Making the decision to put a loved one in an assisted living facility can be difficult. You want to make sure they are getting the best possible care, but you also don’t want to break the bank in the process. This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about assisted living facilities for disabled adults. We will cover topics such as what they are, how to choose one, what services they offer, and the benefits of choosing them over other options. We hope this information will help your decision easier!
What is assisted living, and what services does it offer residents?
Assisted living is a type of long-term care that assists with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, and eating. It also offers social and recreational activities and 24-hour supervision and security. Many facilities also provide transportation, laundry, and housekeeping services.
Choosing an assisted living facility for your loved one can be difficult. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- The needs of your loved one: Make sure to choose a facility that can meet the specific needs of your loved one. If they require special care or have specific medical needs, make sure the facility you choose can accommodate them.
- The location: You will want to choose a facility that is close to your home so you can easily visit. If your loved one has friends or family in the area, you may also want to choose a facility near them.
- The cost: Assisted living facilities can be expensive, so you will want to make sure you can afford the one you choose. Be sure to ask about all of the fees associated with the facility before making your decision.
- The amenities: Make sure to choose a facility that offers the amenities your loved one wants and needs. If they are social, look for a facility with plenty of activities and events. If they prefer a more relaxed environment, look for a facility that offers peace and quiet.
What are the costs associated with assisted living, and how can you afford them?
The cost can vary depending on the facility. There are a few ways to pay for assisted living:
- Private pay: This is when you or your loved one pays for all or part of the costs of assisted living out-of-pocket.
- Medicaid: Medicaid will cover some of the costs of assisted living, but there are often restrictions on which facilities they will cover.
- Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers benefits to help pay for assisted living. To find out if you qualify, contact your local VA office.
- Long-term care insurance: If you have long-term care insurance, it may cover some or all of assisted living costs.
- Residential Care Assistance: This government program helps low-income seniors pay for assisted living. To find out if you qualify, contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
There are also a few ways to reduce the cost of assisted living:
- Downsizing: If your loved one is no longer using all of the rooms in their home, consider downsizing to help pay for assisted living.
- Home equity loan: If you have built up equity in your home, you may be able to take out a home equity loan to pay for assisted living.
- Reverse mortgage: A reverse mortgage allows homeowners over 62 years old to borrow against the equity in their home. The loan does not have to be repaid until the homeowner dies, moves out of the home, or sells it.
- Selling belongings: If your loved one has any valuable belongings, you may be able to sell them to help pay for assisted living.
What are the benefits of choosing an assisted living facility over staying at home or in a nursing home?
There are a few benefits of choosing an assisted living facility over staying at home or in a nursing home:
- The social aspect: It offers a variety of social activities and events. This can help your loved one make new friends and stay active.
- The safety aspect: It is designed to be safe for residents. They have security measures in place, as well as 24-hour supervision.
- The care aspect: It offers assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. This can help your loved one live independently.
- The cost aspect: In many cases, it is less expensive than staying at home or in a nursing home.
Making the decision to choose for a loved one can be difficult. But, with careful consideration and research, you can find the right fit for their needs.
How do you deal with the stress of making such a big decision about your loved one’s care and well-being?
The stress of deciding can be overwhelming. Here are a few tips to help you through it:
- Talk to your loved one: Talk to your loved one about their wishes for care. This will help you better understand what they want and need. Communication and understanding are key.
- Get help: Don’t try to go through this process alone. Talk to other family members, friends, or professionals for advice and support.
- Think about your needs too: Don’t forget to think about your own needs during this time. You’ll need to make sure you have someone to help you take care of your loved one when you’re not able to. Check out Difference between geriatric medicine and internal medicine here.
- Talk with friends and family: Ask for advice from friends and family members who have gone through the process of choosing an assisted living facility.
- Seek out resources: Several resources are available to help you choose an assisted living facility for your loved one. The AARP has a helpful guide, and the Department of Veterans Affairs offers a benefits calculator.
Why Optimum Personal Care?
We work hard to maintain our residents’ dignity by assisting with all aspects of their lives while also encouraging them to continue participating in activities they enjoy. We offer residents help with activities of daily living, medication management, personal care, and social and recreational activities. Our low resident-to-staff ratio means each resident receives the personalized care they need and deserve. Our individualized care plan ensures each resident receives the specific care they need. If you’re considering assisted living for a loved one, be sure to contact us to learn more about what we can offer!