Older adults often are confronted with changes in their living options in an effort to have a different life style, as in the case of relocating to a retirement community, or as a matter of medical necessity such as moving into a convalescent center following major surgery.
While most older adults would prefer to stay in their homes this is not always possible as health conditions change and outside services are required for care.
More living options are available
Over the past decades the options for living arrangements have changed dramatically as more older adults make use of assisted living facilities, convalescent care, adult day care, and facilities offering living options that range from cluster housing to assisted living and nursing homes.
Making decisions to move from one’s family home can be a difficult and complex decision as one weighs the costs with personal and family needs. And locating a residential facility can be a daunting task.
Seniorhomes.com can help you find the best living option
I recently had a conversation with Chris Rodde, CEO of SeniorHomes.com, a web site that assists individuals and their families in locating a living option that is appropriate for their health condition, personal needs, and financial resources. Mr.Rodde noted that users of their site tend to fall into two classes of individuals: those who need assistance in selecting a residential option, and those who know the type of residential option they prefer, but need assistance in identifying the option in their community.
According to Rodde, most baby boomers who contact them prefer to live in age restricted living communities that provide leisure activities and social events. For older adults who need some type of skilled care, it is often family members that initiate inquiries and eventually select the appropriate living option. Interestingly, location of the facility is the most important criteria for families seeking a residence for their loved ones.
According to Rodde, families want to be close to their parents to provide support and assistance. To ease the process of locating a living facility, SeniorHomes.com provides a toll-free number where family members and elderly adults can discuss living options in their area, and costs of the facilities.
SeniorHomes.com then contacts the residential facility and information is mailed to the individual making inquiry. While costs are always a concern to families seeking a living facility, Medicaid will often cover many of the costs of a nursing home, and long-term care insurance will cover skilled nursing home care, assisted living, adult day care, convalescent care, and respite care.
Veteran’s assistance available
Rodde noted that many veterans could benefit from the Veterans Administration’s Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit program. This aid or assistance can be provided at home, in an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. A Veteran is eligible for up to $1,632 per month, while a surviving spouse is eligible for up to $1,055 per month. A couple is eligible for up to $1,949 per month. More information can be obtained at VeteranAid.org.
Photo by: allspice1
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Randy Ryder is a Professor Emeritus at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and is a publisher of Elder Parent Help.