According to the National Medicare Handbook, about 70% of people over the age of 65 will eventually require long term care services. For some families, the time for choosing the best senior living option will come sooner, rather than later.
What can you do to make the transition from living at home, to becoming part of a retirement community, easier? Here are three senior living tips for you and your family.
1. Find the Right Fit
It might surprise some people to learn that there are multiple types of retirement communities with a wide range of offerings. If the individual is able to get around by themselves fairly easily and can still accomplish daily tasks, then an independent senior living setup might be more appropriate for their needs. Conversely, if the individual requires daily assistance, a nursing home might be better suited. Generally speaking, an assisted living facility is for fairly independent seniors, while a nursing home is for people who need close and constant attention and care.
2. Do Your Research on Any Facility
According to USA Today, about one in five inspected senior living facilities is cited for a staffing violation yearly, and one in four sites are cited at least once for training violations, which have frequently been the source of unnecessary deaths in retirement communities. For this reason, it’s important to inquire as to how your facility of choice ensures adequate care, and research whether they have a history of complaints or lawsuits. There are many great living options out there if you look for them, but you need to look.
3. Assisted Living Might Not be As Expensive as You Think
Retirement living often has a reputation as being pricey. In reality, the shift in annual budget isn’t as drastic as you’d think. A Place for Mom points out that 41 states offer home-based waivers for low-income residents in need of assisted living. According to longtermcare.gov, the average monthly cost of care in an assisted living facility is $3,293. This might seem high, but consider that it incorporates the cost of space, food, and care. A home health aide that seniors might need if they do not try living in a senior home can cost between $15 and $25 an hour. If they require daily, or even weekly care, this can quickly add up.
Are you looking for independent living solutions, or do you have any senior living tips? Let us know in the comments. Get more on this here.