (ADRC/AAA) has been officially designated by the Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) as the ADRC/AAA for Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce Counties. Our hope is to realize Aging in abundance by eliminating economic poverty, poverty of meaning, and poverty of relationship.
Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings
Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.
