Hawaii Assisted Living for Couples

Assisted living facilities in Hawaii for couples

Hawaii is one of the most popular states for retirees, given its beautiful weather and unique island lifestyle. Senior adults can opt for assisted living, as these senior living facilities offer assistance with ADLs, healthcare services, and plenty of amenities. However, it is worth mentioning from the start that the cost of assisted living is quite high, especially when compared to continental US. Prospective residents are advised to calculate their finances before applying for a spot in a Hawaii-based ALF. The good news is that married couples are allowed to live together, for as long as their health allows it.

Information about assisted living in Hawaii

There are 22 assisted living facilities in Hawaii, and all of them offer senior adults with the opportunity to enjoy their retirement to the fullest. Most of these facilities can be found on the Big Island, as well as in Kahului and urban Honolulu. Residents have to meet various admittance criteria, including the age requirement (55 or 62).

Service plans are developed for all the senior adults admitted to an ALF. These are developed in accordance with the needs and expectations of the respective resident, and almost always include assistance requirements, treatment schedules, and emergency evacuation assistance protocols for those with limited mobility. On the first day of admittance, a comprehensive medical examination is undertaken, which will serve as basis for the service plan. Should the resident's health change, the plan will be re-assessed and updated.

As a general rule, ALFs accept senior adults who require minimal assistance with ADLs, such as eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, and so on. Limited applications are available for those who are nursing-home eligible and for those who require more assistance. Senior adults who require restraints and those who might represent a danger to themselves and others are not accepted. The same goes for those who suffer from infectious conditions, or have needs that exceed the available scope of care.

Financing and costs of assisted living in Hawaii

The average monthly cost of Hawaii-based ALFs is of $5,500 per month. This is considerably higher than the national median of $4,000. As mentioned above, Hawaii is more expensive than continental states, but still preferred by retirees. California, Oregon, and Arizona have more affordable rates but the difference is not that significant.

On the island, the most expensive ALFs can be found in the Urban Honolulu area. By comparison, Kahului offers affordable assisted living options. It is also worth mentioning that assisted living is cheaper than nursing home care, memory care, and in-home care. With the latter, the difference is barely noticeable. Independent living, however, is a more affordable option.

Assisted living costs in Hawaii

Assisted living facilities are developed to meet the needs of seniors, not only in terms of housing, but also when it comes to healthcare and assistance with ADLs. Residents benefit from a wide range of services and amenities as well. In the state of Hawaii, there are different types of assisted living communities available. These have various care packages to offer, with costs that vary. It is worth mentioning that many of these facilities offer skilled nursing care for a limited period of time or exclude this service altogether. Keep on reading to discover more information on the costs of assisted living, along other details that might help you find the best community for you or your loved ones.

Average costs of assisted living and memory care in Hawaii

How much does assisted living cost in HI? The monthly cost of assisted living in Hawaii is $5,300 per month or $63,000 per year. This is considerably higher than the national median of $4,500 per month or $54,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive assisted living communities are found in Honolulu, with an average cost of $5,300 per month or $63,000 per year. On the other hand, the most affordable facilities of this kind are located in Kahului, averaging at $3,800 per month or $45,000 per year.

How much does memory care cost in HI? When it comes to memory care, the average cost is $6,700 per month or $80,000 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $5,600 per month or $67,000 per year. Within the state, the most expensive memory care communities are located in Honolulu, averaging at $6,700 per month or $80,000 per year. The most affordable facilities of this kind are also found in Kahului, averaging at $4,700 per month or $56,000 per year.

Assisted living costs more than adult day care, but it represents a more affordable option than home health care and nursing home care. Memory care costs more than home health care and adult day care, but it is more affordable than nursing home care. This averages at $14,000 per month or $168,000 per year.

What goes into assisted living costs?

Before moving into an assisted living facility, prospective residents are required to cover a deposit fee. This is usually returned when the contract is concluded and the senior moves in. Assisted living communities do not require entrance fees to be paid, there are only the monthly fees that residents have to cover. The overall costs are influenced by the type of living unit and its size, the available services and amenities, and the resident's marital status. Residents have access to general services, such as meal planning and preparation, general maintenance, utilities, laundry and linen service, and housekeeping. Additional services might be available at extra cost.

Care fees are paid in accordance with the number of activities the senior in question is assisted with. There are specific benefits associated with each care package, including daily planned activities, emergency response systems, physical and occupational therapy, scheduled transportation, and medication management. Second occupancy fees have to be covered by spouses who desire to live together. In some facilities, certain utilities are available at extra cost, such as the cable and Internet access. Limited healthcare is offered by third-party providers, with the costs being covered by the residents themselves.

What goes into memory care costs?

Dementia seniors are best looked after in specialized memory care communities. There, memory care residents have access to adapted housing, healthcare, and 24/7 monitoring. Assistance with ADLs is included, as well as the access to services and amenities. These facilities cater to the needs of those who suffer from various types of dementia, providing care packages that guarantee the best possible quality of life. Care packages are developed in accordance with the dementia type and the disease stage. Safety features are guaranteed as well, with the purpose of minimizing the confusion experienced and reducing the risk of self-harm or wandering.

To help seniors delay the progression of their condition, the specialists working within the respective community offer a wide array of therapies. These are beneficial for their speech, cognitive, and memory skills. The access to general services is guaranteed, including general maintenance, meal planning and preparation, housekeeping, scheduled transportation, and laundry and linen service. Additional services are available, such as mobility assistance, wound care, and incontinence care.

Cost comparison with other states

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Hawaii is higher than the national median. Hawaii has more expensive assisted living communities than California and Oregon. In California, assisted living averages at $5,200 per month or $62,000 per year, while in Oregon the average monthly cost is $5,000 or $60,000 per year. Both Washington and Alaska have higher rates, averaging at $6,000 per month or $72,000 per year, respectively $6,800 per month or $81,000 per year.

Memory care also has average costs higher than the national median. Hawaii has more expensive memory care communities than California, Oregon and Arizona. California has memory care that averages at $6,500 per month or $78,000 per year. In Oregon, memory care averages at $6,300 per month or $75,000 per year. In Arizona, the average cost of memory care is $5,000 per month or $60,000 per year. Washington is more expensive than Hawaii, averaging at $7,500 per month or $90,000 per year.

Finding the best facility for your needs

If you are searching for a long-term care option for you or your loved one, we recommend you start by looking at the communities in your state. Whether you are interested in assisted living or memory care, we advise you to remember that the costs might vary from one facility to the other, in accordance with the services offered.

Services provided to married couples by assisted living facilities in Hawaii

Couples can benefit from assisted living services, which mostly consist of assistance with ADLs and household chores. Depending on their level of assistance, they can be helped with everyday tasks, grooming, and oral hygiene. Aside from ADLs, they benefit from housekeeping, general maintenance, 24/7 security, shopping, meal planning and preparation, laundry and linen, transportation to/from appointments. Some facilities provide diabetes care, personal emergency response systems, running errands, mobility assistance, etc.

One of the most important services offered is medication management. The treatment schedule is integrated into the service plan, so as the staff is familiar with current prescriptions, dosage, and frequency. With minor levels of assistance, residents are given reminders to take their medication, or they might be helped to open various bottles. Sometimes, the staff can help the resident read the label of a bottle. Administration is possible for residents who cannot handle such matters on their own.

If the respective facility has an integrated memory care unit, that means it can accommodate the complex needs of those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. Senior adults are constantly supervised and their medication is administered by trained staff. Depending on how advanced their illness is, residents can receive less or more assistance with everyday tasks.

Amenities for couples moving to an assisted living in Hawaii

Hawaiian ALFs have apartment-style units, which can be occupied by individuals or married couples. All living units have a minimum square footage and are equipped with modern appliances, accessible bathrooms, and a fully-functional kitchen. An emergency call system is installed in every apartment, being monitored 24/7. Some of these facilities also allow residents to live together with their pets.

Modern amenities contribute to a comfortable style of living. Senior adults can stay fit at the gym or fitness center, and they can practice various sports, such as swimming. They can pursue various interests and hobbies, with common amenities including art studios, woodworking shops, library, computer room, etc. Additional amenities might be offered, such as social clubs, weekly religious service, off-site trips. Dementia residents benefit from specific amenities, including specially-designed gardens, occupational therapy, painting classes, etc.