Do you have a parent living on their own but you are considering senior retirement living for them? You are not alone. Many grown children in the Denver area have faced this same situation and have come to Heart 2 Heart 4 Seniors for help. Mom or Dad may still be living independently but is showing signs that it may be time for a move to senior retirement living. Maybe they are starting to be forgetful and you are worried they will leave the stove on, may not be paying their bills or taking their medication as prescribed. Or maybe they are having difficulty taking care of the house alone or they are not able to prepare nutritious meals anymore, then independent living might be too difficult. Whatever the reason, it may be time to consider senior living. Keep in mind the following tips when starting the transition to senior living.
Understand the Individual Needs
Working with Heart 2 Heart 4 Seniors, you will find our specialists are here to help you find a senior living community and are willing to help families through this difficult and time consuming process. This includes helping the families find out what is best for their senior. What kind of support does the senior need? What services are necessary? The best senior living community for your loved one will depend on their individual circumstances. We work with senior living communities that are willing to take into account the specifics of your situation. Our Senior Transition Specialists are familiar with a variety of senior retirement communities and what they can provide for your loved one.
Finances
In the Denver metro area, there are a wide variety of assisted living and independent living communities with a wide range of rent and care charges. With our experience and knowledge of senior living available, we are able to assist you in finding the right home, with the right care, at the right price and in the best location.
After our initial meeting with you and if finances are a concern, it may be important to evaluate Medicare and Medicaid benefits. Unlike popular belief, Medicare will not pay for senior living! There are requirements under the Medicaid system that may or may not allow for assistance with senior housing. It is best if you work with our Senior Transition Specialists, who are knowledgeable with the Medicaid system requirements and can assist you in applying for Medicaid benefits if needed and can answer your questions regarding “spend-down”, gifting, etc.
Are veterans benefits a factor in your situation? If so, we can look for a senior living facility that can help you make the most of the benefits you have available.
If you will be selling the current home, you will need the help of someone with real estate knowledge. Assistance in this area will be important so the home isn’t on the market for an extended period of time. Heart 2 Heart 4 Seniors has a real estate agent who has special training and licensure as a Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES) who can help you decide if it is the right time to sell Mom and Dad’s home to help pay for their senior retirement living.
All this knowledge we offer, will save you considerable time and stress.
Adjustment
Keep in mind that this process will be a huge adjustment for your loved one and your family. In many cases, the senior may resist the idea of moving to a senior living community. It is very difficult for them to leave a home they have been in for years and sometimes decades. Often the senior is concerned about the loss of independence. Although you know that what you are doing is in their best interest, you may find your loved one is initially unhappy with the decision. Have patience, as this is a big transition for all! Realize it may take time, but eventually, they will see the benefits of their new home too!
For additional information about the transition to senior retirement living and to save you considerable time and stress, contact us at Heart 2 Heart 4 Seniors today!