111 Assisted Living Communities in Oakland County, Michigan

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $4,224 per month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 111 Assisted Living Communities in Oakland County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Oakland County, MI

• Assisted Living: $4,224
• Nursing Home Care: $9,095
• In-home Care: $4,433
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,517

Seniors in Oakland County pay a higher monthly price for assisted living ($4,224) than the state ($3,850) and national ($4,000) averages. Residents in surrounding Michigan communities pay a lot less per month, including Flint ($3,950), Battle Creek ($3,050) and Saginaw ($2,825). The average monthly rates in other areas are much more expensive, such as Lansing ($4,500) and Monroe ($4,720). The most expensive assisted living is found in Ann Arbor, where the $5,050 rate is over $850 more than the local average.

Note: Data for senior care costs in Oakland County wasn’t available, so data for the metropolitan Detroit area was used instead.

Various factors influence the cost of senior care within a specific area. Major contributors are the extent and skill level of care required and whether meals and accommodations are provided. In Oakland County, seniors who only require Monday through Friday daytime care pay just $1,517 per month for adult day health services. The monthly rates for in-home services from homemakers and home health aides average $4,224 and $4,528, respectively. Assisted living costs a bit less in comparison at $4,224, while round-the-clock skilled care in nursing homes is more than double that at $9,095 per month. These two options generally include room and board in their prices. In contrast, in-home and adult care center rates strictly cover service hours provided, so seniors have to pay food and housing-related expenses as well.

The federal and state governments jointly fund the national Medicaid program that provides health care coverage to Americans with little income and few assets. The program is regulated federally and adapted and administered by each state to meet the needs of dependent children and their parents, expectant mothers, seniors and disabled adults. Over one-fifth of Michigan’s population is enrolled in the state program, including almost half a million elderly, blind and disabled individuals.

Qualifying for Michigan Medicaid

Oakland County residents who qualify for Michigan Medicaid are covered for numerous health care benefits, including:

• Inpatient, outpatient and emergency hospital services
• Doctor and specialist visits
• Prescription medications
• Ambulance and nonemergency medical transportation
• Long-term care in a nursing home

Seniors and disabled adults eligible for Supplemental Security Income benefits are enrolled in Medicaid and receive full benefits automatically. Other applicants must have $2,313 or less of income per month. Single people are allowed up to $2,000 in countable assets and married couples applying together may have up to $3,000 combined. Applicants must also be:

• American citizens or legal immigrants
• Aged 65 or older or disabled or blind if aged 64 or younger

Medicaid counts all sources of income but automatically disregards some assets, including personal belongings, one vehicle, irrevocable burial trusts, a home worth no more than $585,000 and household furnishings.

Applying for Medicaid

Oakland County seniors can apply for Michigan Medicaid online, at the nearest Health and Human Services office or by calling (844) 799-9876.

MI Choice Waiver

Oakland County residents who are eligible for Medicaid coverage for long-term nursing home care but prefer to remain at home or in the community may qualify for the MI Choice waiver program.

Those who apply must be assessed as needing a nursing facility level of care but be physically and mentally capable of living in the community without any risk of harm. Applicants must also be aged 65 or older or aged 64 or younger and blind or disabled.

Those approved for the program are entitled to full Medicaid medical coverage and at least one of the following services offered under the waiver:

• Care coordination
• Transitional assistance to return to the community
• Private duty nursing care
• Preventive nursing services
• Medical equipment and supplies not covered by Medicaid
• Supports for community living
• Counseling
• Certain goods and services
• Personal emergency response systems
• Nonmedical transportation

Because it’s a waiver rather than a Michigan Medicaid entitlement program, participation in the Choice program is capped statewide, so approved seniors may be placed on a waiting list until a spot becomes available.

To learn more about the MI Choice waiver or to start the application process, Oakland County seniors should contact Area Agency on Aging 1-B at (800) 852-7795.

Optional State Supplementation

Seniors and disabled adults who meet the income and asset requirements to receive SSI benefits may also be eligible for an extra cash payment from the Michigan Optional State Supplementation program.

This monthly benefit can top up a recipient’s SSI check by as much as $179.30 for individuals or $695.60 for married couples. The exact benefit amount depends on an applicant’s income and living arrangement.

To apply for SSI and OSS benefits, Oakland County seniors should contact the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Medicaid-eligible seniors in Oakland County who qualify for long-term care coverage can apply for the PACE program of Southeast Michigan. This program gives eligible seniors the option of receiving Medicaid medical and long-term care services in the community instead of moving to a nursing home. To qualify, seniors must be aged 55 or older and not currently enrolled in the MI Choice waiver or an HMO. Additionally, applicants must:

• Live within the program’s service area

• Be assessed to verify their need for long-term care

• Be able to live safely in the community with the support services provided by the PACE program

The program doesn’t cover room and board or reimburse an assisted living facility for provided services, but the PACE services provided may help reduce a participant’s monthly care costs. The program covers comprehensive medical care and a wide range of supportive services. Seniors approved to participate in the program are evaluated by the PACE interdisciplinary team and a personalized service plan is developed that includes care coordination and supports, such as:

• Skilled nursing services

• Social and recreational programs

• Physical, occupational, rehabilitative and speech therapy

• Assistance with personal care and daily living activities

• Prepared meals

• Nutritional counseling

• Transportation to the PACE center and medical appointments

For more information about the program or to apply, Oakland County seniors can contact PACE Southeast Michigan at (855) 445-4554.

Senior veterans and their dependents or survivors can receive help identifying compensation they’re eligible for and assistance filing applications for state and VA pensions and benefits at the Pontiac or Troy Oakland County Veterans Services office. Those in need of medical care can visit the VA outpatient clinic in Pontiac for primary care, lab work and pharmacy services as well as referrals to the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center in Detroit for specialty care.

Oakland County Veterans Services — Pontiac
1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Bldg. 26E, Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 858-0785

Oakland County Veterans Services — Troy
1151 Crooks Rd., Entrance B, Troy, MI 48084
(248) 655-1250

Pontiac VA Outpatient Clinic
44200 Woodward Ave., Ste. 208, Pontiac, MI 48341
(248) 332-4540

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