Assisted Living in Fenton, MI

Assisted Living Costs in Fenton

Fenton’s average monthly assisted living cost ($3,950) is $100 higher than the state average of $3,850, per Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, and just $50 less expensive than the nationwide average ($4,000).

Assisted living prices vary greatly within the state of Michigan. Budget-conscious seniors may consider relocating to Saginaw, where care costs just $2,825 per month. At $3,050, the rate in Battle Creek is also much more affordable. Ann Arbor seniors pay the highest price for assisted living in Michigan at $5,050 per month.

Note: Senior care cost data for Fenton wasn’t available, so data for Flint, the closest major city, was used.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Surrounding Areas

Care Cost Comparison

Monthly senior care costs are mainly dictated by the type of care needed.  In Fenton, nursing home care ($8,836) costs more than twice as much as assisted living. On the other end of the spectrum, adult day health services cost only $2,492, which is nearly $1,500 less than assisted living.

In-home care costs are about the same as assisted living, although seniors who choose to live at home still need to pay for groceries, maintenance and other regular expenses. These costs are generally included in the monthly fees charged by assisted living facilities.

Senior Care Cost Comparison Chart

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Fenton

Medicaid in Michigan

Medicaid is the national health insurance program that’s jointly funded by the state and federal governments. It provides health care coverage to Americans with low incomes and limited assets. In Michigan, over 2.2 million people are enrolled in Medicaid, which represents nearly one-quarter of the state’s population.

Medicaid participants can receive a number of free or low-cost medical services including doctor visits, laboratory, ambulance and hearing services, physical therapy and medically necessary nursing home care. The state’s MI Choice waiver may help seniors pay for long-term care supports in an assisted living setting.

To be eligible for Michigan Medicaid for long-term care, Fenton residents must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals or permanent residents and meet the program’s income and asset standards. The income limit for each applicant is 300% of the SSI federal benefit rate or $2,313 per month. Single applicants are limited to $2,000 in countable asset, and couples are allowed $3,000.

There are three ways to apply for Medicaid coverage in Michigan:

• Visit the Genesee County Department of Health and Human Services
• Call (855) 789-5610
• Complete an MI Bridges online application

Questions about Medicaid can be directed to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at (855) 275-6424.

MI Choice Waiver

The MI Choice waiver program is available to seniors who need the level of care provided in a nursing home but would rather live at home or in an assisted living facility. The program provides Michigan Medicaid health care coverage as well as one or more waiver services such as:

• Community transition services
• Community living supports
• Chore services
• Private duty nursing
• Supports coordination

Applicants must meet the eligibility guidelines for Michigan Medicaid to qualify for the waiver. 

Seniors can call the Valley Area Agency on Aging at (810) 239-7671 to learn more about the MI Choice waiver or to apply. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Optional State Supplementation

Fenton seniors who receive Supplemental Security Income may qualify for Michigan’s Optional State Supplementation program, which provides an extra cash benefit that can be used to help cover the cost of room and board.

Single seniors living in a home for the aged can receive an additional $179.30 per month depending on their countable income. For couples, the maximum monthly benefit is $695.60. 

Fenton residents can apply for the OSS program by contacting the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Assisted Living Bridge Loan

Seniors who need to move into an assisted living facility but are waiting for a home to sell or a pension to be approved may qualify for an assisted living bridge loan. These loans can be used to pay entrance fees, rent and care costs. Borrowers have up to 12 months to repay the loan in full. 

To aid the credit approval process, up to six individuals can apply with the senior. Once a loan is approved, funds can be sent directly to the assisted living facility of the borrower’s choice.

To apply for a bridge loan, call Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500 or complete an online application. 

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance helps pay for a variety of long-term care options, such as in-home, assisted living and nursing home care. Seniors who want to plan ahead for assisted living care may benefit from one of these policies.

The insurance companies offering long-term care policies in Michigan use health status and preexisting conditions to determine eligibility and monthly premiums.

Seniors considering long-term care insurance can receive free counseling about their options by calling the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance program at (800) 803-7174.

Assisted Living Resources in Fenton

Area Agency on Aging

Established by the Older Americans Act of 1965, AAAs are nonprofit agencies that provide information and support to seniors. Fenton seniors can drop by the local AAA for help navigating Medicare, Medicaid, MI Choice and other programs. The AAA also provides health screenings, legal services and educational workshops.

Valley Area Agency on Aging 
225 E Fifth St., Ste. 200, Flint, MI 48502
(810) 239-7671

Senior Centers

The Loose Center is a regional senior center serving the southern portion of Genesee County, and Fenton residents aged 50 or older can join for free. The center’s full schedule includes arts and crafts classes, group fitness classes and wellness programs. Low-cost lunches are served every day, and potluck dinners are offered regularly.

Loose Center 
707 N Bridge St., Linden, MI 48451
(810) 735-9406

Veterans Affairs

There are various Veterans Affairs resources available in the Fenton area to aid eligible veterans and their survivors. Seniors can visit the VA clinic in Flint for basic health needs such as primary care and laboratory services. The VA hospital in Ann Arbor provides a number of medical specialties, including radiation oncology and neurology. For counseling services, seniors can visit the Detroit Vet Center. 

Flint VA Clinic 
2360 S Linden Rd., Flint, MI 48532
(810) 720-2913

VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System 
2215 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(800) 361-8387

Detroit Vet Center 
11214 E Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48214
(313) 822-1141