Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Ready to Move to Assisted Living in Cedar Rapids

Moving into assisted living near you in Cedar Rapids is a big step for seniors and their loved ones. All sorts of details have to be taken care of in advance to make the transition go smoothly. If you're planning a move, it's best to give yourself a couple of months to put things in order first. These items are on most new residents' checklists for getting ready for assisted living:

• Medical exams. Most assisted living communities require some kind of medical certification for new residents before the move can be finalized. This can usually be done in a single physical exam, where the doctor does a routine check-up and administers a neurological exam to check for signs of Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other signs the senior might need a higher level of care than assisted living.
• Temporary storage. Putting furniture and other possessions into storage is common before a move into assisted living. These items can generally be retrieved and moved in later on, when everything settles down after the move, but it's best to bring as few things as possible into the new community at first.
• Visit properties. It's a good idea to start scheduling facility tours as soon as you have a short list of potential new communities. Give yourselves as much time as you can to visit the properties you're interested in, meet staff and fellow residents and get your questions answered by the people who live and work there. This takes time, so most people start early and visit as many places as they can.
• Financial planning. Budgeting for assisted living takes effort, even if the final monthly cost is less than you were already paying for in-home health aides. Before moving into assisted living in Cedar Rapids, honestly assess your finances and budget for the expected cost. It helps if you get a formal price quote during your in-person visit.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Cedar Rapids?

Assisted living in Cedar Rapids costs an average of $3,925 a month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey. This is only slightly more expensive than the national average cost of $3,750 a month.

Though the cost of care in Cedar Rapids is somewhat higher than the national average, for many local seniors assisted living is a welcome way to save some money every month. Many aging citizens spend some time before moving into assisted living paying for a home health aide, which costs an average of $4,385 a month in Cedar Rapids.

Our local Seniorly Partner Agents often have the ability to negotiate monthly rent and fees on your behalf at many of the Cedar Rapids communities you might be interested in.  This is a free service to you.  To connect to a Seniorly Partner Agent email us now at ask@seniorly.com or call (855) 866-4515.

What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living vs. Other Senior Care Types?

Assisted living is just one level of care that Cedar Rapids seniors can choose to manage their lifestyle. Other levels of care tend to focus more on medical needs seniors may have. These are the principal other options for seniors who need long-term residential care:

• Skilled nursing. Skilled nursing care is for seniors who need daily attention from a nurse or other medical practitioner. Staff at nursing homes can generally administer medication and provide medical treatments, which assisted living staff generally can't.
• Memory care. Memory care is for the long-term needs of seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other neurological issues. Residents in memory care get near-constant supervision in a safe environment, which is often located close to an associated assisted living community the senior may have lived in in the past.
• Hospice/comfort care. When an illness has passed beyond the treatable stage, some people choose hospice care for their treatment. Hospice care focuses on providing as much comfort as possible and may be provided in a private home or in a hospice facility.