For many older adults the worry of having enough money to make it through the golden years is top concern. Living at home is the first choice for most seniors. While other factors play an important part in the decision making cost ultimately can be the most determining factor.
Here are things to be aware of when considering the move to Assisted Living:
Caregiver staff is very limited. Should you need additional assistance, staff may not be available.
Carefully review the contract for the eviction clause. Residents may be asked to leave because they are disagreeable, their health has deteriorated, or they are transitioning to a less lucrative payment source. Americans With Disabilities Act can be used to fight an unwanted eviction.
Be aware of the extra charges that can really add up. They can include charges for administering medication, assistance with dressing and bathing, bringing meals. making the bed, assistance to and from the dining room, and other medically related issues that might appear as health declines.
Like everything, the rates will increase. Assisted Living occupancy is down from the peak in 2006. Most communities offer low introductory monthly rates and even a few months rent free as an incentive to lure in new residents. Keep in mind the monthly living expense will be higher in the very near future.
The Alzheimer's Association, advises persons looking for memory care facilities to ask specific questions about the type of care and activities available and to look for competitive staff-to client ratios.
Many Assisted Livings work to create a beautiful atmosphere yet slack on the level of care provided. Talk to residents, their families, staff, eat in the dining room a couple of times and explore the behind the scenes of the living environment.
One of the top things to be aware of is that Assisted Livings pay people to send you their way. There are many free referral services that advise on options of Home Care, Assisted Living, and nursing homes. These free services are paid huge fees to recommend you to Assisted Living communities. But most of these services won't recommend a facility that doesn't pay a finder's fee, even if that community is a better fit. Placement services paid for by the consumer, on the other hand, can recommend any facility.
Around 19 percent of Assisted Living residents pay with Medicaid. An organization can decide that its facility will not enroll in Medicaid at all or only have a limited number of space for residents on Medicaid.
Home Care centers around professional caregiver services at home. Activities such as assistance with dressing, bathing, toileting, feeding, safety and mobility, light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, transportation to shopping, errands and appointments, and companionship and socialization.
Upon initial inspection Home Care costs may seem to be higher than Assisted Living. However Home Care can be less expensive with creative management of caregiver schedules while utilizing family support. The general rule of thumb is that if 40 hours or less per week of Home Care is required, then Home Care is a less expensive option than Assisted Living. Factor's to also consider are whether you rent or own your home and if additional services are required, along with the choice that will provide the best quality of life for your loved one.
Consult Atlanta's most trusted source for quality Home Care assistance, Easy Living Services, Inc. Easy Living has supported thousands of families in their efforts to keep loved ones fulfilled and safe at home since 1994. We offer flexible care plans designed to provide companionship and personal attention to your loved one.
Call to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation 770-442-8664