According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of CareSurvey, assisted living in the United States costs an average of $4,500 per month. This data applies to standard assisted living, which means seniors with disabilities may need to pay additional fees for specialized services or facilities.
While some of these services are included in monthly rates at some assisted living facilities, others might come with an additional monthly fee. It’s important to read contracts carefully to determine what’s included and what may incur an extra charge.
Assisted living isn’t always affordable for seniors, especially those living on a fixed income. As such, many require financial assistance to cover the cost of care, as well as the cost of room and board. Thankfully, there are several programs that exist to help seniors cover this necessary expense.
Medicare is a health insurance program that’s exclusively for seniors aged 65 and older or some younger adults who have disabilities. It’s controlled federally and administered by private insurance companies. Medicare Part A is typically covered by Medicare taxes which are paid while an individual works, while Medicare Part B and Part D cover additional services and require a monthly premium.
For some seniors, Medicare is automatic, with coverage starting at the same time as disability or Social Security benefits. For those who don’t have automatic coverage, the best way to apply is online or by calling Social Security at (800) 772-1213.
Medicaid is a state-administered health benefit that’s overseen by the federal government. It’s provided to low-income seniors and families who meet their state’s eligibility requirement. Medicaid covers a wide array of medical expenses through its standard coverage plan, and in most states, various waiver programs expand services to include personal care and assisted living, among other things.
Public housing programs help eligible low-income seniors and persons with disabilities access saferentals. While public housing exists in various forms (single-family homes, townhomes and apartments), seniors with disabilities can benefit the most from public housing apartments designed for elderly families, which can be combined with care services for those who need it.
Seniors who want to learn more about public housing options or start the application process can contact the Public Housing Customer Service Center at (800) 955-2232.
Seniors on a fixed income can apply for help with rent or subsidized housing by browsing available rentals and special needs housing. Options are often available for those with disabilities.
Seniors can apply for housing by contacting the landlord or property manager listing the rental directly.
The Housing Choice Voucher Program is available to seniors with very low incomes. It gives them the opportunity to select their own housing, provided it meets minimum health and safety standards, and provides a subsidy directly to the landlord on the senior’s behalf.
Seniors who wish to apply for the Housing Choice Voucher Program should contact their local Public Housing Authority.
Seniors living in rural areas can contact their local Rural Development office for information abouthousing assistance available in their area. Furthermore, local government offices and HUD-Approved Housing Counselors may be able to connect seniors with additional resources and programs offered at the state or local level.
Seniors living with disabilities may want to consider other senior living options. While assisted living can work well for some, others may require a higher or lower level of care.
Adult family homes give seniors the opportunity to live in a more intimate setting. These small care homes typically house six or fewer residents who share common living spaces alongside a live-in caregiver or a team of caregivers.
Nursing homes offer the highest level of care, making them ideal for those who require full-time medical supervision. These facilities work as an alternative to hospital care and have skilled medical staff on-site to provide care 24 hours a day.
Seniors who prefer to age in place at home may prefer to hire an in-home caregiver. Services provided by in-home caregivers can range from basic companionship and check-ins to full-time medical supervision.
CCRCs are designed to ensure seniors can receive care for changing needs without moving to a new community. They typically offer some combination of independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing care, enabling seniors to age in place while gradually increasing their level of care.
In each state, resources are available to help seniors and other disabled persons access assistance programs for housing and other needs.
State
Program
Contact
Description
Alabama
(334) 206-5226
This state department provides training and tool kits that are ADA-compliant, as well as caregiver and family training.
Alaska
(907) 269-3666
Senior and Disabilities Services promotes the health and safety of seniors and individuals with disabilities by connecting them with state and local resources.
Arizona
(800) 770-9500
The Department of Economic Security oversees several programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including rehabilitation services and financial support.
Arkansas
(501) 683-0870
This department works with those who have developmental disabilities to help them access programs, services and financial support.
California
(800) 510-2020
This state-run agency provides older adults and adults with disabilitieswith services such as case management, financial assistance and resource referrals.
Colorado
(303) 866-5700
Disability Services operates regional centers throughout the state that provide services for deaf and blind Colorado residents, brain injury services and support for those with intellectual disabilities.
Connecticut
(855) 626-6632
Disability Services works with disabled seniors and individuals to help apply for federal and state benefits and provides referrals to various resources.
Delaware
(302) 255-9040
This department helps seniors with intellectual and developmental disabilities improve the quality of their lives through support coordination and additional services such as residential care, day care and supportive living.
Florida
(850) 245-4444
[emailprotected]
The Disability and Health Program promotes wellness among those with disabilities by working with them, their families and their caregivers to provide support and education.
Georgia
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities
(800) 715-4225
This department provides support and advocacy for disabled Georgians, as well as resource facilitation for caregivers.
Hawaii
(808) 733-1689
The Developmental Disabilities Division provides services through Medicaid waivers, including case management and health support. It also offers caregiver training and family education.
Idaho
(208) 332-1824
Disability Services administers the state’s health insurance programs, provides advocacy services for disabled persons and offers support and educationfor those with developmental disabilities and their caregivers.
Illinois
(800) 226-0768
This branch of the state government administers various services for the disabled, including health benefits, home care and supportive living.
Indiana
(800) 457-8283
Programs offered by Disability Services include assistance for deaf and blind Indiana residents, family and caregiver training, advocacy and assistance with benefits.
Iowa
(800) 779-2001
Operated by the University of Iowa and funded by the state, COMPASS provides all disabled persons in the state with access to supports and benefits, including financial help, supportive living opportunities, respite care and home care.
Kansas
(800) 432-3535
This state department operates Kansas’ Medicaid program and facilitates access to a range of resources for seniors with disabilities, including case management services and caregiver training.
Kentucky
(877) 925-0037
This state organization offers disabled seniors help with benefits and access to local resources and services.
Louisiana
(866) 758-5035
[emailprotected]
Seniors of all abilities can contact this office for help with Medicaid and Medicare applications, as well as to request referrals to other state-operated assistance programs.
Maine
(207) 287-3707
This office handles complaints of abuse and exploitation, advocates on behalf of disabled seniors and connects those who need it with resources such as financial support and respite care.
Maryland
(410) 767-3660
The Department of Disabilities connects disabled Maryland seniors with resources that can offer help with housing, supportive living, transportation, benefits and emergency preparedness.
Massachusetts
(800) 322-2020
The Office on Disability is committed to ensuring equal rights for all disabled adults and provides help such as benefit applications and advocacy.
Michigan
(989) 895-5444
Disability Resources helps disabled seniors access health care benefits, housing and transportation services.
Minnesota
(866) 333-2466
Disability Minnesota administers several state run programs for disabled seniors, including Medicaid waivers and help accessing supportive living options.
Mississippi
(800) 443-1000
This office provides services such as attendant care, benefits counseling and advocacy for disabled seniors.
Missouri
(800) 877-8249
[emailprotected]
The Disability Portal provides access to state and federal programs as well as educational resources, for disabled Missouri seniors and their caregivers.
Montana
(406) 444-2995
Montana’s Department of Health and Human Services offers specialized supports for aging persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as thosewho are vision or hearing impaired.
Nebraska
(402) 471-2307
[emailprotected]
The Aging and Disability Resource Center helps aging seniors with various disabilities access help with finding and paying for services such as housing, health care and transportation.
Nevada
(888) 729-0571
Programs offered by this office to benefit disabled seniors include community advocacy, Medicare assistance, Medicaid waivers and adult protective services.
New Hampshire
(844) 275-3447
Disability care works with families and seniors living with disabilities, offering assistance with benefits, mental health supports and advocacy.
New Jersey
(888) 285-3036
New Jersey helps seniors with all types of disabilities access housing, transportation and supportive care services through various resources and financial programs.
New Mexico
New Mexico Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Supports Division
(800) 445-6242
This department operates several Medicaid waivers for disabled seniors, provides advocacy and case management services and investigates reports of abuse or neglect.
New York
(866) 946-9733
This state office helps disabled seniors access resources within their own communities that provide supportive care, transportation, meals and counseling.
North Carolina
(800) 662-7030
Disability Services helps disabled seniors find health care and housing opportunities, assistive technology and other supports.
North Dakota
(800) 755-8529
The state provides various services for disabled seniors, including independent living services, rehabilitation programs and vision assistance.
Ohio
(937) 461-4800
Disability Services in Ohio connects seniors in need with programs such as Homemaker Personal Care, adult day programs and free transportation.
Oklahoma
(877) 215-8336
This state department helps disabled seniors and other individuals improve their quality of life through support groups, counseling programs, advocacy and technical assistance.
Oregon
(503) 945-5600
[emailprotected]
This department ensures that seniors and those with disabilities have access to safe housing, food, transportation and medical services.
Pennsylvania
(800) 753-8827
Disability and Aging Services helps seniors with disabilities access help with benefit programs, find safe housing and ensure a high quality of life through various other support programs.
Rhode Island
(401) 462-3000
The Office of Healthy Aging helps all seniors, regardless of ability, through initiatives such as elder abuse reporting, digiAGE, which provides technical assistance for seniors, and The POINT, a program that connects seniors with local resources for healthcare, transportation and housing.
South Carolina
(800) 868-9095
The Department on Aging provides resources for disabled seniors in search of housing and health care, as well as help with benefits applications and caregiver training.
South Dakota
(605) 773-5990
The Department of Human Services administers all statewide supports for seniors and disabled persons, including Medicaid waivers, caregiver assistance and long-term care services.
Tennessee
(865) 983-3620
The Commission on Aging and Disability is focused on helping senior citizens who live with disabilities find safe housing, reliable transportation and health care services.
Texas
2-1-1
The Aging & Disability Resource Center connects seniors and disabled adults with an array of services, including counseling, advocacy, caregiver training and respite care.
Utah
(844) 275-3773
The Department of Health & Human Services administers several programs for disabled adults and seniors, including abuse intervention, advocacy, Medicaid waivers and respite care.
Vermont
(802) 241-2401
[emailprotected]
This department offers a variety of programs and services specifically designed to meet the needs of deaf and blind adults, seniors with traumatic brain injury and those with physical or intellectual disabilities.
Virginia
(800) 800-552-3402
The Office for Aging Services works with seniors and disabled adults to provide access to financial supports, safe housing transportation and healthcare.
Washington
(800) 833-6384
This state department offers resources for aging and disabled adults that ensure their quality of life. That includes access to health care and benefit programs, housing and food.
West Virginia
(304) 558-3317
The Aging & Disability Resource Network connects seniors and disabled adults with long-term care services and financial benefits.
Wisconsin
(608) 266-1865
This state-operated organization helps seniors with disabilities find long-term care and healthcare services. It also provides benefits counseling for those requiring funding from Medicaid or Medicare.
Wyoming
(800) 442-2766
The Aging Division ensures access to care services and safe housing for all older adults, including those with disabilities.