Where do you want to live and what can you afford?
The person needing assistance may be a senior (someone 65 or older) or someone with a disability or temporary or long-term health issue. In any case, explore what is available before a crisis hits and become aware of the options and cost for when needs change.
Make a plan and write down your resources. Go ahead and make contact with those that can help. The point is that there are a variety of services available from government, non-profit and for-profit entities to help people age with dignity and cope with difficult life-health events but for serious conditions, one will probably need assistance which is all part of the aging process.
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The first questions are:
- Where does the person want to live?
- What can they afford?
- And realistically, how much assistance from others do they need to have a safe and active lifestyle?
Stay Living at Home
The person lives in a private residence or apartment and wants to age-in-place. Be open to having in-home care assistance as needs change and learn about at home hospice. Note that full-time in-home care can cost as much as living at an Assisted Living community.
Are you a senior and a Veteran? – If so, learn about Aid & Attendance
Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/
Research:
- Call Reassurance
- Hospice at Home
- Medical Alert Solutions
- Reverse Mortgages
- Transportation & More
- Internet Access and Services
- If needs change contact an in-home care and companion company
Remember that 2-1-1 and your local Area Agency on Aging may have programs to help you stay in your home.
Website: https://www.211.org/
Website: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
Move to Senior Housing
Explore senior housing options before you have to make a move. The Genworth website lists the national average for Assisted Living at $4,300 per month for 2020.*
Research:
- Discuss the long term costs in regard to, “if needs change and the person needs a higher level of care, will there be money to pay for those services?”
- Understand your financial situation in regard to affordable housing options and Medicaid spend-down.
- Note that Medicare does not pay for senior housing
- Contact a Senior Housing Placement Professional for assistance in finding a community
Live with Family or a Friend and Age in Place
There is the solution of multi-generational housing where the senior lives with an adult child and their family and ages in place. Or two or three unrelated active seniors can share a home, expenses and offer companionship, but they need to discuss what will happen when needs change.
Research:
- Roommate Marching Services
- Call Reassurance
- Hospice at Home
- Medical Alert Solutions
- Reverse Mortgages
- Transportation & More
- Internet Access and Services
- If needs change contact an in-home care and companion company
Remember that 2-1-1 and your local Area Agency on Aging may have programs to help you and your roommates stay in your home.
Website: https://www.211.org/
Website: https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
Higher Level of Care Needed
Higher levels of care such as skilled nursing are expensive. Genworth reports that the national average for nursing care in 2020 for a semi-private room was $7,756 monthly.* Families need to be aware of the cost of skilled nursing and have a discussion before need arises about skilled nursing costs and how to pay for it.
Research:
- Consult an elder law attorney experienced in financial management and Medicaid spend down.
- Contact a Senior Housing Placement Professional for assistance in finding a community
*Source: Genworth 2020 – https://www.genworth.com/