Write a commentAs individuals age, whether you are a child, grandchild, caregiver or senior, you could be looking at a laundry list of reasons why it may become increasingly difficult for your loved one to stay in their home.
Downsizing and no longer having to maintain the upkeep of a home is usually the first thought that comes to mind and the easiest road to the acceptance of an impending move.
The decline in function or health and safety issues are often the more difficult scenarios to accept when faced with changes in physical and mental health. Navigating senior housing options today can be an overwhelming process. Throwing your family into a "crisis mode" when a health issue arises can force making what is already a difficult decision even more so, especially if you are under stress.
Talking and planning ahead can help make this process a little easier for everyone. Here are a few tips when considering the needs you may have in the future:
Physical and medical needs: As you age, you may need help with activities of daily living (also known as ADL's). This could range from having help shopping, cleaning, and cooking, to assistance with dressing, grooming, and bathing. You or a loved one may also need increasing help with medical needs that arise from a sudden condition, such as heart attack or stroke, or a more gradual condition that slowly needs more and more care over time.
Social and emotional needs: As you age, your social networks may change. Friends or family may not be as close by, or neighbors may move or pass on. You want to make sure that you have continuing opportunities for maintaining and building new friendships. Becoming isolated and homebound can have an adverse effect on your mental health. Never under estimate the need for strong social networks and a friend to talk to or simply keep company with.
Financial needs: Long term care can be expensive. Balancing your physical and social needs will require a close evaluation of your budget. Making a budget with anticipated expenses can help you weigh the pros and cons of your situation. While alternate arrangements like assisted living can be costly, extensive in-home help can also rapidly mount in cost, especially at higher levels of care and live-in or 24-hour coverage.
One way to prepare to address the issues outlined above is to educate yourself as to the different levels of senior housing available in your area, and to understand the services each setting makes available. You will also need to understand the different ways in which each setting is reimbursed for the services and amenities offered. These rates can vary from setting to setting.
While thinking about future housing arrangements can be a stressful topic for both you and your family, the earlier you assess your current needs and how those needs may evolve over time, the more choices and control you'll have over your living arrangements.
Now that you know the benefits of planning ahead, you will need to know what your choices are. Next month's column will review the many senior housing options that you have to chose from and some of their features. Stay tuned!
