How to Make Important Long-Term Care Decisions for Your Loved One

 

It can be difficult to watch a loved one get older and know you will soon have to make some crucial decisions for their future wellbeing. You want the best for them, but the decisions can feel overwhelming. First, understand that if you aren’t sure how to care for your elderly loved one over the long run, there are several options for long-term care. Taking care of your loved one is a huge responsibility, but they can either age in place or move to an assisted living facility. 

 

If seniors end up remaining in their own home, several modifications will need to be made so they don’t end up getting injured. Moving to an assisted living facility is best for those who need extra help with daily activities and remembering to take their medicine. Here are a few tips from CrownPointe Communities that you should keep in mind when making long-term care decisions for your loved one.

 

Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities

 

A senior living community or assisted living facility is expensive, but it will take a lot of the stress away from having your loved one living at home. Staff helps with things like bathing and dressing, as needed. There’s also a wide variety of social activities for your loved one to participate in. It can be hard for older adults to socialize enough, but a senior living community makes it easy. Staying active and social can help your loved one battle depression and, according to the Great Good Science Center, even live longer.

 

If your loved one ends up joining a senior living community, they will appreciate not having to worry about lawn maintenance. Transportation is also provided, so seniors won’t have to pay for gas or auto insurance. Of course, you will have to consider the cost of a community like this.

 

Funding Long-Term Care

 

The cost of long-term care adds up, and you’re probably wondering how much it will cost — and how to pay for it. According to Genworth, moving your loved one into an assisted living facility can cost around $4,300 per month. Even if your loved one decides to age in place, you’ll have to have the funds to pay for medical expenses and home modifications. Usually, insurance plans won’t cover the fees of assisted living facilities. If your loved one has a retirement account or money saved up, this could help go to paying for things. However, if you don’t have enough, you might want to consider selling your loved one’s home; they can either downsize, move into your home, or move into an assisted living facility.

 

The housing market is up due to the pandemic, so you’ll likely get a higher price than usual. Before you put the house on the market, you should research pricing in the area to see what you can get for it.

 

Making a Home Senior-Accessible

 

If you think it’d be best for your loved one to move into a smaller home or move in with you, you’ll need to know how to make the home senior-accessible to decrease the risk of injury. According to Seniors Matter, adults over 65 are at a high risk of being injured or killed by falling. In fact, this is the leading cause of death in those over 65. You’ll need to make sure the home is clutter-free and furniture is positioned for easy mobility.

 

Carpets and bath mats should be secured so they don’t slip. Install handlebars in the bathroom, so they can hold onto something. Older adults also require better lighting. To achieve this, you can either choose a home with great natural lighting or install more lights throughout the home. Fill the house with natural light by opening curtains during the day and keeping the windows clean — keeping in mind that scrubbing windows is a pain, and second stories can be dangerous. If your loved one needs help, search “house window washers near me” to hire reputable professionals for the job.

 

Consider installing ramps, widening the doorways, and changing the counter height in the kitchen. There are also several smart home devices that will help make your loved one’s home as comfortable as possible.

 

If your loved one is moving into your home, you should be ready for any complications. Keep in mind that this is a huge responsibility, but it can be beneficial for both of you. Before taking any final steps, you should talk with your loved one about their preferences. No matter what you and your loved one decide, the goal is to provide them with a safe, familiar setting where they can enter their golden years with grace and dignity.

 

CrownPointe Communities owns and operates seven assisted living campuses (six in Indiana and one in Michigan); along with senior condominium campuses in Anderson, Yorktown, Muncie and Union City, Indiana.  CrownPointe is also the manager of Hartford Place Apartments, which provides affordable, income-based housing for seniors.