Practical Considerations When Moving A Senior To Skilled Nursing Care
The transition to a skilled nursing community isn't always easy. There are challenges to overcome, for both the future resident and their families. In today's blog, 4 Seasons Senior Living takes a look at how to ease the transition for everyone, especially caregivers who have to make the decision and handle the practical aspects of the move. Included is information on the signs it’s time and evaluating the senior's financial situation.
Time For A Helping Hand
According to the American Psychological Association, there are nearly 66 million Americans that provide unpaid care for disabled or ill relatives. The majority of these are seniors, and their caretakers are more likely than not unskilled and unprepared to handle significant medical concerns, such as Alzheimer’s or extreme mobility issues. These escalating care needs are a weighty factor in whether or not a senior should continue to live on their own, with family, or relocate to a skilled nursing center. Further, senior aggression, wandering, and an inability to create a safe haven at home are all signs that assisted living or nursing care may be appropriate.
Monetary Matters
Before you decide to move your parent or grandparent into a custodial care environment, it pays to get another financial state. Sometimes, seniors have ample savings to cover the more than $7,000 per month that Genworth estimates a semi-private or private room in a nursing home costs. Since most seniors need custodial care for at least two years, this can quickly add up to $150,000 or more. Depending on where you live, you may even be liable to pay out of your own pocket for your parent's care, so knowing what they have now can help prevent a financial catastrophe for you later on.
When your parents don’t have savings, you might need to tap in their home equity. You can figure out how much money they might have available if they sell by looking at comparable house prices. Keep in mind, however, that this is not an official appraisal, so there’s some margin of error, although estimates tend to be a great starting point. You can also use real estate sites to help determine a monthly rental fee if you want to keep the property in the family but need to supplement your senior loved one’s income to fill any gaps in their cost of care.
Choosing New Accommodations
If you and your parents or grandparents ultimately decide that skilled nursing care or assisted living is necessary, it’s time to do your homework. The National Institute on Aging suggests first to define what you want. Do you prefer a community connected with your religious affiliation? Do you want chef-prepared meals or access to social activities? Once you answer these questions, discuss your wants and needs with friends and family. Next, familiarize yourself with several skilled care communities in DFW to find an environment that’s compatible with your loved one’s needs and budget. Then request a visit to the ones that stand out; for example, click here to schedule a tour with 4 Seasons Senior Living.
As you stroll the hallways, ask lots of questions about everything. This should include not only care protocols but also how often you’ll have access to your loved one. Pay close attention to whether or not the seniors that are already established in the care center look happy, clean, and well-fed. Once you make a decision, read the contract carefully, and don’t be shy about needing clarification on anything you don’t understand.
There is no way to completely eliminate the stress and emotions that go along with making the decision to relocate a loved one to structured care. But, before you have the talk, do your homework. Know what you are getting into financially and pay close attention to the type of environment you plan to entrust your loved one to.
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