The Golden Gap Foundation is sorely needed
“The Golden Gap Foundation is sorely needed to serve the low-income senior community. I have seen firsthand how senior health care & housing costs continue to rise, while the New Choices Waiver, process is getting too complicated!” Ryan Kidman, Director of The Lodge Riverton & South Jordan Assisted Living
In Utah, seniors are often considered fortunate when it comes to Social Security benefits, receiving an average of $1,901 per month—slightly above the national average. While this may seem sufficient at first glance, the reality is that many seniors still struggle to afford safe, supportive living arrangements.
The Cost of Assisted Living and Memory Care
Even the most affordable assisted living communities in Utah start around $1,800 per month for AL1 care. For memory care communities, such as The Lodge Riverton & South Jordan, costs begin at $3,500+ per month.
For seniors living on Social Security alone, this creates a monthly shortfall ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $2,000. Without additional retirement savings or family support, many seniors simply cannot take the next step into assisted living or memory care. The result is that seniors often remain in their homes longer than is safe, increasing the risk of injury and declining health.
Barriers to Assistance: The New Choices Waiver
The New Choices Waiver program was designed to help seniors cover the cost of assisted living and care. Seniors must meet several qualifications, including:
Being over 65 years old
Requiring help with at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Falling under the program’s income thresholds
However, there’s a significant catch: before a senior can apply, they must have already lived in an assisted living community for 365 days (or 90 days in skilled nursing). This creates an upfront financial burden of approximately $20,000, which is simply out of reach for many low-income seniors and their families. As a result, countless seniors remain in living situations that do not meet their care needs.
Closing the Gap with the Golden Gap Foundation
This disparity is what we call “The Golden Gap”—the space between what seniors can afford and what they need for safe, dignified care. The Golden Gap Foundation exists to bridge this gap, providing resources and support to ensure seniors do not have to compromise on their safety and well-being.
Our mission is simple: no senior should feel trapped by financial limitations when it comes to their health, care, and quality of life. By raising awareness, advocating for solutions, and supporting seniors in need, we help ensure they receive the care and attention they deserve in assisted living communities.
