When faced with a decision about senior living, many seniors and their families find themselves in a whirlwind of information-gathering that is more daunting than at any other time in their lives. We suddenly find ourselves needing to be experts on complex issues in a very short period of time.
Fortunately, there is help. A Place for Mom, North America’s largest senior referral service, pooled its years of expertise to create this e-book called the Senior Living Planning Guide. The guide walks you through the major steps of choosing assisted living based on your specific needs and priorities. Download the Senior Living Planning Guide and keep it with you at every stage of the process – from touring communities, to managing finances, to moving in. Here is what you’ll find in the Senior Living Planning Guide.
Senior Living Types Explained
The first part of the e-book guides you through the different types of senior living. It explains the differences between senior apartments, independent living, assisted living, memory care, and the entire continuum of care one may need. It also includes a glossary of common terms for your reference as you move through the transition into senior living. With this quick reference by your side, you can confidently discuss various living arrangements and take notes about which one suits you best.
- For Active, Healthy Seniors – you’ll know the differences between 55 and over apartments vs independent living facilities.
- For Seniors Who Need Daily Support – we compare assisted living, residential care homes, memory care and nursing homes.
- For Seniors Who Live at Home – there are options for home care, respite care and adult day care
Understanding the fundamental differences between each senior living type will help you focus on more important issues, like location, amenities and services at any given community.
Paying for Senior Living
Paying for senior care is often the primary deterrent in making a decision – and with good reason. There are many things to consider, and often these issues are not discussed with other family members. The Senior Planning Guide helps you have those conversations.
What does senior living actually cost? Many people are surprised at how affordable senior care really is, particularly when comparing the cost of living at home.
How does one pay for senior care? Despite common understanding, there are many ways to pay for senior living. Here are some popular methods:
- Income and savings
- Support from family members
- Long-term care insurance
- Veteran’s benefits
- Reverse mortgage and home equity
- Life insurance policies
- Medicaid
Keep your e-book handy and prepare your questions before calling your Senior Living Advisor. You can also use the online Senior Care Cost Calculator to compare costs.
Touring Senior Communities Checklist
Once you’ve identified what your needs are and settled into your financial decision, your Senior Living Advisor will suggest several choices in your desired location that meet your requirements. It’s time to start touring. With the helpful Senior Living Planning Guide you’ll know which questions to ask. We provide a working checklist as your tour facilities so you can observe and compare important features. For example:
- Safety features – How do they handle medical emergencies? Is there a visiting physician, or a doctor on staff?
- Legal and financial questions – Will you need renters insurance? Are there move-in incentives?
- General observations – Do staff call residents by name? Do residents appear engaged and happy?
Moving Into Senior Living
Making the decision is now much easier thanks to your Senior Living Advisor’s help, and the notes in yourSenior Living Planning Guide. Still, there is a transition period that your e-book can assist with, such as having a family conversation, supporting your aging loved one emotionally through this new journey, and what important documentation and keepsakes should be taken to your new home.
Don’t allow the emotional and logistical challenges of finding senior living overwhelm you. Use the Senior Living Planning Guide as your ultimate resource as you walk through the process of discovering your next home. The best decision you can make is a confident one once you’ve thoroughly researched all of your options. A Place for Mom is here to help you every step of the way. Download the e-book today and keep it with you as you work with your Senior Living Advisor to fine tune your search and find the perfect home.
Reprinted from A Place for Mom