How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Honolulu, Hawaii?
Over 810,000 people across the United States live in assisted living facilities. This generally includes seniors who need help with personal care or are showing signs of declining health – those who need help with some things, just not round-the-clock care. Over half of all assisted living residents are over 85 years old. If you or a loved one have decided that it’s time to transition to this type of senior housing, it can be useful to know what to expect. So, here’s everything you need to know about the cost of assisted living in Honolulu, Hawaii.
What is Assisted Living?
Assisted living is a long-term care option for older adults who would benefit from some extra care, but don’t quite need a medical facility. This type of senior housing combines caregiving and independence in a home-like setting. Senior residents are able to stay active and social with help and support from staff. Common features to look for in an assisted living facility are:
- A variety of services including things like housekeeping, home maintenance, and transportation
- 24-hour emergency care
- Personal care assistance
- Transferring assistance
- Supervision
- Well checks
- Multiple prepared meals per day
- A variety of amenities including things like fitness centers, worship centers, and on-site salons
- And many more…
About Honolulu
Nestled along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Honolulu is the vibrant epicenter of Hawaii. Fondly referred to as “The Gathering Place”, it is home to iconic landmarks such as Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, and the historic Iolani Palace. A city known for its harmonious blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication, Honolulu embraces a diverse array of lifestyles and cultures. Here, you can spend your day surfing the waves at Waikiki Beach, savoring a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch, then visit the Honolulu Museum of Art, which houses one of the largest single collections of Asian and Pan-Pacific art in the United States! As of 2023, Honolulu, Hawaii boasts a population of over 390,000.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Honolulu?
The national average cost of assisted living is just over $4,500 per month. Though the actual cost will vary by facility and services offered, the average monthly cost in Honolulu is $5,375.
What Determines the Cost of Assisted Living in Honolulu?
The total cost can vary, depending on the extent of services and care you require. Those who need less assistance can generally anticipate a lower monthly bill compared to those requiring more comprehensive care. Other elements like your chosen floor plan, meal services, and even the staff-to-resident ratio can also influence the final price.
Now, let’s break down how charges typically work for assisted living facilities. You’ll usually encounter two billing methods: a la carte and all-inclusive.
When you see a la carte on your bill, think of it as a menu of services from which you choose. This bill gets itemized and usually covers your monthly rent (room and board), fees for care services, medication management, medical assistance, and other housekeeping or maintenance services. You might even spot charges for certain recreational activities you’ve been enjoying in your leisure time.
On the other hand, an all-inclusive plan is just like it sounds – one monthly fee that wraps up your rent, amenities, and all the services you use. It’s a comprehensive package. However, keep in mind that with this type of plan, there might be a cap on the extent to which some services can be used.
How Much Does Assisted Living Cost Compared to Other Senior Care Options in Honolulu?
Let’s take a look at assisted living costs in Honolulu compared to other senior care options:
| Type of Care | National Average Monthly Cost | Honolulu Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $4,500 | $5,375 |
| Home Care (all services) | $5,053 | $5,720 |
| Homemaker Services | $4,957 | $5,720 |
| Home Health Aide | $5,148 | $5,720 |
| Adult Day Health Care | $1,690 | $1,625 |
| Nursing Home, Semi-Private Room | $7,908 | $12,471 |
| Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,034 | $15,056 |
How to Pay for Assisted Living in Honolulu
Long-Term Care Insurance
Traditional health insurance rarely pays for costs associated with long-term care. Help with daily activities and mobility are a pretty big part of receiving long-term care. So, that’s where long-term care insurance can help. It can cover custodial care, meal services, housekeeping services, and yes, assisted living facilities.
Veteran Benefits
The VA will cover the cost of many services under standard health benefits.
To see a full list of long-term care services and to apply for assistance, check out these resources:
VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Home HealthCare
State of Hawaii Office of Veterans’ Services
Medicare
It’s no secret that Medicare doesn’t pay for long-term care, so don’t count on it to flip your bill for rent. However, under the right circumstances, assisted living residents can still use it in other ways. Here’s how:
If you receive any medically necessary skilled nursing care while in assisted living, it may be covered by Original Medicare (Parts A & B). Treatments such as daily injections, IV therapy, or wound care are examples. Also, if you ever find yourself in the hospital for inpatient care, Medicare coverage can be used.
Your Medicare Advantage Plan most likely won’t pay for any custodial care. But, it will pay for some skilled nursing, prescription medications, and even emergency services. Check your health plan for specific info!
Medicare Part D will pay for prescription medication, even while residing in assisted living! Check out Medicare.gov for more info!
For more Medicare help, visit these resources:
State of Hawaii Employer-Union Health Benefits Trust Fund
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for care. It can help with the cost of both custodial and medical care. Every state has different qualification requirements.
For eligibility and enrollment in Hawaii, visit these resources:
State of Hawaii Department of Human Services Med-QUEST Division
Elderly Affairs Division Honolulu
Hawaii Executive Office on Aging
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Originally published October 24, 2023
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