Help a Senior Loved One Move to a Care Facility with These Tips
Making the decision to move your senior loved one into a long-term care facility comes with a lot of emotions, and there’s so much to think about that it can easily become overwhelming. Finding the right facility, paying for your loved one’s care, and figuring out what to do with their current home–especially if they are living with a debilitating condition–are just a few tasks you’ll need to consider, and it’s important to do them all with respect toward your loved one’s wishes or needs.
Right at Home outlines a few things to consider when it’s time to find long-term care for your senior loved one:
Research local care facilities
Because there are so many options available when it comes to senior care facilities, it’s crucial that you do some research and learn more about the differences between them. Some are better suited for seniors who can handle most daily care tasks themselves, while others offer full nursing services. When doing your research, take note of the costs, find out what payment options they offer and which health insurance plans they accept and read reviews from family members to get a feel for their experiences.
Consider these factors before selling the home
Before you make a final decision on a senior care facility, it’s important to consider a few factors regarding your loved one’s home. Selling is a great way to help finance a move to a facility, especially if your loved one’s insurance plan doesn’t cover long-term care. However, the pandemic has brought lots of changes to the housing market, which means it may be more challenging to sell in some areas. You’ll also need to take stock of the condition it’s in, both inside and out, and make repairs if necessary; otherwise, you might sell the home “as-is”, but this could affect the final sale price. Keep in mind that the average sale price of a home in Eugene is about $460,000.
Plan for your senior loved one’s belongings
If your loved one is able to sort through their belongings and decide on what to take with them to their new living space, they’ll probably need help. Psychology Today notes that this can be a very emotional process for older adults, and the idea of selling or donating items can be a challenge. It may be helpful to suggest that they choose some items to give to family members, and also to have friends and loved ones there for emotional support during the process. If there are large pieces of furniture or items that your senior loved one doesn’t want to part with just yet, consider renting out a temporary storage unit to keep them safe.
Make the transition as easy as possible
Making a move to a senior care facility is a big life change, but there are several things you can do to make the transition easier. Once their belongings have been sorted, you can arrange for movers or ask family members to help out. You can also ask for a tour of the facility so your loved one can meet their new neighbors and get familiar with the space. Find out more about group activities and help your loved one get involved so they can stay social, as long as they are well enough to do so. Healthline points out that this is a crucial aspect of senior health and can help older adults thrive.
Helping a senior loved one with the decision to sell their home and move to a care facility can be tough on you, as well, so it’s important to practice self-care during this time. Learning all you can about the housing market and about available senior living communities will also help you reduce stress and make the transition a smooth one.
Whether it’s preparing a meal or providing 24-hour nursing care, Right at Home will be there for you. Contact us today to find out more! (877) 697-7537