Making decisions about living arrangements for our aging parents and relatives can be complicated and emotionally challenging. A simple internet search will provide you with seemingly endless pages of information about various facilities, including reviews (both good and bad). How do you know who to trust? Where do you even begin?
It is important to determine whether your loved one would be best served in an assisted living facility (ALF) or a nursing home. This is a decision that should be based on a thoughtful evaluation of your loved one’s needs and wants, including their financial resources and level of independence.
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) are best for individuals who need help with daily activities but do not require intensive medical care. ALFs often provide meals, housekeeping, and social activities for their residents. Nursing homes are best for individuals with significant medical or physical needs requiring around-the-clock skilled nursing care. A facility that has both an assisted living and a nursing home may be appropriate for relatives who are currently self-sufficient but whose health or function may decline in the future.
If you are unsure what type of facility would best meet your loved one's needs, consider the following factors:
Your loved one’s physical health. Does he or she have a diagnosis that may eventually require a high degree of medical attention? Is he or she at risk of developing any conditions or ailments that may gradually impact his or her function?
Your loved one's cognitive abilities, daily living activities, and emotional and social needs. Does your dad like to take a daily walk outdoors? Ask questions about what "independence" looks like at each individual facility. If your mom thrives in group settings, review the facility's social calendar to determine if the types and times of recreational activities is likely to appeal to her.
Your family’s caregiving capacity, including time, energy, skill level, and impact on family dynamics. If you or other family members plan to visit frequently, your loved one may do just fine in a facility that provides basic check ins and housekeeping. If it will be hard to stop by on a regular basis, get to know the facility staff who will be spending time with your relative.
Financial resources. Ability to pay is a big factor in determining the best placement for your loved one. Figuring out your loved one's coverage, and determining whether there is a budget in excess of insurance coverage, is a critical step to ensure you do not get attached to facilities that are financially impossible.
One tool that can be utilized to evaluate different facilities for your loved ones is “Medicare Compare” (https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/). This tool is provided by the U.S. government to help individuals and families compare healthcare providers and facilities based on a range of criteria, including type of facility or provider, access to medical treatments like dialysis, and certification status. It also helps users compare the costs of different plans, including premiums, deductibles, co-payments, and out-of-pocket maximums.
Medicare Compare can be used specifically to compare:
Nursing Homes
Hospitals
Doctors and Clinicians
Home Health Agencies
Hospices
Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities
This is a significant and often stressful decision that warrants research and consideration. In addition to provider websites, placement tools, and client reviews, Medicare Compare is a valuable resource to help you make a fully informed decision for the housing and care needs for your loved ones. Ensuring a good fit from the outset will mitigate further disruption to your loved one's life - and yours - and give everyone the peace of mind and comfort they deserve.
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