Choosing the right assisted living or Alzheimer’s facility

The majority of our loved one's will not require continuous skilled nursing care. But, many may require help with a range of activities of daily living that typically include bathing and dressing - sometimes reminders to eat, and always a safe option to choose would be medication management. Some of our loved one's who require reminders may find that they have early-stage Alzheimer's disease, but not always does it have to relate to any Dementia's, just merely some memory impairment, however, the will benefit substantially from assisted living facilities, many of which are part of continuing care retirement communities.

Assisted living communities differ greatly in their services and beliefs of care
Thus, it is important to locate the right facility for your loved one. It will have a profound impact on their pride, quality of life and sense of well-being, along with the independence they have grown accustomed to.

Assisted living facilities differ widely in size
Sizes can range from as little as six residents in an adult family home to a little over one hundred in a larger assisted living. They typically offer private rooms, studio style or small apartments, common areas for socializing and leisure, planned activities, 24-hour staffing, transportation services and many other services and amenities.

The majority assisted living facilities offer personal care and supportive services
These services include three meals served in a dining room area or taken to a resident's room, transportation services for errands and appointments, housekeeping, aid with medication management and emergency call monitoring. Assisted living facilities offer peace of mind to the resident's family and friends.

Establish what you can afford

The majority of our loved one's who need assistance with their activities of daily living may never need to reside in a nursing home - that is, if they can afford assisted living. Sadly, Medicare pays zero for assisted living, and Medicaid pays very little. Instead, practically all expenses are paid out-of-pocket by residents and/or their families towards assisted living.

The good news is assisted living is not as expensive as it first seems. Instead, to an extent that varies from one person to another, it simply involves a shift of expenses from one living arrangement to another.

After a person's capabilities decline to the point where they require support, their move into an assisted living facility is usually long lasting. When their home is sold, nearly all of the expenses associated with it can then be used to help pay towards the cost of assisted living and their personal care fees.
Remember, since an assisted living facility includes all meals, very few groceries are needed, thereby freeing up even more money.