Planning for senior living can feel overwhelming, especially when a loved one’s health needs begin to change quickly. From assisted living to memory care, the costs involved may seem daunting — but with the right guidance and early planning, families can navigate the financial side of elder care with greater confidence.
At DeSano Place, Assisted Living Homes, we work closely with families across Gooding, Jerome, and Twin Falls, Idaho to help them understand the financial responsibilities of assisted living and dementia-related care. Whether your loved one is considering a move now or you’re planning ahead, this guide will help you understand what to expect, how much to budget, and where to find assistance.
The Cost of Senior Living in Idaho
Senior living expenses vary based on location, care level, and personal needs. In Idaho, the cost of assisted living typically ranges between $3,800 and $5,300 per month. This includes room and board, 24-hour supervision, meals, and support with daily living activities such as bathing and medication reminders.
Memory care, which provides additional supervision, safety features, and dementia-specific programming, can cost between $5,000 and $6,500 monthly. These costs are higher due to the specialized care and staff training required to serve individuals with Alzheimer’s and other cognitive conditions.
Skilled nursing care, often called a nursing home, offers more intensive medical support and has a higher monthly cost, averaging $7,000 to $9,000 depending on the complexity of care.
What Influences the Cost?
Beyond location and level of care, other variables impact monthly rates. These include whether the resident chooses a private room, the need for medication management, mobility assistance, and special dietary needs. Some services may be included in the base fee, while others are billed separately. Understanding the breakdown is essential for accurate budgeting.
At DeSano Place, we provide clear, transparent pricing and help families understand exactly what’s included. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges — just straightforward information to support informed decisions.
How Families Can Plan Financially
Many families aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to affording senior living. The key is to take a broad view of your loved one’s financial picture and then explore every funding option available.
Start by reviewing all income sources, such as Social Security, retirement benefits, and pensions. Next, evaluate savings accounts, life insurance policies, and any home equity that may be available through selling or renting the property.
For families with long-term care insurance, now is the time to contact the provider to review what types of care are covered. Policies vary widely in what they pay for and under what circumstances. Some cover both assisted living and memory care, while others may cover only skilled nursing or in-home care.
Veterans and surviving spouses may also qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly financial support to cover long-term care services. As of 2025, eligible veterans may receive up to $2,727 per month, and surviving spouses may qualify for over $1,400. DeSano Place frequently assists families with the paperwork and documentation required to apply for these benefits.
Medicaid and Assisted Living in Idaho
One of the most important tools for families with limited financial resources is Medicaid, which offers coverage for long-term care services in Idaho for those who meet income and medical eligibility requirements. Specifically, the Aged and Disabled Medicaid Waiver allows qualifying individuals to receive care in assisted living or memory care facilities instead of in a nursing home.
To qualify, seniors must demonstrate both financial need and require a nursing-home level of care. The application process includes submitting proof of income and assets, medical records, and assessments from healthcare professionals. While the process can be complex, it’s a valuable option for families that would otherwise be unable to afford quality care.
DeSano Place is experienced in helping Idaho families explore Medicaid options and complete applications. Our staff can guide you through the required steps and connect you with Medicaid caseworkers and legal resources when needed. We do accept some MediCaid residents, though it primarily covers a shared room. Families or friends often can assist in covering a small differential to pay for a private room. In many cases residents need to “Spend Down” to qualify for medicaid. DeSano Place strives to not displace residents in this process and keep them in the community that they call “Home”.
Using Home Equity and Other Resources
For homeowners, one of the most common strategies to fund care is leveraging home equity. This could include selling the home and using proceeds to cover care costs, renting the home to generate income, or exploring reverse mortgage options for seniors who wish to remain in the home longer. These decisions should be carefully considered, and we recommend consulting a financial planner before making long-term commitments.
From years of experience DeSano has found that selling a home is much easier when the Senior is not living in it. This allows the house to have any repairs completed and be show ready at any time allowing it to fetch top dollar. In these cases, Seniors will work with banks and credit unions to use a Home Equity Credit line to make those repairs and pay for lodging while their home is being sold. DeSano can direct you to trusted partners who can help in this process.
Some families also look into support from relatives or pooled family contributions, especially in multi-generational households. Crowdfunding, while less traditional, has become more common in covering specific needs such as medical equipment or short-term respite care.
DeSano Place Offers Personalized Financial Support
At DeSano Place, we understand the financial concerns that come with choosing senior living. That’s why we offer more than care — we offer planning support. Our team works one-on-one with families to discuss pricing, review insurance plans, assist with Medicaid and VA applications, and build a customized care plan that fits both the resident’s needs and the family’s budget.
Families never have to make these decisions alone. From the first phone call to move-in day and beyond, we’re here to offer clarity, transparency, and compassion.
Plan Early, Choose Confidently
Delaying financial planning for senior care can reduce your family’s options and lead to rushed decisions during a crisis. The earlier you begin gathering documents, researching care options, and estimating costs, the more confident and prepared you’ll be.
Whether your loved one needs help now or in the coming months, take the time today to evaluate your financial position, explore available support, and have open conversations with your family. The right care is within reach — and the right planning can help make it sustainable.
If you’re in Gooding, Jerome, Twin Falls, or anywhere in southern Idaho, and you have questions about affording assisted living or memory care, we invite you to reach out to DeSano Place, Assisted Living Homes. Our trusted team is ready to help you navigate your options with practical guidance and genuine care.