What are residential care centers? How much does it cost? What allowances exist? How do I choose the right one? Read it here.
Contents
- What is an assisted living facility?
- Types of residential care centers
- Prices residential care centers
- Contributions
- Tips for choosing an assisted living facility
1. What is an assisted living facility?
A residential care center (WZC) is an institution where the elderly who can no longer live independently can receive care and assistance. In addition to medical support, WZCs also provide social networking, activities and domestic help.
2. Types of residential care centers
- Commercial residential care centers: These are run by private companies and often offer more luxuries and extra facilities. Costs are usually higher than in public centers.
- PCSW residential care centers: These are managed by the Public Center for Social Welfare (PCSW). They are often less expensive and focus on social support.
3. Prices residential care centers
Prices of residential care centers vary widely. The cost of staying in a residential care center varies greatly depending on the region, the type of center and the services offered. According to OKRA, the average price for a Flemish residential care center (on Sept. 1, 2024) is 2,245 euros per month. Be careful because sometimes there are additional services that cost you money and are not included in the monthly price.
Examples:
- Laundry
- Medication
- Meals
- Activities and outings
- …
4. Contributions
According to OKRA, the average net pension is 1,706 euros per month. With this net pension with you add 540 euros per month yourself to pay for your stay. There are, however, 3 allowances that are best used:
- Some WZCs give discounts to residents of the municipality in which the WZCs are located. Download the list here.
- Flemish reduced health care premium: Pay a lower annual health care premium if you meet all the conditions.
- Care budget of the Flemish Social Protection: Apply for the care budget if you meet all care budget conditions and receive a maximum of 170 euros per month (untaxed).
5. Tips for choosing an assisted living facility
Usually, people have to quickly choose an assisted living facility because a sudden event has occurred (e.g., death, rapid decline with health, etc.).
- Get a full price list from each assisted living facility so there are no surprises.
- Seek help from appropriate agencies. Engage family, CPAS, CAW, OKRA or a care broker for advice and support.
- Compare the benefits and costs of other options such as informal care, home care or day care before making a final choice.
- Be critical of additional services. Avoid unnecessary costs by choosing only essential services. Ask clearly what is included in the daily rate.
- Analyze your financial situation. Map your income and expenses to have a clear overview of what is feasible. Consider selling or renting your current home to cover expenses.
- Don’t sell your home if you are moving to an assisted living facility. Your care budget from Flemish Social Protection is calculated for up to 10 years at 6% of the value your sold home and 6% of your savings. This is also the case with a donation. If you rent out your home, this value does not apply.
Would you like to cite this article as a source? Then use:
Stiasteny, L. (2024, Dec. 16). Living in assisted living facilities: Everything you need to know. Apartment.com. Accessed on (date XX/XX/202X), from https://www.appartement.be/wonen-in-woonzorgcentra/
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