When Is the Right Time for Assisted Living?
Do you have a senior loved one who is facing some challenges? It’s hard enough to know when a little encumbrance is not so little anymore. Add to that a worldwide pandemic, and the idea of transitioning to assisted living is all the more complex. Here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re making good decisions, all the way around.
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Daily Living Becomes Daily Difficulties
One of the biggest concerns for those whose loved ones are aging is waning strength and mobility. Because of physical changes, Better Health While Aging explains that seniors often begin to struggle with basic, essential tasks. This can include things like dressing, running errands, managing finances, and tackling household chores.
On the other hand, maybe your concerns are somewhat less tangible. Perhaps your loved one is in danger of becoming isolated and depressed, or seems to be incurring more injuries than usual and doesn’t have a good explanation for them.
To address these issues, sometimes simple lifestyle modifications are in order. For instance, downsizing to a one-story home alleviates the risks involved with climbing stairs and can lighten financial concerns. Or, you might need to invest in some wardrobe additions to ease dressing, or purchase senior-friendly gadgetry to simplify medications and communication. Another idea is hiring an in-home caregiver from 1776 Senior Care to provide care for your senior loved one. Other times, more drastic measures are a must.
Moving in with You
If life seems to be particularly challenging, your loved one’s situation might involve moving into your home so you can help more. However, sometimes moving a senior into your home isn’t a practical solution. You might not have a home that could adapt to their mobility concerns easily, or perhaps space is already tight. You might already have tried that solution, and things are progressing beyond your ability to properly help.
Thankfully, assisted living communities can provide a well-rounded, senior-safe lifestyle that still allows for independence. These facilities cover the basic necessities of life in a safe environment and provide things like transportation, social activities, and entertaining events. But even though they have much to offer, of course, it comes with a price.
Covering Costs of Care
Assisted living facilities come with a hefty price tag. According to the figures at Where You Live Matters, assisted living averaged $4,000 per month in 2018, and they often charge a move-in fee between $1,000 and $5,000 in addition to this cost. Many people are surprised to learn that Medicare does not usually help with those expenses unless the move is temporary and in conjunction with a hospital stay. There are less costly assistance options, such as adult day care or a part-time in-home aide, but the reality is that seniors and their families are on the hook for most of the expenses whatever they choose.
These days, of course, there is the added concern of COVID-19. Realistically, older loved ones are at risk whether they live in a professional facility or not, and the CDC has provided strict guidelines for how facilities should function to keep seniors safe. With that in mind, you should discuss all of your concerns with any facilities you’re considering, as well as learn all you can about the safety measures they are taking.
Uncomfortable Conversations
The prospect of discussing waning capabilities with someone you love is usually a daunting one. Add to that the complexities involved with a major transition during this difficult time, and just talking things through can feel like entering a minefield. Asking other family members to chime in can help, and it can also be a boon to discuss the situation with the family doctor. Ensure that your senior loved one knows there are options available and what they are, as well as the fact that you truly have their best interests at heart.
While a move to assisted living is a challenging one in many different ways, it’s also a move that can be of great benefit to seniors. Sift through the options and details carefully; when the timing is right, it will all come together.
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