What is Assisted Living?

"Promise me you won't put me the home!" 

How many of you have had a parent or older family member tell you this? I want to make it abundantly clear...assisted living is not 'THE HOME'!

Let's think logically about moving to assisted living; there are many considerations.

• Safety Concerns: Is living at home becoming risky? Frequent falls, forgetfulness, or difficulty managing daily tasks might signal it's time for more support.

• Health Needs: Are medical needs increasing? If managing medications, chronic conditions, or mobility is becoming too difficult, assisted living may offer the needed care.

• Social Interaction: Is there a growing sense of isolation? Assisted living communities provide social activities and companionship.

• Caregiver Burnout: If family caregivers are overwhelmed, moving to assisted living can ease the burden while ensuring proper care.

An important note: A person must qualify for assisted living. To qualify, a person typically needs assistance with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or eating. A medical assessment may be required to determine the level of care needed.

Many believe that assisted living is expensive and all out-of-pocket. There is some truth to that, but there are financial assistance options. Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, Long-term Care Insurance, and State programs can help offset the cost of assisted living care. 

Determining the right time to move to assisted living involves balancing safety, health, and social needs with financial options. If you're unsure, consider consulting with your healthcare team, including your personal advocate, to guide you through this important decision.