Senior Living Options In Michigan
Living As A Senior in Michigan
The State of Michigan is blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the nation's longest freshwater coastline, world class beaches and the abundance of fresh produce straight from the farm. Here you will find more than 100 public beaches, sand dunes, two National Lakeshores and the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes - the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron. Along the shoreline there are 129 lighthouses, numerous maritime museums, ten shipwreck-diving preserves and historic military fortifications.
And Michigan is a state of industry. From the ‘Big Three’ auto plants to lumber, pharmaceutical and mining industries. These have contributed to comfortable retirement for Michigan seniors. There is the world famous Henry Ford Museum, America's "Greatest History Attraction" and a thriving arts and culinary scene. And don’t forget the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge and Mackinaw Island where folks can visit life as it was in bygone eras.
Michigan has 19 million acres of forests. Lakes, campgrounds, wildlife refuges and 103 Michigan state parks and recreation areas create a wide variety of recreational pursuits.
Assisted Living in Michigan
The state of Michigan does not license or regulate assisted living facilities.
In Michigan, assisted living community staff will create a service plan, or care plan, for each resident. This is done as part of an initial screening of each resident and before the person moves into the facility. These plans are based on information provided by the resident or his or her legal representative.
As part of the plan, the resident's primary care doctor conducts a physical and mental health screening to make sure assisted living is the appropriate level of care for their needs. If signs of Alzheimer's or dementia are found, then memory care may be recommended. Most Michigan assisted living facilities to not accept residents needing this level of care. If a physical ailment is present that requires regular therapy or medication, skilled nursing or rehabilitation care are usually the right choices. For seniors who are capable of taking care of themselves, Michigan assisted living may be a good choice.
Licensed and Regulated Senior Homes in Michigan
Michigan does have a number of types of senior living that is Licensed, Regulated and Regularly Inspected by the State. These include:
- Adult Foster Care Family Homes
- Adult Foster Care Large Group Homes
- Adult Foster Care Medium Group Homes
- Adult Foster Care Small Group Homes
- Homes for the Aged
- Nursing Homes
Responsible for licensing such homes is the Michigan State Adult Foster Care and Homes for the Aged Licensing Division. There are Staffing Requirements and Staff Training Requirements to obtain and maintain a license. Also background checks for each staff member.
High-functioning seniors who may need help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation and other activities of daily living (ADLs) most often find themselves living in privately overseen residential care communities.
The Cost of Senior Living in Michigan
There are over 4,000 senior care homes of all types in Michigan. Genworth lists the average cost of a private, one bedroom unit in an assisted living community in Michigan as $4,084. This places Michigan on the higher end of the scale at about $100 over the national average, and about $200 lower than the median cost of assisted living in nearby states.
The state Medicaid program is known as Healthy Michigan, and can provide residents of the state with financial assistance. Qualifications to enroll include:
- Permanent residents of the state of Michigan
- Between 18 and 64 years old
- Not pregnant at the time of application
- Not currently enrolled in other Medicaid programs
- Not eligible for Medicare
Also Michigan has several government agencies and various nonprofits that assist aging citizens who need help with their transition into assisted living, as well as for those who could use a helping hand before or after they have gotten settled in. These services are typically provide free of charge.
A Wide Variety of Michigan Senior Living Options
Yes Michigan many senior living possibilities, both licensed and unlicensed. From what some refer to as assisted living to state regulated homes such as Adult Foster Care, Group Homes and more providing home like settings with trained staff and the companionship of other seniors.