4 Steps To Take When Your Loved Ones Need Assisted Living

4 Steps To Take When Your Loved One Needs Assistance

There comes a time in most families when the decision needs to be made to transition aging parents or loved ones to an assisted living community. But finding the right senior living community requires some navigation. There are multiple factors to take into consideration–budget, the lifestyle of your loved one, location and proximity to family, etc. Here are five steps to take to help you figure out the right community for your aging loved one.

1. Determine Cost and Ability To Pay

Cost is one of the most important factors when finding the right community for an elderly loved one. It’s important to assess any sort of income that your loved one may currently and continue to receive as well as discuss with other family members the ability to assist. Some people have access to a savings account or long-term care insurance plan that can help. Others may have additional sources of income, like:

• Social Security
• Life insurance policies
• Selling a home or property
• VA benefits

2. Have a Conversation With Your Aging Loved One

It’s important, even prior to deciding a transition needs to take place, to have conversations with your loved ones so you are aware of their wishes. Having regular conversations as they age helps prepare both them and yourself for when the time comes to transition into a senior living community. 

3. Prepare Your Loved One For The Transition

Even if no final decisions have been made, it’s never too early to begin getting prepared. Waiting until the transition can cause added stress around the transition for both you and your loved one. Here are some steps you can begin taking prior to finalizing the move:

• Research moving companies and senior moving managers that specialize in downsizing and senior living transitions
• Gather and organize all legal documents (i.e. tax returns, medical documents, etc.) and store them in a central place
• Consolidate and begin the process of downsizing

4. Tour A Senior Living Community

Touring a community is the only real way to figure out if it’s a good fit for your loved one. Researching and viewing pictures online is great, but can only give you a piece of the picture. Schedule a visit for you and your loved one to tour the grounds and residences as well as get a feel for the staff and residents.