The average stay in an assisted living facility is about 22 months, according to data from the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL). Adults age 65 and older are at the highest risk of receiving long-term care because of chronic diseases that can be cognitive, physical, or both. Taking into account all care settings (with home care being the most prominent), the vast majority of long-term care insurance claims occur after a person turns 80. The average age at which people purchase Northwestern long-term care policies is 55. This may include a pension and nursing home, an assisted living facility or a continuing care retirement community, or, finally, a nursing home.
As Deputy Director of the Insurance Solutions Department, Stephanie is responsible for the development and positioning of Northwestern Mutual's long-term care and disability income insurance products. They may also prefer the lifestyle they currently enjoy and fear that moving to an assisted living facility could change their level of independence and their ability to live as they please. Families and older people often leave assisted living facilities when they aren't satisfied and are looking for other options, whether it's another facility or a different type of care. Although women tend to stay longer in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, they are more likely to be discharged for a home solution than men, who are more likely to move to another facility or to spousal care, if available. State Medicaid programs can cover home and community services (HCBS), such as personal care and support services provided in assisted living communities.
Of the 56 percent of Americans who turn 65 today and are expected to develop a disability severe enough to require long-term care assistance (as defined by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), many will need assistance for less than three years. While all residents of assisted living facilities receive basic care, some may need more care over time. Assisted living is often one of the most affordable care options after considering the costs of all of the above. When people leave an assisted living facility, it's often because they need more care than their current residence provides. A person receiving intermediate care is still mostly independent, but may need help with some ADLs.
Keep in mind that many residents of assisted living communities received care in their own homes for a period of time before moving to the community. While these reasons may be a real concern for some, many people consider that assisted living is actually a better option in every way.
