How to know when to make the move to an assisted care setting, pros and cons, how to locate the best facility for your loved one…

When you are worried about an aging loved one or client, you may suggest taking a look at an assisted care setting. Often, this does not go over well. It seems that most people have the notion that staying in their own home forever is the ideal. For many people, this may be possible, depending on their health situation, support system, and financial status. Aging Wisely helps families analyze options and resources for remaining safe and happy at home.

For others, a retirement community, assisted living facility, or nursing facility may not only be necessary, but a truly positive change. For information on terminology and levels of assisted care in Florida, see our article: https://www.agingwisely.com/assisted-living-options-in-florida/.

What are some of the benefits of moving into a retirement community that offers some services or assistance?

• Safety and oversight (however, it is important to make sure the level of oversight matches your loved one’s needs and ensure the community offers what you think you’ll be getting)
• Socialization-particularly as individuals get older and have health problems or friends and family die, they may withdraw from normal activities; these settings may afford them easier opportunities to socialize (picking a place that has the right level and type of activities for a particular person is key)
• On site medical attention (varies by community, some offer primary care physician’s visits onsite, nursing services, podiatry, psychiatric/psychological services, physical therapy)
• Convenience-amenities such as transportation, meals, trips and activities, disaster planning make life simpler (the right mix is important to consider, facilities offer a variety and some services may be included while others carry additional fees)

Some of the guidance Aging Wisely frequently provides to family members includes:

• How to approach this subject with their loved ones.
• Providing an independent assessment of the situation and options.
• Giving guidance about resources, options, costs and facilities.
• Choosing the right facility for the individual.
• Analyzing a budget, insurance and benefit options and costs/benefits of various scenarios.
• Help completing necessary paperwork and understanding admissions process.
• Complete coordination (or ala carte services) of the move including setting up movers, downsizing, estate sales, real estate professionals, changing addresses, and all the little details.
• Helping with the emotional aspects of the transition. Advising families on the best ways to make the transition and helping introduce clients to their new environment and make it a positive move.
• Oversight and coordination at the facility for out of area family members, acting as their eyes and ears and being the local emergency contact.
• Being another set of eyes and ears for local families and giving the professional expertise often needed, reviewing the client’s chart, and noticing changes or concerns that our experience may alert us to more quickly; advocating for clients.
• Helping families get the best care for their loved ones, understanding realistic care expectations and help navigating the care system and managing crises or changes that arise.

Who do we help?

• Family members concerned about their aging loved one and needing guidance, an independent assessment, or help convincing family members to get help.
• Professionals assisting clients or families in planning for their later years.
• Responsible parties, whether family members or professionals, trying to decide on the best care setting and options for their loved one/client.
• Professionals with a fiduciary duty or other responsibility to a client, helping to ensure wise choices are made.
• Clients who need help organizing a move and are overwhelmed by all the tasks.
• Facility staff who have potential residents who might be hesitant to move, by helping clients see the benefits of moving and assisting them with the overwhelming process.
• Case managers and social workers having difficulty finding placement for client’s special needs or concerned that someone is unsafe to return home.
• Family members who have begun looking for facilities but realize it is a complex decision and want to make the best choice for their loved one.
• Families who are disagreeing about what is best for a loved one, or the professionals who are working with such families or clients.
• Families looking to move their aging or disabled loved one to the Tampa area.
• Out of area families wishing to relocate their loved one to a facility nearer to them.