Hilton Head Monthly August 2022

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living communities will typically ask for a lump sum up front, a percentage of which will go back to heirs. IN-HOME CARE Primarily for seniors who only need occasional assistance. This helps seniors remain independent. It is good to fairly assess what type of care is needed. In-home care can include help with dressing and bathing, meal preparation or household tasks. Then determine if help is needed daily, weekly or hourly. Consider the extent of help needed and how often you will be available to help. Response time from a provider is important. Knowing who is in an office and who can respond after hours and during weekends is essential. Make a budget. Find out if insurance covers any services or if there are services that could offset costs. In-home care costs about $61,776 annually nationwide, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. The average has increased from $42,000 in 2004. Genworth Cost said the approximate Hilton Head Island area hourly cost is $23-$25 an hour. It is important to ask the service you hire how it screens and trains in-home care workers. MEMORY CARE Memory care facilities are typically for those who may harm themselves or pose a flight risk, with security and alarm systems keeping them safe 24 hours a day. Questions to consider when choosing a facility include how many meals are offered each day? Is assistance available to help your loved one with meals? Are there memoryenhancement programs? It is also important to know if there are programs for exercise or physical therapy and if there are accommodations for specific needs (diabetes, mobility issues, wandering). Find out exactly how many physicians, RNs and LPNs are on staff at any given time, as well as what specialized services are available, from x-rays to physical therapy. AARP said on average that memory care ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 a month, but costs vary. In South Carolina, according to memorycare.com, the costs range from $3,329 in Sumter to $5,625 in Hilton Head. In Columbia, memory care is around $4,088 per month.

COST OF CARE ANNUAL MEDIAN COST OF TYPES OF CARE IN SOUTH CAROLINA: IN-HOME CARE: $53,768 ASSISTED LIVING: $43,338 NURSING HOME (Private room): $95,813

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