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LONG TERM CARE, OPTIONS FOR PAYING?

OPTIONS FOR PAYING FOR LONG TERM CARE

There are many ways to pay for the long term care expenses that may be in your future. You can pay for these costs from your investments, savings, retirement plans or you can have a Long Term Care insurance policy. In this blog, today, we will explore the various forms of insurance policies available to assist in paying for long term care, (LTC).

There are many levels of LTC that are designed to cover the care that you may need. There is assisted living, home health care, board & care facilities, skilled nursing and convalescent care. Each one of these types of care offer a treatment plan that meets the level of care you need.

Assisted Living refers to a facility that offers residents a private apartment or room that serves as their home base with all meals and activities held in a central location. This type of care is designed for the truly independent resident who does not need assistance to perform their “activities of daily living.”

Board & Care or Skilled Nursing Facilities are for those who need additional assistance due to medical or physical issues.

Home Health Care is designed for those who want to remain in their home as long as possible and may need the same care that is provided in a board & care or skilled nursing facility but choose to pay extra to receive that care at home.

In Southern California today the average cost of home health care is approx. $20 per hour. Cost for facility care ranges from $75.00 to $230.00 per day and can cost as much as $300.00 to $400.00 per day depending on location, care needs and facility type.

So how do you prepare for this? If you are a husband and wife planning for this care, one may be healthy and the other not so healthy. So that means that your normal cost of living may be greatly impacted by the need to pay for these increased services and costs for one while the other remains healthy.

This can destroy a retirement plan, investments or savings in a very short period of time. Long Term Care Insurance is one way to “discount” these costs. Depending on when you secure coverage, and it is done correctly by an accredited professional, you could pay a fraction of the real cost through the miracle of discounted dollars. By paying premiums for a long term care insurance policy you effectively “pre-pay” the cost of long term care. In addition to pre-paying you also insure one very important option, the option of choice. You get to choose where you go, and where you stay. You, and your family, choose the location or home based on the cost that the policy will pay. This is a very important difference between private and public assistance with these costs.

There are several ways to purchase long term care insurance today. You can look at the traditional way of buying a specific LTC policy or you can look at certain life insurance policies and annuities that offer LTC options built into the benefits. The advantage of any of the above policies is by insuring for LTC you can pre-pay these costs with discounted dollars and remove the stress of “what if?”

Please feel free to contact us about the tax advantages, options and security that owning a policy can bring.

Kenneth Scopp, CFP, CSA, CLTC.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FACILITY?

How to Choose a Facility?

A good match between a facility and a resident’s needs depends as much on the philosophy and services of the assisted living facility as it does on the quality of care. The following suggestions can help you get started in your search for a safe, comfortable and appropriate assisted living facility:

• Think ahead. What will the resident’s future needs be and how will the facility meet those needs?
• Is the facility close to family and friends? are there any shopping centers or other businesses nearby (within walking distance)?
• Do admission and retention policies exclude people with severe cognitive impairments or severe physical disabilities?
• Does the facility provide a written statement of the philosophy of care?
• Visit each facility more than once, sometimes unannounced.
• Visit at meal times, sample the food, and observe the quality of mealtime and the service.
• Observe interactions among residents and staff.
• Check to see if the facility offers social, recreational, and spiritual activities?
• Talk to residents.
• Learn what types of training staff receive and how frequently they receive training.
• Review state licensing reports.

NORMAL CONFUSION AND STRESS

California Registry finds comfort for many senior citizens and their families. California Registry is A FREE PUBLIC SERVICE licensed by the State of California Department of Health. California Registry a senior referral service is dedicated to assisting seniors and their families in finding appropriate senior housing and placement in Retirement Hotels, Assisted Living, Board and Care, Skilled Nursing, Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Parkinson’s facilities. Every referral is customized to meet the needs of the client. All facilities are evaluated by California Registry and Elderlink; we help families ease the stress, anxiety and confusion of doing their own research. California Registry’s goal is to help families find the best possible referrals, based on each individuals needs. We know this is a difficult and important decision. It is hard to determine the best level of care for the elderly, Nursing Homes, Assisted Living or Board and Care. We are here to help.

HELP YOUR AGING PARENTS

(Money Magazine) — Face it. Mom and Dad are getting up there. And their finances aren’t getting any simpler. Some of life’s trickiest money tasks — managing a large but basically fixed nest egg, figuring out how to spend it down while never running out — are in the hands of people who at some point may not be up to doing the work by themselves.
The normal wear and tear of aging can mean worsening eyesight, fatigue, and enormous life changes (such as caring for an ailing spouse) that make it harder to deal with reviewing bank statements or tracking a portfolio.

And as your parents get older, they are also at risk for difficulties with reasoning or memory, which recent studies have found can show up first in their financial skills.
“Neuroscience research suggests people beginning to suffer cognitive impairment make significantly more financial errors than those who aren’t,” says Robert Roush, associate professor of geriatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. All of this means you have a tough new job to add on top of planning your own retirement and getting the kids through school: helping your parents manage their money.

It’s a delicate art. You’re used to Mom and Dad being the authority on most things, especially money. So are they. You can’t demand out of the blue that they show you their checkbook.
But if your folks are over 70, you and your siblings should start getting them comfortable with the idea that you can help.

“If you don’t take action, you can end up paying unnecessary costs or handling things differently from the way your parents would have wanted,” says Andrew Lo, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Lo is well-known on Wall Street as a leading expert on number-crunching hedge fund strategies, but he still had to negotiate with his own mother to help with her money. He’s been urging financial advisers to be more aware of aging problems.

This story is the first in a three-part series on protecting your parents. It will show you what researchers are learning about how seniors handle finances, and identify some simple things you can do starting even before your parents have serious problems. The goal is to help them without taking over their lives.

To get started, it helps to know more about how your parents’ lives have been changing as they age. That can help you decide when and how you should step in.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR

Old age brings enormous changes — not all of them physical — that could leave your parents feeling overwhelmed by the work of running their money.  They are dealing with issues that are new to them.

In many marriages — especially in your parents’ generation — husbands and wives split up financial duties. When one of your parents dies or becomes seriously ill, the other will very likely be handling unfamiliar problems, whether it’s picking mutual funds or making sure the utility and cable bills are sent out on time. Anyone in that situation, young or old, could benefit from extra help or advice.

They’re still sharp but find money tasks more taxing.

Even normal aging can bring gradual changes in mental function. Those changes may not affect the ability to make sound financial decisions, but if Dad takes longer to work with numbers than he used to, he may become less diligent about checking his account statements.

General health issues can also make things harder.

Russ Hendricks of Watertown, Tenn., helps his mom, Helen, 77, manage the bill paying. She’s been spending a lot of time caring for his dad, Harry, 81, who has trouble walking. And she recently had back surgery.

“I find time gets away from me really fast these days,” says Helen. “With my surgery, I’m still having to rest in between chores.”

Russ noticed a problem when Helen said she had trouble balancing the checkbook. “My mom isn’t forgetting things, but she gets overwhelmed,” he says.

Other possible red flags: increased complaints about having to fill out forms from an insurer or brokerage, trouble reading fine print, or a general rise in stress about paying bills.

They are showing signs of bigger problems.
About half of people in their eighties suffer from significant cognitive impairment. That includes Alzheimer’s but also other issues. This mental deterioration often takes families by surprise.
“Older people may be able to answer questions and respond well in social situations, but people end up shocked when they finally look at their finances,” says Beth Kallmyer of the Alzheimer’s Association.

So what should you be on the lookout for? A recent paper in the Journal of the American Medical Association lists warning signs. Your parent might have forgotten to pay utility bills or rent, or could be having trouble making change or writing checks.

Or they may complain that money is missing from their bank account or that someone is stealing from them. Of course, your parents may never get to that point — and it’s best to start the process of helping well before they do.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THEY SIMPLY NEED A HAND

Get involved in small ways while your parents are still healthy. You can let them know you are available for advice, and make routine tasks easier for them. All of this will make it easier to step in when bigger issues arise later.

Don’t start in asking about money problems.

It won’t be easy to get your parents to open up about their finances.

“For many older Americans, who grew up during the Depression and World War II, money has always been a taboo subject,” says Miriam Zucker, a geriatric-care manager and social worker in New Rochelle, N.Y.

So don’t expect to have one big talk that settles it all. Get the conversation rolling by asking how they’ve prepared their financial accounts in case of an emergency. Where do they keep their accounts and insurance? Where would you find the paperwork? Who has the passwords?

Those shouldn’t be touchy questions — you aren’t asking them if they are having trouble remembering the bills, just whether they’ve made the contingency plans everyone (you included) ought to have.

Tell them about your own finances.

They may also have an easier time talking if you keep them in their familiar parental role, says Zucker.

Ask Dad for advice on how best to invest the money you put in his granddaughter’s college savings account. Or tell Mom you are revising your will and you’re wondering how they’d handle it.
You could very well get good advice, and conversation will flow naturally from there. And by talking about your investments and estate, you’ve also basically told them that you are doing okay financially. That will make it easier for them to turn to you.

Ask them to help you.

Another way to reassure them they are still the parents is to say you’ve been worried and they could make you feel better if you knew more about their plans.

“You’re asking them to do you a favor,” says Jake Harwood, an expert on communication and aging at the University of Arizona.

Try citing something called the 40/70 rule, suggests Paul Hogan, head of a senior-care agency called Home Instead. The idea is that families should talk money when the parents turn 70 or the kids turn 40.

Get their accounts online.

Russ Hendricks says online banking has been an important tool for helping to manage his parents’ finances.

“I said, ’Mom, I use electronic banking, and it makes my life so much easier. Let me help you do this,’ ” he says.

Russ adds that there was an important side benefit for her: “She asked me to help her learn to use a laptop so that she can learn about the Internet and stay more connected.”

Working with your parents to set up their accounts will also give you a glimpse at the state of their finances.

If they use an adviser, ask to go to their next meeting.

Financial advisers and planners can be a huge help, in part because having a neutral third party can defuse family tensions. But don’t count on this person to sound the alarm if your parents are having trouble.

A survey of advisers by Fidelity found that 84% had worked with clients they suspected were suffering from Alzheimer’s, but just half felt comfortable raising the subject.

Ask your parents if you can come along next time they meet their adviser. Watch to see if Mom and Dad are following along with the conversation. And just as important, check that they aren’t being taken advantage of.

You should be concerned if the adviser is frequently pushing new financial products, especially if there are upfront loads and commissions attached. And make sure your parents aren’t taking on too much risk.

Even an aggressive rule of thumb says that a stock position should equal 110 minus your age. So if your 75-year-old mom is over 35% in stocks, at least ask questions.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO HELP THEM MAKE DECISIONS

Bring the siblings on board.

If you haven’t already discussed the issues with your siblings, now’s the time to make sure they know what’s going on — perhaps they can even share the burden.

That strategy has worked well for Diane Huff of Charlotte, N.C.

She manages the day-to-day finances of her mother, Ollie, who lives in an assisted-living center nearby. Meanwhile, her brother, Jim, in Florida, manages Ollie’s investment portfolio.
“I just told Jim I can’t do it all,” says Diane.

Even if it’s not necessary for everyone to pitch in, keep your siblings informed about what’s going on — you don’t want to risk misunderstandings or bad feelings.

Make it social.

Taking a more active role in your mom and dad’s finances may make them nervous or even resentful. Or they may simply need time to build trust in your abilities, as well as accept the idea of letting some responsibilities go.

So try to keep your involvement low-key — perhaps using it as an opportunity to socialize. Offer to have a bill-paying and savings review date once or twice a month. After you square away the bills, go out for coffee or a meal.

“That makes the process more like an excuse to get together and have some fun,” says Jim Ludwick, a financial planner in Odenton, Md.

Set up early warning systems.

With increased forgetfulness, your mom and dad may be at greater risk of making a major money misstep. They may also be targets for scams. So put some tripwires in place that will alert you if there are problems.

Ask your parent to have you listed to receive automatic notification if he or she misses a utility payment. And consider getting them to give you access to their bank accounts. Then you’ll be able to see their daily cash-flow information.

One caveat: Check with the bank about what kind of account your parent has. Be sure you or your siblings are sharing a so-called convenience account, not becoming a joint owner with right of survivorship.

That might run afoul of your parents’ estate plan, since you would inherit any leftover assets. It could also put your parents on the hook for the debts of anyone listed on the account, says Patricia Sitchler, an elder-law attorney in San Antonio.

In other words, if your brother is a joint owner and can’t pay his credit card balance, creditors could have a claim on the money in Mom’s account.

Don’t rush to take care of everything.

As you become more and more involved in helping Mom and Dad out, you can all too easily forget to treat them as the adults they are. Whether they’ve moved into your house or you’ve taken over management of their household budget, it’s important to give them as much financial independence as they can handle.

Staying involved and active is essential to older people’s well-being, says Laura Carstensen, director of the Stanford Center on Longevity.

That means getting out and socializing with friends, which can be difficult for them to do if they don’t have control over some money. Even if you and your siblings eventually have to manage most of their finances, make sure your parents have access to cash and perhaps credit cards, with modest limits, for as long as possible.

Marion Peterson, 80, of Downers Grove, Ill., has moved in with her daughter, Gail Dunlap, and her family. That means she doesn’t worry about paying for a lot of basic costs, such as utilities. But she still has her own bank account, and pays her own credit card, Medicare, and insurance bills. If she has questions, she can turn to Gail.

“I forget sometimes, and it helps to have someone else look at things with me,” says Marion. That balance of support and freedom can help your parents live a better life — one without money worries.

ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY Walecia Konrad and Beth Braverman.

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First Published: May 31, 2011: 7:21 AM ET

WHAT ABOUT VETERAN ASSISTANCE?

Veterans Nursing Homes are generally available to active duty veterans but some states have beds for people who served with the reserves or National Guard and the spouses of veterans. The majority of these homes offer nursing care but some may offer assisted living or domiciliary care. Generally there is no income or asset test. Most veterans in most states would qualify. Many states have waiting lists of weeks to months for available beds. Each facility has different eligibility rules and there is an application process. You cannot simply walk in the door and arrange for nursing care on the spot. You must contact the veterans home you are interested in to find out the availability of beds and the application process. There are other veteran benefits which make money available that may be a better solution to your care needs.
US Department of Veterans Affairs Eldercare Income Program for Senior Veterans
Senior veterans can receive eldercare disability pension income up to $23,396 a year ($1949 a month) in addition to their existing income.
Surviving spouses of veterans can receive eldercare disability pension income up to $12,681 a year ($1056 a month) in addition to their existing income.
Literally 1 out of 4 seniors in this country could qualify for this little known income program under the right conditions.
(CALL US OR USE THE ON LINE FORM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE)

ADMINISTRATOR

THE REALITY OF MEMORY LOSS AND COMMUNICATING BEYOND LANGUAGE

When our language skills are intact, we can be the life of the party and at the top of our game. If our language skills are diminished through an accident or illness, we can find ourselves sitting on the sideline of life needing someone to assist us in communicating our needs.

The dictionary defines communication as something that communicates information from one person to another. We are all aware of how good and bad communication can affect our lives and relationships. Often, communication is judged solely on words spoken, but in fact, communication can take many forms. Facial expressions, human touch and body language are some of the most effective ways to communicate cues and feelings, especially when one suffers from dementia

There have been recent findings that show some people with late stage dementia are able to retain more language than was previously thought possible. Intervention through a wide-range of techniques such as aromatherapy, attention focusing, bright light therapy, cognitive stimulation programs, massage, music, pet therapy, validation, walking, reminiscence, etc. can be helpful in facilitating communication.

What can one do to successfully communicate with their loved one who has dementia? Make sure you have you have effective communication tools such as objects, pictures, pen and paper to support your messages. Also make sure your loved one has their support tools – eyeglasses, dentures and hearing aid(s).

Use the appropriate language level your loved one can understand. You may need to shorten and simplify your message, but remember that talking to them as if they are a child or using baby-talk is not appropriate. Speak in a volume that your loved one can hear and check the timing and pace of your conversation. Slow down and adapt to their pace and timescale rather than expecting them to adapt to yours.

Adjust your attitude. Living with dementia can be frustrating and your loved one may become upset about a communication breakdown. Any edge to your voice or negative body language can be counterproductive to your communication efforts. The environment should also be considered. Time of day, location, familiarity and the number of people surrounding your loved one should be considered. Routines and continuity of care can enhance communication.
It is important that we are given and provide meaningful communication opportunities throughout our lives.

A Dose of Laughter
Research and discussion of alternative therapies in healthcare are at an all time high. Americans spend millions of dollars each year on these alternative methods; and as a result, the Surgeon General has formed a committee to study them. These therapies include such methods as therapeutic touch, massage, the use of herbs and vitamins, and acupuncture to name a few. Most of these therapies can be obtained for a high price. However, there is another therapy which has proven to have positive physiological, psychological and spiritual effects on the body and is basically free with no known negative side effects. This alternative therapy involves the use of laughter.

Researchers studying the side effects of laughter have concluded there are several positive effects on the body in response to laughter. Laughter has been shown to lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, increase muscle flexion, and boost the body’s immune system. Laughter also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and produces a sense of well being.

In caring for residents in the early stages of dementia, it would seem that it would be quite easy to introduce laughter. However, for residents with advanced dementia, they may perceive things differently. A funny face may be frightening to these residents and produce a negative response. Jokes may not be understood and, thus, not produce a laugh. To utilize laughter effectively, the staff would have to become truly connected with the residents, their background, behaviors, likes and dislikes and responses to various stimuli. Only then would we know how to reach the residents and allow them the benefits of laughter. This may mean showing videos of the “Honey Mooners,” “The Jackie Gleason Show,” “I Love Lucy” or maybe “Mr. Ed.” Or possibly, within limits, try a little tickling to initiate laughter.
Communicating with Compassion
Dementia can be described as the loss of intellectual functions such as thinking, remembering and reasoning as well as changes in behavior and mood. A person’s daily ability to function becomes difficult, if not impossible. This group of symptoms also may accompany certain diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, Pick’s, and Parkinson’s disease. There are many ways in which you, as the caregiver, can help those living with dementia through their day.

Those with dementia have the same needs as everyone else. The only difference is in how their needs are met. They require:

• Appropriate Stimulation
• Companionship
• To feel secure and value
• To maintain their self-esteem and be treated with dignity and respect

Encourage independence:

• Allow them to do as much as they can for themselves, but don’t expect them to regain lost skills.
• Break tasks down into small steps that they can accomplish.
• Assess their skills frequently so that you can adjust your expectations and level of help.
• Use your sense of humor. It’s important to have fun together.

Be Patient:

• Don’t rush them.
• Keep in mind that the “ability to remember” cannot be forced.
• Don’t take their anger or hostility personally. They may be trying to communicate.
• Be prepared to listen to the same story and answer the same questions more than once. Be aware that they have no control over their behavior. Their inhibitions, impulses, control, and judgment have declined.
• Don’t argue. Their ability to reason decreases as the disease progresses.
• Show compassion. They may understand more than they can express.
• Their memories of the past remain intact longer. It’s therapeutic to “remember the good old days” with them.
• Your behavior and emotions affect them. Their moods mirror your frustration with them or your acceptance of them.
• They obtain stability and comfort through structure, routine, and familiarity.
• Reassurance and distraction tactics may help to alleviate their suspicion.

As the caregiver, you’re the one who has patience, compassion, hope and humor. Unfortunately, we cannot stop this awful disease from progressing, from stealing away those whom we cherish, those we love. We can, however, be patient, redirect and distract again, and again.

Communicating with your Doctor
Visits with doctors are becoming increasingly frustrating for both patients and physicians. It seems like there’s never enough time to cover all of the issues that are important during a doctor’s visit. There are a number of things, however, that you and your doctor can do to make more efficient use of your time together.

What should you expect from your doctor? Most physicians try their best to stay on schedule, but unexpected problems may set your physician back and cause delays. While you should not expect this, it is wise to recognize that this is a real possibility and bring a good book or call ahead before you leave for your appointment to see if your physician is running late.

Once in the office, you should expect that your physician has a complete record of your previous visits and the results of all the tests that may have been ordered at that time. You should expect a clear explanation of diagnoses, including the goals of treatment. It is important to understand whether your physician is hoping to cure the disease. If cure is not possible, the goal may be to stabilize a chronic illness so that there will be improvement in your condition or to delay the progression of a chronic disease. If there is no direct treatment available for your diagnosis, then it is important to understand what things can be done to improve your ability to function and meet your day-to-day goals.

Your physician may communicate some or all of this information, but it is common and useful for a physician to rely on a nurse or patient educator to review the information with you to be sure you a have good understanding of what is going on, what you should do and what to expect. You should also expect that your physician is willing to communicate with your family, either directly or through his nurse, to make them aware of the treatment plan.

What can you do to help your physician? First, be on time. Second, lists are good. If you and your family and loved ones can work together to develop a list of your complaints, and have that available when you go in for a visit, this can save time and help assure that the visit focuses on the problems that are causing you the most concern. This is particularly important if you are having any memory complaints. Even without memory problems, a physician’s visit often feels rushed, and it is not unusual for patients to forget issues that were important to them. Always remember to bring all medications, including vitamins, aspirin, over-the-counter medications, and “natural substances,” e.g. herbal medications, with you. A list of surgeries, current medical diagnoses from other physicians you are seeing, and past medical problems are also very helpful.

Finally, feel free to take notes during the visit and ask questions. If time does not seem adequate to go into a full discussion of the problem and the physician’s patient education materials don’t seem to be adequate to explain what’s going on, schedule a follow-up appointment. It may take several visits before your physician clearly understands your diagnosis and what the possible treatments and care plans would be, and it may be several more visits before you and your family fully understand what is possible and how best to proceed.

Enhancing Communication Skills
Adapted from ADVANCE for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Knowing what skills are retained as a person progresses through the stages of dementia can help clinicians stabilize patients and maximize their communication. In very early stages, changes are often undetectable but increase as the dementia progresses. Due to the decline in memory, individuals in moderate stages may repeat themselves frequently. Abstract language also begins to decline. Patients will still be able to recall the immediate past, but may have difficulty staying on topic in conversations.

Individuals at the mild level may be able to answer open-ended questions. When this is no longer possible, multiple-choice questions can be employed. People with mild dementia can still follow one-to-two directions. They are able to provide information about familiar objects and they initiate conversation. Many continue to experience lucid moments and express a desire for control over their environment.

With moderate to severe dementia, critical areas of functionality are affected. The visual system remains intact for a while, but the motor system seems to fail in their ability to write and feed themselves. At this time, a switch to finger food would be appropriate. Patients with end-moderate to severe dementia may still introduce themselves, but are unable to follow anything more than a one-step direction.

At the very late stages of dementia, patients might understand pictures but they will probably not know the day and year. They might still answer yes/no questions and some may be able to understand the printed word, but many are no longer verbal. In addition, many experience difficulty in swallowing. Seventy percent of patients with advanced dementia will need a swallowing evaluation. In the final stage of dementia, patients have typically lost almost all independent function.

Oral care is crucial at the end stage. “Studies have shown a direct correlation between being a dependent feeder, having poor oral care and being at extreme risk for aspiration pneumonia,” says Rowe.

Procedural memory often is retained for a longer period than other types of memory. Procedural memories are ingrained routines that are learned throughout life. For example, an individual with late-stage memory loss may not be able to independently brush his or her teeth, but if a caregiver hands the individual a toothbrush with toothpaste applied, he or she may be able to perform the activity. Singing songs is another function of procedural memory that can be used to increase communication.

Entering a New Reality
It is frequently stated amongst caregivers that confusion is one of the most difficult things to manage. Oftentimes, it is our own inability to process the information being offered verbally or non-verbally by those for whom we care that leads to our frustration. What we must learn to do is not always an easy feat, yet one that is imperative if we are to meet the needs of those entrusted to our care. The feat we must accomplish is to step within the reality that is theirs.

What you and I know to be true and accurate is not perceived as such by those who’s thought process has been altered. Their own internal reality and their own set of rules are what govern their thoughts and their behavior. By entering into that realm, we ultimately can provide a more meaningful existence through understanding and the development of a trusting relationship.

But in actuality, by validating these statements and their feelings, we gain access into their reality. These statements are very real to them and we are simply acknowledging that fact. By encouraging a calmer interaction through validation, we gain their trust and can then introduce the simple techniques of redirection and distraction towards a safer topic, one that will calm their troubled thoughts. “Let’s go get a drink while we wait for the bus.” “Your wife has asked for us to watch over you today. She will be back later to see you.” These are all simple statements that broke no argument and will validate their thoughts and feelings.

ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU HAVE MANY OPTIONS, AND WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

WHY MOVE?

What? Me? Move? Why?

Senior Communities Aren’t “Just for Old Folks”

“So, why the heck would I be interested in moving from my current home into senior housing?” “I can’t afford that!” “I have lived here this long, I don’t need to change anything.”

Do these objections sound familiar? Have you heard these from someone you love? Do you need to convince someone that a move may be a good thing? Now, these are all very good questions, but there are also some very good reasons why a move to a senior community might not only be a good idea but perhaps a great one. Perhaps this discussion will help.

Yes, sure, when we were young we could hardly wait to grow up and move out of our parents’ home, get our own apartment (without roommates), or buy our own house. But at a certain time of life, less may be more. And simpler may be better. And planning for the future is always a good thing.

Leave It

For starters, there are the things seniors get to leave behind. Unloading the chores of the house with repairs, painting, yard work, insurance and taxes is a good thing. Some people leave behind the isolation, loneliness or depression of living in a home with lots of memories but little current stimulation

Get Organized

Moving and downsizing gives one an opportunity to “lighten the load”. It is a reason to eliminate the clutter and donate or give treasures and see them enjoyed and incorporated into different lives. Giving things to the people who will appreciate them is a delight. It can be very gratifying to give that sewing machine to a daughter who sews, that set of blue dishes to a friend who admires it and the tools to a nephew who needs them. (And there are people who specialize in helping do all this.)

What to Expect

A move to a retirement community can offer many things. A senior community can offer the independence of “your own place” but also 24 hour security and emergency services. Choosing a senior community with a variety of cultural, fun, supportive activities and trips offers a sense of community, a chance to make new friendships, learn new things and rise to new challenges. It could mean moving closer to friends, doctors or family. It could mean getting involved in activities the senior always wanted to try but didn’t have the time or opportunity. Since most communities offer the freedom from the “daily grind” by including housekeeping, laundry and meals in the monthly rent, seniors may find they have more time and energy for the fun things of life.
And it is good to plan ahead for assistance and support in case of a decline in health by choosing a senior housing option that offers the possibility of assistance with activities of daily living, if necessary.

Financially Speaking

There are many factors to consider in making the decision to stay in the current home or to move. What will it cost to make the current residence safe? Are safety bars or features needed in the baths? What to do with stairs? Will ramps be needed? What about subscribing to a safety alert system? Will help need to be hired now, or in the future, for cleaning, cooking, errands, or personal assistance?

At first it might seem prohibitively expensive to move into a senior retirement community. But when doing budgeting, notice if the monthly rent includes utilities, water, garbage, (sometimes even cable TV), meals, housekeeping, laundry, entertainment, and usually some transportation. And there is no longer a consideration for property taxes or homeowners insurance. Sometimes the senior retirement community is a true value by comparison. A good side-by-side comparison of current and projected expenditures for the homes being considered is a very useful tool and I recommend working one up.

Helping seniors make the best decisions sometimes requires a magnitude of finesse but it will be rewarded by the security, happiness and confidence you and your senior will have once those decisions have been made.