Essential Preparation Before Moving Your Loved One to Assisted Living or a Nursing Home
Moving a loved one into an assisted living facility or nursing home is a significant decision that often requires careful planning and consideration. Ensuring that the environment is supportive and safe is paramount. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this important transition.
Understanding Cost Implications
Skills such as assisted living and nursing care are typically out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare, while covering many medical services, does not cover the specialized care provided in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. Therefore, it is crucial to shop around and obtain quotes from different providers. Factors like location, services offered, and staffing levels can significantly impact costs.
Key Questions to Ask When Choosing a Facility
Before committing to a facility, a thorough evaluation is necessary. Ask the following questions:
What medical services can be provided if my loved one becomes ill? When is 911 called in emergencies? Is my loved one permitted to use their own doctor for consultations and care? Are there male and female Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) for personal care tasks like showering? What activities are offered to residents? Is it possible to bring in a motorized scooter for use within the facility? What is the procedure for addressing issues with management? Are there scheduled meetings where you can discuss concerns?Observing the Environment
Part of the evaluation process should involve visiting the facility during a mealtime to observe the mix of residents and their overall physical and mental conditions. It is important to note that the majority of residents are likely to be women. This observation will provide a sense of the environment and the level of care provided.
Advocating for Your Loved One
Your involvement in your loved one's care is vital. Regular visits, interaction with caregivers, and actively discussing concerns can lead to improved support and care. Being proactive and engaged can significantly enhance the experience for both your loved one and those caring for them.
Additional Considerations for Safety
If safety is your primary concern, consider intermediate solutions such as an emergency help button. This can provide peace of mind and immediate access to assistance. Additionally, home services like meals on wheels, cleaning services, and home health care can be valuable options to ensure your loved one remains safe and comfortable in their own home.
Personal Insights and Recommendations
While some individuals may seem to need the move due to age or general decline, it is important to consider the individual needs of your loved one. Many elders prefer to stay in their familiar homes, even if those homes are not in perfect condition. However, there are situations where moving to a more secure environment is necessary. For example, my healthy father-in-law thrived in the social environment of an assisted living facility. Conversely, for my mother with worsening dementia, the move to memory care significantly improved her safety and overall well-being. Moving her away from a familiar environment caused a sharp decrease in her cognitive function.
Conclusion
When your primary goal is to ensure the safety and well-being of a loved one, considering these factors before making the decision to move them into an assisted living facility or nursing home is essential. Being an advocate and actively participating in their care can make a significant difference in their quality of life. Good luck with your decision-making process.