This is the most frequently asked question we’ve been asked over the years. Sometimes it’s obvious when a loved one can no longer live on their own, but unfortunately, most of the time, it’s not. Consider the following questions when having these tough conversations: • Are there safety-related issues? • Is the caregiver's health beginning to decline? • Has the cost of in-home care become too expensive? • Can you no longer keep up with the increasing demands of providing care yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, it might be time to discuss moving your loved one to a senior care community. For additional information or questions you may have, contact our consultants today to get started.

There are a variety of factors you should consider before starting your search for a senior care community. First and foremost, you’ll need to evaluate the level of care your loved one will require. This can range anywhere from long-term care to residential care but is the most important in terms of choosing a community. Other factors you should consider include: • What type of care you need: general care, memory care, hospice care, skilled nursing and rehab, mental health care, and more • The payment method you’ll be using: Private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance, VA aid, private health insurance • Location parameters: how far are you willing to travel for the best care? • Personal preferences & needs: amenities, care packages, access to medical staff

Assisted living helps residents remain as independent as possible while helping them with daily living activities—bathing, dressing, grooming, and more. Assisted living is based more on a “social” model than a “medical” model. This means that although these professionals will distribute medications, prepare meals, and help with incontinence management, the primary goal is to allow residents to socialize. There’s a full slate of activities available throughout the day for meaningful social interactions. This type of senior care is not a standardized level of care, making it one of the most difficult care options to choose from when searching for a senior care community. Learn more about what’s included in assisted living communities and determine whether or not this is the right fit for your loved one by discussing your needs with one of our Senior Care Consulting team members.

The term “memory care” is often misused in the marketplace. Typically used to imply a higher level of care for a loved one, memory care is actually not a level of care at all. In fact, memory care can be found at all levels of care in any senior community. Memory care is a special type of care provided for residents with cognitive impairment. Some communities even offer a designated and secure memory care neighborhood. To learn more about memory care and how finding a senior living community with this specialty can benefit your loved one, visit our memory care page.(https://www.seniorcareconsulting.com/types-of-senior-care/memory-care.html)

Medicaid is a federally funded program administered at the state level that provides funding assistance for senior care and other medical services and needs. Qualifying for Medicaid can be quite complicated, and each state is different. We recommend consulting with an experienced and qualified elder law or estate planning attorney in your area for more details and guidance.