In the United States, there is no nationally recognized definition of assisted living because the terms that are used will vary from states to state. This might explain why the rules and regulations associated with assisted living Medicare policies and other payment programs can be so confusing. For the most part, adult assisted living residences range from high rise apartment building that host hundreds of residents to small homes that just have a few. At each place, costs will vary, so one of the challenges for people considering these locations is finding a balance between the amount they spend and the necessities they can meet.

Before looking into assisted living Medicare packages and finding ways to afford assisted living, individuals should talk to doctors and other professionals to make sure that moving is the best choice for them. At times, some people might feel that they are able to stay independent in their home, despite physical ailments, and others might be on the opposite side, tired of trying to care for themselves. Quite often, occupational therapists have the responsibility of determining if their patients need assisted living care, so consulting with one before moving is a must.

Generally, Medicare and other programs do not help people pay for assisted living, and most expenses have to be handled privately. As of 2000, about two thirds of residents used their own funds to make payments and eight percent got support from family members. Every adult will have different needs when it comes to being able to afford the assisted living that they need, and many will depend on their family while others will have enough saved to care for themselves.

Despite the fact that the costs associated with those locations can be cumbersome, moving into assisted living facilities is becoming more and more popular. In fact, from 1992 to 1998, the number of elderly living in them grew from just over 266,700 to more than 416,700. On top of that, the amount of people living in nursing homes fell from more than 1.4 million to closer to 1.3 million. This means that, whether they are getting help from their families or government aid, more people are getting the combination of care and independence that they need to continue living a rewarding lifestyle. Helpful info also found here.