Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care for ALFs because few subsidies are available. In some cases, health insurance or long-term care insurance may reimburse certain costs of the facility. Some state and local governments offer subsidies for low income elders in ALFs. Experts expect more states to begin offering benefits to pay for assisted living homes because they are less costly than long-term care and serve the needs of elders who want more independence. Fees may be inclusive or there may be additional charges for special services.
Costs are generally lower than home health services or nursing homes.
The typical resident is 75 years or older, female, and widowed or single. However, residents may be young or old, affluent or low income, frail or disabled. Older residents come to assisted living facilities from nursing homes, hospitals, or their own homes or apartments. Many older people, with a wide range of conditions, continue to live in assisted living programs even when they become more disabled. The number of residents living in a facility can range from several to 300 persons, with the most common size from 25 to 120 individuals.