How do I pay for Assisted Living?
Assisted Living costs vary from community to community and depend on the level of additional personal care services an individual may need or want. At Allerton House communities residents pay a monthly service fee. There is no buy-in.
Most residents pay for assisted living through a combination of savings and investments, the sale of real estate, participation in reverse mortgage programs, and sometimes their adult children offer financial support.
To maximize the affordability of assisted living, there are several programs available in Massachusetts to assist older adults. Not all Allerton Houses offer such affordable programs.
GAFC – Group Adult Foster Care/Medicaid
If an individual is eligible, GAFC will pay for rent and services. All Allerton Houses except for Allerton House at the Village at Duxbury and Allerton House at Proprietors Green have a limited number of GAFC units available. MassHealth determines someone’s clinical eligibility. Under MassHealth guidelines, a resident must require assistance with at least one ADL (activity of daily living) that is related to a medical diagnosis.
Low Income Housing Tax Credit – LIHTC
The Low Income Housing Tax Credit program is a federally funded initiative that provides community owners with a tax credit in exchange for setting aside a certain number of affordable units for eligible low-income residents. Eligible residents may significantly lower their rent the optional service fee. Clinical qualifications are not part of determining eligibility.
Veteran’s Benefit/Aid & Attendance Benefit
Veterans and their spouses may receive benefits toward assisted living when they can fully document their need for medical assistance on a routine basis for certain physical or cognitive impairments. Residents must meet several criteria to be considered eligible.
For more information, contact your local Veterans Agent and an Allerton House marketing director.
Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
PACE is a Medicare/Medicaid funded national insurance program that offers assistance to frail elders so that they can continue to live within their own community, rather than in a skilled nursing center. The insurance plans that are part of the PACE Program make provisions for comprehensive medical and social services to eligible seniors.