How to Tackle Tough Decisions About Moving into Assisted Living | alecsalameh.com
Moving into assisted living is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Packing up your belongings and saying your goodbyes to the family home can be a significant source of stress and emotional upset during your senior years. Understandably, this can make any senior hesitant about the big move. If you’re considering whether or not assisted living is right for you, check out the following tips to make your decision a little easier.
Research Your Options Carefully
Besides assisted living, several alternative living arrangements can provide help with your daily living tasks and care needs. But choosing from all of the available senior housing options can be completely overwhelming. Research your options and compare the advantages and disadvantages of each so you can make the best decision for your health and happiness. For example, home-sharing is a popular choice among seniors because it reduces living expenses and household chores while improving home safety and easing loneliness. You can use shared housing match-up programs to find a senior roommate if you don’t already know someone who would like to move in.
If you decide that assisted living is the best choice for you, take the time to tour different facilities. Some facilities will meet your needs better than others. In general, most will provide help with day-to-day personal care and household tasks like laundry and cleaning. Many also include amenities like exercise programs, transportation, and social activities. When evaluating assisted living communities, consider your care needs, personal lifestyle requirements, and budget. Starting your search online for local facilities is a great way to build a list of top contenders you’d like to tour, and sites like SeniorCare allow you to filter by budget, specialized care needs, and even pet-friendliness.
Determine What Kind of Help You Need
Do you need round-the-clock medical care, or are you simply looking for more social opportunities in your daily life? Assisted living can provide a number of benefits to seniors. Most importantly, assisted living communities are designed to maximize your independence, so you can maintain a high quality of life. Remember that physical activity, socialization, and healthy eating can help you stay independent for as long as possible, so look for living arrangements that can help you fulfill those needs.
If you’re unsure whether or not assisted living is right for you, watch out for signs that living alone is no longer a good idea. It’s not safe to continue living alone if you have experienced home accidents due to chronic conditions or age-related changes. Similarly, problems keeping up with your financial responsibilities, like paying the bills, can indicate that assistance would be beneficial. Seniors can also experience problems with isolation when living alone. Socially isolated seniors are more likely to experience mental and physical health problems, so consider senior housing options that will provide plenty of socialization opportunities.
Plan How to Pay for Assisted Living
Budget can be a major hurdle for seniors considering assisted living. While assisted living isn’t cheap, it is not completely out of reach to seniors with limited incomes or small savings; there are several ways to pay for assisted living. Some seniors decide to sell their homes as a way to offset their long-term care costs. In order to get the best price for your home, it’s important to work with a skilled local agent who’s familiar with your market. Look no further than Alec Salameh to sell your property for a great price!
Furthermore, if you’re a veteran, you may qualify for assisted living coverage. Whatever route you choose, the best way to cover the costs of assisted living is to plan ahead. So, if you don’t need to move ASAP, make a plan for the future. Long-term care insurance is a viable funding option for many seniors. Remember that you also have alternative housing options, like sharing a home with senior roommates or moving into a naturally occurring retirement community, which may be more affordable than assisted living.
It’s no surprise that seniors struggle with the decision to move into assisted living. There are countless factors to consider, from healthcare needs and lifestyle requirements to budget. If possible, try not to rush this decision. And don’t let anyone else pressure you to make up your mind sooner than you’re ready. Consider your options carefully so you can secure an enjoyable and fulfilling future for yourself.
