Change is difficult for most people, and when that change involves moving home, it is never simple. The traditional concept of senior living used to be a fairly dismal one. Understanding what modern senior living really looks like can help eliminate common fears.
Is your loved one getting ready to move into an assisted living community? That can be a difficult time emotionally, both for the senior and the family members. How can you help make it easier for your parent or relative so that they actually look forward to the transition?
Moving your loved one into an assisted living community is a big decision that needs deep thought, careful planning and the right advice. It is important that you understand what not to do as much as you understand what to do.
Is it Dementia?
It’s 1:30 p.m. and the phone rings — it’s your doctor’s office calling to let you know that you missed your appointment. How could it be that you forgot? Understanding the difference between normal memory lapses and early signs of dementia is important for seniors and their families.
No one likes facing difficult decisions. Telling your loved one that it is time for a move to assisted living can be one of the most difficult decisions to make. For many adult children facing this challenge, the term ‘assisted living’ brings to mind a foreign, cold, hospital-like atmosphere and fear.
The majority of seniors prefer to continue living at home for as long as possible. The thought of paying for an assisted living community may also make them anxious, but there are alternatives. For some seniors, home care is the best option as they age.
No one can claim to have found the best assisted living facility, only the best one for their senior. While your friend may recommend the ‘best’ community, it may or may not be perfectly suited to your loved one’s unique needs. Here’s how to find the best fit.
Looking for an assisted living community that is ideal for your senior can be hard. It makes sense to learn what each community is like by touring the facility rather than simply relying on brochures. Here’s what to look for during your tour.
Some senior communities have been compared to cruise ships with elegant décor and all the amenities a senior needs within a comfortable walking distance. In fact, some seniors with well-planned retirement funds have taken the concept quite literally.
Tips to Help Seniors Afford Assisted Living
As if arranging for assisted living isn’t challenging enough, navigating the options and finding ways to afford it can be even more challenging. At Adult Care Advisors, we recommend that families explore all available financial options.
Are you ‘sandwiched’ financially and emotionally between an aging parent and an adult child? According to a recent study, nearly half of Americans in their 40s and 50s have a parent aged 65 or older and are either raising a child or have an adult child they are supporting.
When we prepare an Advance Directive, we are saying to those we love how we prefer to be treated when we can no longer speak for ourselves. It’s a gift to those we leave behind. Understanding the differences between DNR and DNH directives is essential for proper planning.