Planning For Assisted Living

A common occurrence is that when people go to search for assisted living options, they are in the middle of a life changing event or a time of serious stress. A vast majority of the population hopes they will live out their lives in good health, living in the homes they’ve lived most their lives in, surrounded by family and friends to support them. Very few people plan adequately that they might one day have poor health or that one day they might not be able to live alone.

If we prepare only for the short term, something might change, if we prepare for the long term, complications may arise. The best thing we can do is expect the unexpected.

Preparing for the short term first is an excellent, initial step. What living options would you and your spouse have if you could no longer live alone? Would moving to an assisted living community be your first option? What about home care or services to help you maintain your health or to maintain your house?

The time to start planning is now. Some important questions to ask yourself:

• If I want to stay at home, are there minor renovations I can do to improve accessibility?

Small improvements like lowering cabinets in the kitchen, replacing tubs with walk in showers, and building ramps to replace stairs outside are just a few of the changes that will make it easier to remain at home.

• If I want to stay in my home and I need in-home healthcare or maintenance, who will do that for me?
  The best time to look for those services is now. Don’t wait for a plumbing disaster or other catastrophe to start looking for services.
• Am I willing to face the fact that living at home might not be the best option?
  Getting a head start on looking for assisted living options is the best choice you can make now. Moving to one of them is not a decision that should be made in a hurry or without planning. It will take time to visit, evaluate, and choose which one suits you best. A great way to focus your efforts is to enlist a CHOICE Advisor to help you. Advisors at CHOICE can ask you questions to help you think about your short-term and long-term plans, and options can be presented to you that match you specific needs. CHOICE offers this service free-of-charge to older adults or to their families.
• Are my finances in order? What are my income sources? Do I know how much I can afford and for how long? Will I have access to them when I need them? Should I enlist the help of a financial professional?
  These types of questions can be complicated, and in most cases the best choice is to seek out a financial professional who has experience in situations similar to yours.
• If I want to sell my home when I move to assisted living, do I have realtor in mind? Will my family members be involved? Is there someone legally assigned to assist me?
  Working with a realtor you know and trust will give you comfort and professional representation in a situation where you are selling your house.
• Do I have a living will? Durable Power of Attorney? Health care directive? What if I am suddenly unable to make decisions for myself? If I have these documents are they up-to-date and notarized? Do I need the services of an elder law attorney to help me prepare these documents properly?
  These documents are methods of making sure that the decisions you’ve made about your life are carried out, and that your wishes are respected. An elder law attorney is able to assist you with these documents, however they are not the only professional who can assist you. You may consider checking with an Area Agency on Aging in your area or contact AARP. They, too, offer templates for completing these legal documents.

If some of these questions are already answered or you have already completed some of the tasks listed above, you are on your way to a smooth transition to your later years. But what about long term? A number of the same questions will arise as you plan for the longer, sometimes bigger picture. Although none of us can know the future for certain, we can certainly prepare for it.

Here are some additional things to consider for the long term:

• There are some factors that would make continuing to live in your home very difficult. Acute illness can require 24-hour care. That is an expensive proposition even if you find a qualified caregiver. You may need to rely upon the support of family who live far away, if they are too far it may not be feasible for them to support in the way you need.
• If you are caring for your spouse, what will happen if you pass away before them? A common occurrence is that one part of the pair will become ill due to stress. It is wise to make a plan for what might happen down the road when you’re gone.
• If you do outlive the money you have saved what financial arrangements can you make to pay for your housing and care? There are resources available through both federal and state channels.
• Memory loss is common in older adults. Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are more common in those over 85. If you experience memory loss or become seriously confused, who will make your decisions?
• Make end of life preparations. In case of critical illness will you want hospice services? Ensure you have funeral plans set up before you pass away. Do you want to be buried or cremated? Make it clear and in writing what you want done with your body or ashes.
• Make arrangements for the disposition of your personal possessions. Ensure that you have legal documents in place that are valid and notarized. Will you want your possessions to go a specific individual or a charitable organization?

Making plans for the future is never easy. We all want to think we will live in good health, living the way we want to, surrounded by the people we love. Make a plan now for the later days of your life. Just because you make a plan does not mean you are required to carry it out, but planning ahead and making choices ahead of time can relieve some of the burden on you and your family. Most importantly, you are the one who is making the decisions that will have a direct impact on your future.

CHOICE Advisory Services is a FREE senior care referral agency.

We help define the options that will be of greatest interest to you.

call 7 days a week: 800-361-0138 or email us at bestcare@choiceadvisory.com