Whether you’re living with lifelong disabilities or recently developed health issues that impact your mobility, you’ve likely considered moving into a residential community such as an assisted living facility. These facilities are geared toward those who struggle to live independently. Most facilities are free from mobility barriers, such as stairs and deep bathtubs, making life easier for those with functional impairments.
Average Assisted Living Care Costs nearly $50,000 Nationwide
According to Genworth’s 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living care nationwide is $4,051 — that’s $48,612 per year. Here in Arizona, assisted living costs an average of $3,750 per month, although actual costs may be significantly higher depending on the location, type of accommodations, and services that are included.
While residential care can be an excellent option for some people, it’s expensive. Not only are the costs high, but moving into an assisted living facility means giving up your home, neighborhood, and to some extent, your independence.
Thankfully, advances in home healthcare products have made it more accessible and more affordable than ever for people living with disabilities to live wherever they want — including their own homes.
Equipping Your Home With Assistive Devices is More Affordable Than You’d Expect
Suppose you or your loved one would prefer to remain at home rather than join an assisted living community. In that case, a wide variety of assistive devices are available to support your independence.
For example, one of the most common reasons why older adults give up their homes is because they can no longer navigate stairs safely. Most residential care facilities offer single-story living or elevators, a big selling point for many assisted living communities.
Many people with mobility issues have discovered that simply installing a stair lift can make the difference between remaining in the home they love and having to enter a care facility. Stair lifts are more affordable than you might think, and many models cost less than what it costs for a single month at a retirement home or care facility. These lifts are safe, reliable, and can be installed anywhere, and even platform models allow users to remain seated in a wheelchair.
Ramps can also be installed to transform high thresholds and small staircases into mobility-friendly spaces. A simple threshold mat, which requires no drilling or unique installation, costs anywhere from $100 to around $400. At the same time, a lightweight suitcase ramp can cover up to 4 stairs — perfect for entry steps, porches, and anywhere else where a few steps create a mobility barrier.
Of course, bathroom safety is also a big issue for anyone living with physical limitations. Simple devices such as grab bars start at under $20 and, when combined with transfer benches and shower stools, can be used to create a safe, accessible bathroom in almost any home.
Contact Our Independent Living Experts Today
As you can see, simply having a physical disability or limited range of motion doesn’t mean you have to give up your home. In many cases, individuals who need the type of accessibility offered in a residential care facility can be purchased for less than the cost of one month’s care.
And not only can living independently at home be much more affordable than an assisted living or another residential care facility, but it also gives you control over your environment — something that can be critically important when it comes to keeping safe from highly contagious, life-threatening viral infections.
To learn more about how you can make the home you love accessible, contact our independent living experts at Copper Star Home Medical today.
