Jeri Bailey spent months in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities after her husband’s biking accident. She was emotionally spent and physically exhausted. The pressure of being responsible for her husband’s care was almost too much to bear. “For weeks, I felt alone,” she said, “trying to navigate through the healthcare maze while, at the same time, trying to be there emotionally for my husband.”
Unfortunately, Jeri’s experience is all too common. “In some communities, there could be hundreds of senior care options,” said Taylor Florence of Transitional Care Solutions. “It is especially difficult to choose when you don’t have the time to research the industry and gather needed information.” In cases like these, working with a transitional care/placement specialist who is familiar with the available options is invaluable; he or she can help you quickly identify the best options for your family’s individual and unique situation. Here are a few questions to ask.
Can we afford assisted living?
The answer is yes. Despite the prevailing belief that assisted living care is too expensive for many families, many facilities offer superior care at affordable prices. The key is to know where they are located. Opportunities for financial aid, grants, and government assistance programs that help offset costs may also be available.
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How can we minimize the emotional impact of moving?
Saying goodbye to a home where memories were made and significant events took place in your life is highly emotional. This is why it is important to find a facility that strives to ensure a seamless transition.
“We believe social and emotional health play an important role in maintaining overall physical health,” explained Shiloh Sorensen, activity director at Parke View Rehabilitation & Care Center. Social interaction and relationships are important factors in a person’s well being. It’s a need one never outgrows.”
Will this be a permanent move?
A move can be disruptive and traumatizing. The last thing you want is to deal with multiple moves. As the physical needs of your loved one change, it’s important to find a facility that is prepared to handle the varying levels of needed care when they occur.
Is this a good location?
There are many factors that determine a good location. Is the doctor close to the facility? Is the facility close to family and other support? Can your loved one go to church, shop, or take trips to the beach? In essence, will he or she still be able to do those things that make them happy?
“It may take time and a lot of planning on your part to create a smooth transition from home to assisted living,” wrote Jayme Kinsey of the Assisted Living Directory. “In the end, the result will be well worth the effort, as your loved one will feel safe and secure, and you will have peace of mind knowing that they really are in the best place for their needs.”
You want your loved one to be happy and safe. With a transitional care expert to help, you will be able to find a home away from home that is perfectly suited for better days to come.
A version of this article was originally published by the Daily Herald. It has been republished here with permission.
