How to Make Effective Decisions about Assisted Living

Assisted Living - A New Life

by Karl Edmunds

As many of us engage the aging process, we move through it with little or no thought until, we or our loved ones, hit our senior years. Then, playing the aging game can surprise us with all kinds of issues that may spring up suddenly and without warning.

One of those subtle surprises occurs when you or an aging parents or relative may be considering entering an assisted living center. Fortunately, there are many assisted living choices today, but each choice can impact lifestyle and care levels.

By using some fundamental awareness and planning strategies, seniors can achieve and maintain a desirable lifestyle. And it is wise to begin thinking about and plan for those years is now.

Any big change in lifestyle, such as moving into an assisted living community or facility, requires a huge emotional adjustment. Most common, there is fear and uncertainty because of declining independence and health. In addition, there are factors such as loss of possessions, access to friends, loss of pets and even one’s perceived “home” privacy.  How one faces and engages this process will no doubt be unique to each individual’s situation.

People, personal beliefs, economics and health all drive the decision process. More than 12 million people are facing these issues right now and more than 65 million will confront these retirement issues by 2030.

Is this the right time?

Timing is usually driven by circumstances.  Every person must carefully determine what type of living arrangement is best.  If you can stay home and get the needed care, then stay home.  If specialized care is needed and unavailable through home services, then new arrangements will be necessary.  If you simply want a place that requires less work and maintenance, then a whole set of options are available.

Seniors & Families: Joint Partners in the Process

Any decision about senior living, whether it’s your own personal drama or help for an aging parent, requires good communication.  All dimensions of the decision must be openly considered including support, timing, finances, responsibilities and personal choices. Good listening skills are critical to avoid damaging confrontations or misinterpreted intentions/motivations.

Stick with the Basics is a Good Starting Point

Nothing is certain in every circumstance but most seniors consider the first issue to resolve is geographic.  What are the constraints?  Where is the best possible place to live all things considered?  The decision could be driven by weather, a place you have always dreamed about, proximity to family or financial conditions.  When this point is decided, many subsequent issues begin to be clear.

Next one must be clear about services and care requirements.  What about meals, transportation, personal health, mobility, dressing, bathing and social expectations?

All of these issues must be evaluated in the context of current and anticipated financial resources.  Establish a budget.  What is reasonable?  Be realistic about costs and unexpected events. Is financial independence likely or will assistance be needed?  If so, who and how will it be supplied?

There are more than 650 groups across the country organized to assist seniors and their caregivers.  They can offer planning, counseling, and many provide in-home and community services. These are highly valuable resources.
In addition, consider the following sources:

Because We Care: A Guide for People Who Care.  This is a helpful guide offering quality information and recommendations covering all aspects of care giving. The online version of this guide contains links to outside resources, making it especially useful. http://www.aoa.gov/wecare/default.html

FirstGov for Seniors

This is the federal government’s gateway to all its publications of interest to seniors, caregivers and family members.  http://www.seniors.gov/.

National Council on Aging Benefits Checkup

A free service assisting seniors and their families locate state and federal assistance programs. http://www.benefitscheckup.org/.

A Recommendation:

Don’t rush into anything, but don’t wait until the issues is staring you in the face and time is no longer on your side.  Take the time to think through your preferences and expectations and communicate them to your key supporters.

If you are caring for senior parents, take the lead and begin an honest dialogue about these issues.  This will minimize surprises and ensure a smoother outcome for everyone.