Assisted living may be in your future, but it pays to think about the options now

“You can still be near your kids,’’ she says. “You can still go food shopping, you can go to the movies. You just won’t have the burden of your house.’’ Some things to know:

■ What: Assisted living offers different levels of health or personal care - anything from cooking to transportation to dressing and bathing. It does not address major medical needs. The facilities are designed to provide a home-like setting for residents who want minimal assistance.

■ Who: The average age in 2009 was 87. Three-quarters of the residents were female. They stayed in assisted living for an average of 28 months; most then move to a nursing facility.

■ Services: They vary widely but typically include 24-hour emergency care, some medical services and help with medications, limited assistance with personal care, meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and recreational activities. Large facilities may have private apartments as well as shared and private rooms.

■ Finances: The cost varies greatly; median rate for a private room is $3,261 a month, according to Genworth Financial Inc. If you need a home health aide, the median cost nationwide is $19 an hour.

Neither Medicare nor health insurance policies pay for assisted living. Medicaid covers only some services, and not in every facility or every state.

Long-term care insurance may cover most of the costs. But if you haven’t bought coverage well ahead of time, you may not be eligible and able to afford it.

Veterans can qualify for up to $1,949 a month if married, $1,644 if single, or $1,055 for surviving spouses.

■ Alternatives: independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing. Continuing care communities are worth considering. They offer all three levels within one community. But this tiered approach is expensive. Entrance fees can range up to $1 million, and monthly charges range from $3,000 to $5,000, increasing as needs change.

■ Preparation: Do the research before you have an immediate need. Having an idea of the cost and availability of options in your community is essential. If local facilities aren’t appropriate or affordable, it may be worth considering relocating. It’s probably too late for your elderly parents to obtain long-term care insurance, but getting it for yourself in your 50s or early 60s is an important step to finance your own future care.

Dave Carpenter writes for the Associated Press.