Their Next Home
Although Baby Boomers are redefining aging as they enter their retirement years, many will discover that they are beginning to need assistance with day-to-day activities either for themselves or a family member. Regardless of whom the job of caregiving falls to, caring for a loved one is an extremely important and stressful task.
Fortunately, today there are many options for the willing and the reluctant. But, due to budget cuts some of the senior housing in your area may no longer be an option. For some, a living facility may be beyond their own community which means that planning ahead is the best option; getting a head start eases the stress, gives the individual more control over the selection, and provides more time to research options.
Once a loved one has determined that assistance is necessary or desirable, consider these things:
1. Safety Issues – How well can he/she get around on their own?
2. Medical Issues – Are they able to take medications as directed per label or doctor? Or do they need supervision?
3. Costs – Payment options:
- Medicare Part A is a hospital insurance provided by Medicare. Most people are not required to pay a premium for this type of coverage.
- Medicare Part B is to pay for medically necessary services. Most people will have to pay a premium for this coverage.
- Private Pay
- Long-Term Care Insurance
4. Location – How close to family and friends will your loved one want/need to be?
5. Medical Options? Are they showing signs of Alzheimer’s/Dementia or Parkinson’s?
Once these have all been taken into consideration, begin to look into the different types of housing available to determine the best fit. For a checklist of questions to have on-hand when touring a potential new home - Click Here.