Key facts
- An 82-year-old father requires assisted living due to multiple health issues.
- The monthly cost for assisted living is $5,000.
- The father's Social Security check of $2,200 covers less than half the cost.
- The family sold a property for $50,000 to cover the shortfall.
- The family anticipates running out of funds by the end of the year.
- The father is reportedly happy and well-cared for in his current facility.
Judi Gatson's 82-year-old father, who has multiple health issues including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and vision problems, is residing in an assisted living facility at a cost of $5,000 per month. His Social Security check of $2,200 per month covers less than half of this expense. The father had previously drained his own savings and retirement funds while caring for his late companion. To bridge the financial gap, Gatson and her sisters sold a family property in Alabama for approximately $50,000, which has provided a temporary solution. However, they anticipate these funds will be depleted by the end of the year and are actively seeking other resources, with the assistance of a gerontologist, to continue providing care for their father, who feels safe and well-cared for in his current facility. The family is hesitant to move him to other facilities due to the potential upheaval and similar costs when factoring in travel and community fees, as well as concerns about the quality of care in less expensive options.