When the time comes to help a loved one transition
into assisted living, the options can be overwhelming, making an emotionally
and financially fraught situation all the more challenging. Ideally, you’ll
have the conversation about long-term care before the need arises, but even
then, you may have some tough decisions to navigate.
Here’s how to move your loved one into
assisted living.
Areas of Specialty
Not all assisted living facilities are
the same, and if you have a loved one with specific needs, you’ll want to do
some comparisons to find the right fit. For example, are you looking for memory
or incontinence care? Can your loved one safely prepare meals and handle
personal hygiene and activities of daily living,
or do they require a higher degree of care? Of course, every facility has its
own unique features, social programs, and housing options, and depending on the
circumstances, you may want a place in which your loved one can transition from
one degree of care to another as needed, in the same space.
Questions to Ask
It can be especially difficult to try and
find an assisted living facility if you live far away from your loved one and
aren’t able to visit facilities in person. Ask to speak to a facility’s social
worker and request a virtual tour. According to the Public Broadcasting System,
you’ll want to ask about the admissions
process, the type and degree of care available, and how the facility will
communicate with you. If your loved one has specific wants or needs (e.g., they
want to bring their pet,
have dietary restrictions), ask about these upfront.
Paying for Assisted Living
Assisted living can require a significant
financial investment, particularly if your loved one needs specialized care.
Many families assume Medicaid will pay for it,
and while it may cover some of the expenses, it rarely covers everything and
may limit the choices and locations available. The facility you choose may be
able to help you assess different types of financing options or connect you
with social services that can help. The U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services provides resources as well. If your
loved one doesn’t yet need to move into assisted living, have a frank talk with
them about their finances and their wishes.
Liquidating Assets
Many families liquidate the assets of
their loved ones to finance their long-term care. While this can be an
emotional process, in many ways, it’s quite practical. Your loved one will have
a new place to live, and their current home will help finance their next phase
of life. To get an idea of what a home sale might net, you’ll need to know
the mortgage balance and the estimated value. You’ll also need to factor in
real estate commissions and other associated fees.
Caregivers and relatives often struggle
with the decision to move a loved one into assisted living, but in many cases,
it is the kindest and safest option for ensuring their physical, mental, and
emotional well-being. A bit of advanced research can help you make the right
decisions for those you care for.
To learn how Caring
Transitions can help you manage all
the details of senior transitioning, call 908-666-2699 and request a free
consultation.
Photo by Pixabay
Source: Annabelle Harris of elders.center started blogging nearly a decade ago when she was facing the prospect of retirement and old age. Today she helps soon-to-be-seniors and already-seniors move gracefully into their golden years by providing resources that will answer most of your aging questions and help navigate the intricacies of old age.