As you get older, you may need some kind of long-term care. Assisted living is one option for people who can generally take care of themselves, but need some help managing things like housekeeping, meals or other chores. Residents at an assisted living facility usually don’t need the type of round-the-clock care provided in a nursing home.
Medicare won’t cover most assisted living costs. Medicare does not pay for “custodial care,” a term referring to help with daily life tasks, such as eating, bathing or dressing. Most of the care given at an assisted living facility is considered custodial care. But there are some assisted living costs that Medicare may cover.