Retirement Planning

The most recognizable fact of becoming a senior citizen is realizing our bodies just won’t perform they way they did in the past. Health conditions that have never surfaced in our lives begin to emerge in our 50s and demand all kinds of monitoring and management.

As our growing list of needs and services increase, the good retirement advice suggests that we do some research to understand the differences between the classic nursing home and an assisted living facility.

In simple terms, an assisted living facility is one that we would consider for a parent or love one that is able to handle almost all his/her daily activities but needs limited assistance. For the sake of safety and support, assisted living communities offer housing along with other services such as housekeeping, laundry, planned activities, meals, nearby emergency support, medication services and other personal needs.

ESTATE PLANNING AND RETIREMENT

Unfortunately, assisted living is expensive and out of reach for many seniors and their families who are seeking elder care services. In these cases, look for assisted living facilities that offer subsidized services based on income.

This approach will allow a love one to have needed services at some type of discount from the normal full price. The portion of the cost that is subsidized is often paid through government sponsored programs.

Eligibility for assisted living subsidies varies and often is driven by both income and the level of personal care needs that are required. Essentially a loved one must be able to live independently, make personal decisions, and be able to communicate personal needs at a minimum for assisted living care.

How to Choose…

The levels of quality and care vary with each home you may consider. Like any business, there are good and bad facilities so don’t make your decision simply based on nearness to your home.

Things to consider are:

• How much space is needed? Will the facility provide extra storage as part of the monthly costs? How will all personal items of the loved one be handled?
• Is the space furnished or unfurnished? Does the facility provide furnishings if needed?
• Be clear about all services provided by the facility including personal care and cleaning?
• Is there a security deposit required and how much?
• Are pets allowed and what types?
• Is the facility non-smoking or are there designated smoking areas?
• What about overnight guests? What is the policy and is there a cost?
• If extra services are needed, what are the charges? How are they collected?
• Is there a minimum time commitment?
• How are complaints handled?
• What is the security of the facility?

Moving to some form of assisted living is usually the first step in the process of living out our years and getting the needed support to stay independent as long as possible.

The best retirement advice is to do your homework in advance and pay attention to the details. Sometimes there is a waiting list so you may want to place your name on the list based on the projected wait time.

About The Author:

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Janet Shapan, has been a publisher, writer and media designer in the special interest magazine and TV production business for over 25 years. A Boomer, her passion is identifying and sharing current innovations in health, wellness and other lifestyle categories of interest to Seniors. For more information on Senior Living, visit: http://For-Seniors.org or http:LivingSenior.org