A Guide To Assisted Living for Seniors With Disabilities | AssistedLiving.org (2024)

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

Alabama Disability and Health Program

(334) 206-5226

This state department provides training and tool kits that are ADA-compliant, as well as caregiver and family training.

Alaska

Senior and Disabilities Services

(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

Arizona Department of Economic Security

(800) 770-9500

The Department of Economic Security oversees several programs for seniors and individuals with disabilities, including rehabilitation services and financial support.

Arkansas

Department of Developmental Disabilities Services

(501) 683-0870

This department works with those who have developmental disabilities to help them access programs, services and financial support.

California

California Aging and Disability Resource Connection

(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

Disability Services

(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

Disability Services

(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

Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

(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

Disability and Health Program

(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

Developmental Disabilities Division

(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

Disability Services

(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

Department of Healthcare and Family Services

(800) 226-0768

This branch of the state government administers various services for the disabled, including health benefits, home care and supportive living.

Indiana

Disability Services

(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

Iowa COMPASS

(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

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

(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

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(877) 925-0037

This state organization offers disabled seniors help with benefits and access to local resources and services.

Louisiana

Aging and Adult Services

(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

Office of Aging and Disability Services

(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

Department of Disabilities

(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

Massachusetts Office on Disability

(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

Disability Resources

(989) 895-5444

Disability Resources helps disabled seniors access health care benefits, housing and transportation services.

Minnesota

Disability Minnesota

(866) 333-2466

Disability Minnesota administers several state run programs for disabled seniors, including Medicaid waivers and help accessing supportive living options.

Mississippi

Office of Special Disability Programs

(800) 443-1000

This office provides services such as attendant care, benefits counseling and advocacy for disabled seniors.

Missouri

Disability Portal

(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

Department of Health and Human Services

(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

Aging and Disability Resource Center

(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

Aging and Disability Services

(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

Disability Care

(844) 275-3447

Disability care works with families and seniors living with disabilities, offering assistance with benefits, mental health supports and advocacy.

New Jersey

Statewide Disability Services

(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

Office for People with Developmental Disabilities

(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

Disability Services

(800) 662-7030

Disability Services helps disabled seniors find health care and housing opportunities, assistive technology and other supports.

North Dakota

Services to Individuals with Disabilities

(800) 755-8529

The state provides various services for disabled seniors, including independent living services, rehabilitation programs and vision assistance.

Ohio

Ohio Disability Services

(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

Office of Disability Concerns

(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

Services for Seniors and People with Disabilities

(503) 945-5600

[emailprotected]

This department ensures that seniors and those with disabilities have access to safe housing, food, transportation and medical services.

Pennsylvania

Disability & Aging Services

(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

Office of Healthy Aging

(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

South Carolina Department on Aging

(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

Department of Human Services

(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

Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability

(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

Aging & Disability Resource Center

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

Health & Human Services

(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

Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living

(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

Office for Aging Services

(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

Aging and Disability Resource Centers

(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

Aging & Disability Resource Network

(304) 558-3317

The Aging & Disability Resource Network connects seniors and disabled adults with long-term care services and financial benefits.

Wisconsin

Aging & Disability Resource Center

(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

Aging Division

(800) 442-2766

The Aging Division ensures access to care services and safe housing for all older adults, including those with disabilities.

A Guide To Assisted Living for Seniors With Disabilities | AssistedLiving.org (2024)

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