Have you noticed mom or dad showing signs of decline? Are you worried about your elderly uncle living at home by himself? You’re not alone. Many of us will find ourselves making care decisions for our parents or other beloved elders. It’s not an easy place to be because it’s hard to see them struggle to live independently.
While First Community Trust can’t completely eliminate the emotional weight of these important decisions, we hope we can offer some guidance on your journey. Here are 7 tips to consider when transitioning loved ones into long term care.
Tip #1: Start talking about care plans as early as possible.
Many elders shy away from conversations about their future care needs. However, gently bringing attention to the topic from a place of love and support long before urgent needs arise can help the whole family get on board with a plan. With many desirable care communities experiencing high demand, finding a placement may take longer than expected, so planning ahead helps.
Tip #2: Identify any current needs.
If you already know that your parent or elder needs help, it’s useful to identify which “activities of daily living” they may no longer be able to manage. Knowing this will help you gauge what kind of assistance they need. An elder with physical issues may struggle with bathing or dressing but still be able to handle their finances. An elder experiencing cognitive decline may be able to handle their personal care but need help with transportation, money management and housekeeping. Finding the right level of care for their needs can help them remain independent as long as possible and keep costs in check.
Tip #3: Identify their financial resources.
Care can cost quite a bit, so knowing what assets your parents have—income, investments, long-term care policies, insurance, benefits, etc.—can help determine what they can afford. The chart below shows nationwide care statistics from Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey, but the actual cost of a placement will be influenced by location, level of care, type of facility, pricing structures, and more.
Tip #4: Be clear about your own resources and expectations.
Many, many factors influence care expectations within families. Being clear with your family about what you can and cannot contribute in terms of time, money and caregiving is critical. It may be a difficult conversation, especially if your family’s expectations of you are outside what you can provide. However, setting boundaries and accountability creates clarity about what services mom and dad will need.
Tip #5: Research their options.
There are a lot of ways to help your loved ones age gracefully. Learning about which services and facilities are available and within their resources can empower you to help them make good decisions. Sometimes, home renovations and local support can be enough to support aging-in-place. In other cases, moving to a care community can offer elders the support they need to thrive.
Tip #6: Understand the steps involved in getting into a community.
Many facilities operate with a waitlist so it may be challenging to quickly find a placement when the time comes to move. Starting early helps. Asking for referrals, taking tours of facilities together (if they’re willing), and becoming informed about how each community works can help you all understand the process. When you’ve identified a place, you may be able to put down a deposit to get on the waitlist, giving them the option to accept a spot when it opens.
Tip #7: Ask for help.
In the end, we want you to know that you’re not alone on this journey. First Community Trust is here to support you, provide information, and assist your family as you navigate the complex financial considerations of elder care. We can also help you understand your options and connect you with any legal advice you may need. We understand the emotional challenges that come with this responsibility and are dedicated to helping you find the best path forward for your loved ones or consider planning for your own personal care.