3 Assisted Living Communities in Eaton Rapids, Michigan

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $4,500 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 3 Assisted Living Communities in Eaton Rapids and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Eaton Rapids, MI

• Assisted Living: $4,500
• Nursing Home Care: $9,034
• In-home Care: $4,385
• Adult Day Health Services: $2,297

The 2018 Genworth Cost of Care study reveals a lot about assisted living costs in different areas of Michigan. It shows that seniors in Eaton Rapids pay $500 more per month than the national average ($4,000) and $650 more than the statewide average of $3,850. Rates here fall between those in Flint ($3,950) and Ann Arbor, which has the state’s highest assisted living cost at $5,050. Prices are much more affordable in Battle Creek ($3,050) and Saginaw, where assisted living costs an average of just $2,825 per month.

Note: Senior care cost data for Eaton Rapids wasn’t available, so data for the nearby Lansing area was used.

While location plays a role in senior care rate differences from state to state, other factors ultimately dictate prices within a specific locale. Most notable are the category of care, the skill level of services offered and the setting. Nursing homes are the most expensive care option in Eaton Rapids, mainly because they offer 24-hour skilled nursing services. Assisted living costs less than half as much per month, even though it also provides room and board in a residential setting. The average monthly costs for in-home services from a homemaker or home health aide seem fairly consistent with those of assisted living, but this isn’t an accurate comparison. The rates for in-home care don’t include regular living expenses that are covered by assisted living room-and-board fees, such as rent, utilities, upkeep and food. When these extra expenses are added on, in-home care may cost considerably more than assisted living.

 

Americans with limited income and resources may be eligible to receive free or low-cost health care services through Medicaid, a jointly funded endeavor of the federal and state governments. The Michigan Medicaid program covers approximately one in four state residents, including families with children, pregnant women and those who are blind, disabled or elderly. 

Michigan Medicaid enrollees receive a number of services, including doctor and specialist visits, lab and diagnostic services, preventive care, emergency medical transportation and long-term care in a nursing home.

To qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage in Michigan, an applicant has to meet these eligibility guidelines:

• Be a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
• Be aged 65 or older or aged 21 to 64 and blind or disabled
• Be assessed as needing the level of care provided in a nursing home
• Have a monthly income not greater than 300% of the SSI federal benefit rate, which is currently $2,313
• Have a maximum of $2,000 in countable assets if single or $3,000 if married and both spouses are applying

All types of income count, including wages, dividends, pensions, Social Security payments and VA benefits. While most assets count, a few are disregarded, including an applicant’s principal home, household furnishings, personal effects, one automobile and burial trusts.

Married applicants with a spouse who’s not applying may still qualify even if they’re above the income and assets limits. Medicaid will exclude up to $3,160.50 of the applicant’s monthly income and $126,420 in joint assets as living and resource allowances to prevent spousal impoverishment.

Applicants with income above the monthly limit may qualify for a Medicaid deductible to reach the eligibility threshold. The deductible is simply the person’s excess income figure, and they’ll become eligible for Medicaid coverage once it’s spent on health care expenses, such as hospital and doctor bills, nursing care, medical equipment and prescriptions.

Individuals who qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits are automatically enrolled in Michigan Medicaid and don’t have to complete a separate application.

Eaton Rapids residents can apply for Medicaid online. They can also call (517) 543-0860 or visit the Eaton County Health and Human Services office located at 1050 Independence Blvd. in Charlotte.

MI Choice Waiver

Michigan Medicaid offers the MI Choice waiver program to provide eligible seniors and disabled adults with care assistance at home or in a community setting, such as an assisted living facility. Those approved for the MI Choice program receive full Medicaid medical benefits and at least one service covered under the waiver, which can include:

• Transition services to move from a nursing home
• Supports coordination
• Community living supports
• Preventive nursing services
• Respite care
• Medical equipment and supplies not covered by regular Medicaid
• Nonmedical transportation services
• Private duty nursing services

To qualify for the MI Choice waiver, Eaton Rapids residents must meet the Medicaid program eligibility requirements. Enrollment in the waiver is capped at 18,000 participants statewide, so qualified applicants may be placed on a waiting list until a slot becomes available.

To schedule an eligibility assessment for the MI Choice waiver, interested seniors should contact the Tri-County Office on Aging at (517) 887-1440.

Optional State Supplementation

Eaton Rapids seniors and disabled adults who qualify for federal SSI benefits may also be entitled to a monthly top-up payment through the Michigan Optional State Supplementation program.

The eligibility requirements for OSS are the same as those for SSI. The benefit amount applicants may receive depends on their marital status, living situation and income. The maximum monthly OSS benefits available are $179.30 for single recipients and $743.60 for married couples.

For more information about the OSS program or to apply for benefits, seniors should call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

A bridge loan from Elderlife Financial can make a move to assisted living less of a financial strain for seniors experiencing a temporary cash shortage. The loan is structured as a line of credit and requires just interest-only payments over its 12-month maximum term. There are no out-of-pocket costs, application fees or early repayment penalties, so the balance can be paid off quickly and easily once assets have sold, benefits have been approved or long-term funding is in place.

Seniors can apply for a bridge loan online or call Elderlife Financial Services at (888) 228-4500 to learn more or apply by phone.

Staff at the Eaton County Veterans Services office is available to assist senior veterans with obtaining necessary documents and completing the application process for medical and pension benefits. Veterans can visit the VA clinic in Lansing for primary medical care, mental health services, nutritional counseling and lab tests. Camaraderie and opportunities for community involvement can be found at VFW Post 6056 in nearby Springport.

Eaton County Veterans Services Office
1045 Independence Blvd., Room 150, Charlotte, MI 48813
(517) 543-3740

Lansing South VA Clinic
2025 S. Washington Ave., Lansing, MI 48910
(517) 267-3925

VFW Post 6056
230 Mechanic St., Springport, MI 49284
(517) 857-3595

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.