Assisted Living Options and Resources

Yogi Berra said that and everyone laughed. They still do. But, if you're among the estimated 16 million Americans struggling to care for an aging parent, you've probably heard sillier things . . . and it's just not funny anymore. You are burned out, or nearly so, and it's time to consider other assisted living options and resources for Mom or Dad (or both). You've done your best (and succeeded) in keeping your parent clean, well-fed, and safe at home for how long now . . . a year, two years, longer? There's no shame in that and there's no shame in admitting that you can't do it any longer, at least not without some help. Everyone needs a little help, eventually. Isn't that what you told your parent when you stepped in to help them?You know, Yogi's advice isn't nearly as silly as it sounds. You do need to be very careful if you don't know where you're going. With that in mind, here are two avenues that may help get you where you need to go.

HOME HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS

It should ease your mind to know that your next move in caring for your parent is not necessarily nursing home placement. There are many providers of home health care services who can offer as little or as much help as you need assisting your parent to remain living at home. Their staff can readily step into your role as primary in-home caregiver whether you need a few hours help each day, a full day or two per week to provide you with some respite, or someone to take over round the clock responsibility for your parent's care.

Even if your parent's needs have increased beyond assistance with daily living activities, continuing in-home care is the first option you should explore. Most providers draw on a large pool of skilled and experienced caregivers and nursing assistants who are capable of providing a high level of care, 24/7, if need be. Home health agencies can also provide visiting skilled nurses, social workers, and a host of therapists. They can facilitate acquiring any necessary equipment and supplies, too, including assistive devices like hearing aids, walkers, wheelchairs, commodes, and hospital beds. Some home health agencies, such as Hospice, offer a full team of professionals to offer in-home care specifically for clients approaching the end-of-life.

Cost of assisted living services and home health care is difficult to estimate. As a ballpark figure, you may expect to pay $20+ per hour for caregivers, substantially more for skilled nursing services. There are a couple of financial aid programs through your State's Council on Aging and Medicaid that may be able to help with the expense of in-home care for low-income individuals. The discharge planner at your local hospital can be a good source of referral for information on home health care providers in your area. Check to see if there is a social services agency on aging or elder care. They can assist you and your parent in finding services and applying for financial assistance.

ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

If your parent, for whatever reason, can no longer remain in their own home or live with another family member, Assisted Living facilities are certainly the next best thing, providing an intermediate level of long-term care in a home-like environment. Residents of these facilities have a private housekeeping apartment or assisted living house that they can furnish with their own possessions and in their own way to maintain a sense of being at home. Residents receive help with meals, bathing and personal care, dressing, laundry, housekeeping, taking their medications, and managing health conditions. Staff is available 24/7 to provide services, respond to emergencies, and monitor resident safety. The facilities conduct exercise programs, recreational activities, outings and social gatherings. The emphasis is on building a sense of community, promoting socialization, and keeping residents active and engaged in daily living.

The entire focus is on helping the residents live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. These facilities are not an alternative to nursing home care, however. Most are not equipped or licensed to provide any skilled nursing care, but they can and do accommodate residents with substantial mental and physical disabilities quite successfully.

The cost of care in an assisted living facility is often equal to, or not much more than. the cost of securing health care services in your own home. There may be financial assistance available for low income residents through the same social service agencies that help supplement the cost of home health care services. The social worker or admissions coordinator at the assisted living facility can advise you.

Contact your local Senior Center, hospital discharge coordinator, Senior Information and Assistance social service agency, and search the Internet for more information on Home Health Care Providers and Assisted Living Facilities in your area.