Do you need Assisted Living?

Unfortunately many folks wait way too long to consider assisted living. They miss the opportunity to enjoy making new friends, maintain their nutrition and health, and prevent injuries from occurring to them by having others take care of the heavy housekeeping and chores. It’s tough to realize you are unable to prepare a nutritious meal and properly bathe yourself. You think you are getting by okay, and then you accidently see yourself in the mirror and realize your physical health is taking its toll.

Your caregivers, your family, your neighbors are all trying to help you. They want to do whatever they can to keep you safe and it’s often more than they can do on a daily basis. (They are just afraid to tell you or feel shame because they can’t do it.) It’s a terrible quandary to be on either side of this equation. Recognizing the problem is the first step, and asking for help is the second.

If you are fortunate enough to still have your spouse, moving together is so much easier than moving alone. Sorting out a life time amount of “stuff” is not easy. For those that are single, one tip that a client shared with me a long time ago was that her son spent the first night with her in the assisted living apartment and the first day together. He attended each meal in the dining room with her, and helped break the ice. From that point forward, she became the assisted living “Welcome Wagon Gal” visiting and scheduling lunch with each new person moving in. She felt so good making a difference!

We have had many clients whose family is unable to spend that first night or so at the assisted living. In those cases, many clients have elected to have their caregiver (an EasyLiving caregiver that has been helping around the house) spend the night, help them get to know the new place, and help with the introductions and the conversations flow easier. There are many creative ways to make the transition a little less intimidating.

Our care managers can help you figure out whether it makes sense for you to stay at home with home care or if the time is right to move to assisted living. How do they do this? The care manager will speak with you, your caregiver(s), your health care providers, and put together a care plan that provides guidance as well as realistic expectations of what type of help you need. A written report is provided reviewing your current health status and specific step by step recommendations.

There are many checklists and tools available online as to whether now is the right time, what type of care is available in the home and at assisted living. While all of those are very helpful, we have found a conversation with a knowledgeable certified care manager helps you make the right decision and maintain family relationships.

Care Plan/Assessment Package: The Care Manager will meet with you and your caregiver(s), evaluate your current situation, review healthcare records, and prepare a written care plan with specific recommendations. Recommendations may include specific assistance needed in the home or recommendations for specific assisted living facilities, Medicare covered services and equipment, Medicaid benefits, and guidance as to when a move may make sense. No matter who you are, these are tough conversations and working with someone who knows the system and understands the costs is critical. Our fee is $499 for a step-by-step Care Plan/Assessment. If you live in Pinellas County or Hillsborough County we can meet with you in person, otherwise, you may schedule a telephone conference with one of our care managers.

Please call today at 727.447.5845 to schedule an appointment with a care manager or contact us online. We look forward to helping you with Aging Wisely!

When Is It Time for Assisted Living?

Evaluating Assisted Living Facilities

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