Assisted living communities provide care and peace of mind to aging parents and their families. When considering an assisted living facility, involve your family in discussions, understand what assisted living can do to help, make a plan to cover costs, visit senior living communities, consult several sources to determine the best option, and prepare your parents for the transition.
An elder law attorney can help with long-term care planning, describe payment options, and review facility contracts. Assisted living communities can provide essential care and peace of mind to you and your aging parents. Identifying the most suitable facility for your loved ones is a journey requiring matching your parents’ needs, budget, and lifestyle with desirable locations. Research and preparation yield the best results when all parties participate by asking questions and engaging in open and honest conversations about expectations.
When your aging parents need more help than an in-home caregiver can provide, take these six steps to learn about assisted living before committing to relocating your parents.
1. Have A Conversation With Your Family
Where applicable, include all siblings in the initial discussion, no matter how far away they live. If you’re the driving force behind calling the meeting, be clear about your capacity to participate and provide care. If you’re already your parents’ caregiver, be honest about how challenging the job is and remind them you can’t perform the duties indefinitely without support. Work at the outset to settle any disagreements. Securing family members’ support is key to providing a smooth transition and reducing your workload. Your siblings may surprise you with input and solutions that may not have occurred to you.
If your parents are unwilling to listen to your proposed shift in their care, find a quiet moment when you can relay to them your feelings, observations, and concerns. Though your parents may be in denial, you must listen to them and note their apprehensions as well as their preferences. If they remain unmoved, perhaps employ the services of a professional mediator who can provide everyone with a safe and constructive environment for this discussion. An elder law attorney may be an excellent choice.
2. Understand What Assisted Living Can Do To Help
Significant life changes can bring about stress, particularly for seniors, who tend to resist change. You can evaluate your parents’ needs with an assessment of their activities of daily living (ADLs), such as whether they can dress themselves, bathe, and get from one place to another on their own.
Recognize that assisted living encompasses far more than many people realize, although it’s not as involved as memory care or nursing homes. Do some research to understand what assisted living offers and match it to your parents’ requirements. While healthy skepticism is reasonable, don’t forget to consider the potential benefits assisted living offers. From ensuring residents receive personal care to offering social activities to providing private living spaces, assisted living facilities can help ensure your aging loved one maintains a high quality of life.
Consider speaking to a local senior living advisor who has expertise in senior care. Many of them offer free advice and recommendations. You may also reach out to an elder law attorney for more resources and information.
3. Make a Plan to Cover Care Costs
Costs may be the most significant determining factor when looking for a senior living option. Assess what your family can afford monthly and seek out assisted living communities that match your budget. If you are fortunate, your parents may have savings or long-term care insurance that will help defray the cost. Many families must explore other avenues.
Speak candidly to your parents about their finances. The most successful transition plans are born from open, honest dialogue about the critical factors in their move. Assisted senior living can be costly. Help your parents understand the expenses related to assisted living. Understand options for care payment, whether retirement savings, long-term care insurance, Medicare, or veterans’ benefits.
4. Visit Senior Living Communities
Taking a tour through an assisted living community will always be better than looking through brochures, photos, reviews, and floor plans.
Visit a minimum of three communities that make your shortlist. Try to schedule time for your parents to tour them as well. Mealtimes can be an excellent time to tour and see residents interacting with each other and the staff.
5. Consult Several Sources to Determine the Best Option
Talk to as many people as possible to learn from their experiences. Relying on a narrow range of information can lead to bad outcomes. Read senior living community reviews. Learn about state regulations for facilities, background check requirements, and appropriate agency licensing.
Set up a meeting with an elder law attorney to review assisted living contracts, as they can be confusing. Understanding the scope of the contract is crucial to identifying what is provided and avoiding unforeseen or hidden costs. An elder law attorney is best for this contract review as they act as advocates for the vulnerable senior population.
6. Prepare Your Parents for the Transition to Senior Living
Once discussions are under way, don’t delay the move. The more time your parents have to mull things over, the more uneasy they may become about the unknown. Be action-oriented and help them to downsize by consolidating their possessions.
Plan and coordinate the move carefully to minimize stress levels for all involved. Senior move managers know what to expect and can help your move run smoothly. Be sure to gather and manage your parents’ legal, medical, financial, and other essential documents to ensure they’re not misplaced or lost during the move.
Showing compassion to your parents is vital during this life transition. Involving all family members in a constructive dialogue to create a positive approach to the move is critical. Some parents may make a move with relative ease, while others may present more challenges.
If you or your parents would like to discuss options for long-term care planning, be sure to connect with one of our experienced elder law attorneys. They can help your family plan for the possibility of high long-term care costs and understand the payment options available, such as Medicaid or veterans’ benefits.
To learn how to protect you and your family visit HaasZaltz.com or call 516-979-1060. You can also email them at info@haaszaltz.com.
Since 1982, Haas & Zaltz, LLP has delivered peace of mind to New Yorkers and beyond, ensuring your loved ones and assets receive the proper care, attention, and protection. During your consultation, we will explain your best options and develop a comprehensive and personalized plan tailored to your specific needs. Haas & Zaltz, LLP conveys a thorough, caring approach to your Elder Law, Special Needs Planning, and Estate Planning needs. Call us to learn about the variety of legal tools and techniques we use to meet your specific goals and objectives. To learn how to protect you and your family visit HaasZaltz.com or call 516-979-1060, or send us an email to info@haaszaltz.com.
