Making the Tough Decision: Elderly Loved Ones and Senior Living Facilities

Placing an elderly parent or other loved one in a nursing home is never an easy decision. We all want what is best for those in our lives. When all other options seem to be exhausted, there are so many questions that we may be left with to consider. The great thing to know is that you are not alone, and there have been many before you that have walked this path before, and many professionals that will gladly take your hand as you make this giant step, especially at facilities like Caring Advisor. Here are a few things that may have crossed your mind as you have started to consider senior living care, and some things that you may want to get more information on and talk about until you are comfortable.

Can We Afford It?

This is one of the most commonly asked questions. The cost of senior living care continues to increase in many states as subsidized care continues to decrease across the nation. If your loved one does not have insurance that will pay for a nursing home, other options are available. They may need to exhaust a spend-down, utilize Medicare or apply for Medicaid. These can seem like arduous tasks; however, there are many personnel on site that will be able to walk you through the process. An individual’s contribution will depend on their current financial means, so everyone’s situation is going to be different. Also, the cost of memory care or traditional care facilities can vary depending on the location and the level of care provided. For families who find it challenging to manage the complexities of caregiving, these facilities can be a valuable solution, offering professional care and support in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Is It Safe?

There are a lot of concerns about the care of elders in nursing home, just like there are lots of concerns about children who are left in childcare. We all have this fear and it has become so prevalent people are looking at other options other than nursing homes. When we cannot control the situation and leave others to care for our loved ones, we have this fear that the worst stories that we hear about on the news are going to happen to our parents or grandparents. The best thing that you can do is research the facility. Keep your eyes open. Ask for a tour. Look at the residents to see if they are happy. Talk to them. Granted there are reported cases of elder abuse, but rarely do we hear about the thousands of facilities and workers that devote themselves day in and day out to caring for each member with love and compassion. Good news doesn’t sell newspapers.

Will Our Relationship Suffer

When a loved one is home, you are in routine of keeping in touch. There is sometimes a fear that if they move into a senior living facility that the relationship will be disrupted. How will I find the time to go visit them? This is especially true if the facility that you are looking at is a distance away from where you are located. Creating a plan for contact is important for all parties involved. Change is never easy. However, through any period of transition it is important to make sure that you stay connected so that you can stay informed.

How Do I Stay Informed?

One of the most vital things that you can do is to get to know the people that are involved with your loved one’s life. That means getting to know the staff, the administration and the nurses. Making sure that you have rights and access to medical records, legal paperwork and anything else that you may need to ensure that you have the information necessary to make decisions if necessary is essential when your loved one is being cared for. Of course, you want to make sure that this all the decision of the person who is being placed there. Having this conversation ahead of time is important. Having power of attorney in some cases, especially in cases where dementia and other chronic illnesses are present, is especially important. Again, there is much information out there, but making sure that you stay in connection with the staff and your loved one on a regular basis is so extremely important. This isn’t just a drop off and go situation. It is a chance to step up and be responsible.

This is probably one of the most difficult decisions that you could ever make. You really need to decide with the party at hand if it is truly necessary and they need to be a part of the decision making process as much as possible. There is a great care team available at every facility, and accessing them is important, because they are professionals at what they do.