The Cost of Ocean County Senior Living
Finding a retirement community that matches your lifestyle and future health needs can be quite the challenge. The cost of senior living often includes housing, dining, amenities and medical care, making it a much bigger choice than simply picking out a new living space. For many older adults, it may be the biggest financial decision they’ve made in decades. To make this complex choice a bit simpler, we’ve combed through the data to bring you the information you need about the cost of senior living in Ocean County, New Jersey.
Stay at Home and Save? Not So Fast.
Understandably, many seniors are hesitant to move out of homes they’ve owned and lived in for decades. Though senior living communities may seem pricey, staying at home can cost more than you might think. Consider the following:
- Think about the cost of age-proofing your home – renovations to add a stairlift, lower shelves and cabinets to a reachable height, or install a walk-in bathtub can cost thousands of your hard-earned dollars.
- Take stock of what you spend on home upkeep. Whether you hire a housekeeper and a gardener or do it all yourself, home maintenance can cost you both time and money.
- According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Survey, the average annual cost of at-home living options (like in-home nursing and other health aides) in southeast New Jersey exceeded $50,000. In comparison, the average annual cost of senior assisted living was almost $65,000. If that seems expensive, remember that assisted living fees often include wellness programs, amenities, living space, in-home aid, dining and maintenance.
Picking the Right Plan for You
When balancing your individual needs against the cost of senior living communities, it’s vital to consider the whole range of services offered. Most stand-alone assisted living communities don’t have an on-site health center for memory support, rehabilitation or skilled nursing. As a result, residents may be required to pay out-of-pocket elsewhere to receive the treatment they need. Worse still, residents may have to uproot their lives and make another move as their health needs change.
Life Plan Communities
Unlike stand-alone assisted living communities, Life Plan Communities (also known as Continuing Care Retirement Communities or CCRCs) charge a one-time entrance fee and monthly payments that support a full spectrum of health services. Residents receive access to comprehensive long-term care at a predictable cost, usually much lower than the open market rate. In contrast to standard Life Plan Communities, fee-for-service communities offer a lower entrance fee offset by more expensive health services. Regardless of their payment model, most Life Plan Communities have all levels of living on one campus. Instead of having to plan for another move, they offer you the flexibility to meet your needs as they arise.
Life Care at Harrogate
As a pioneering Life Plan Community, Harrogate knows how to add value to our residents’ entrance fee. With residences starting at $76,010, Harrogate offers an incredible value by giving you an active, independent lifestyle with a full suite of high-quality amenities and services alongside excellent on-site care, whenever you need it. Since we’re a Life Care community, you’ll get priority access to our team of health experts at a fraction of open market costs. We believe you should know the cost of senior living upfront; if you leave Harrogate for any reason, we’ll refund up to 90% of your entrance fee, granting you and your estate the financial freedom and peace of mind that comes from knowing your investment is protected.
Take the Next Step
Before deciding which model is right for you, visit and speak with sales counselors at a variety of different senior living communities. They have years of experience helping older adults find the place that best fits their lives, and they’ll do the same for you.
Interested in Harrogate? Explore our floor plan fit calculator to see if Harrogate is the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.