As we age, we tend to think of our lives on a linear path. We live in the comfort of our own homes until we can’t. Then it’s on to assisted living, possibly with a move to skilled nursing as we lapse.
As adult children, we’re even more unaware of the different choices. In most cases, decisions have to be made quickly. Mom falls … panic sets in … a quick decision needs to be made.
But not all choices are what they appear to be.
Sure, an assisted living facility may seem like the perfect choice from the outside looking in. And when you visit, they roll out the red carpet, showing you the vast amount of amenities. But once you move your parent in, things change quickly.
You discover the true cost of what these facilities charge every single month for the rest of your parent’s life. It only starts with the monthly fee. Then the “ala carte” charges begin to add up.
Sure, they might offer laundry services for your mom’s bedding. But it’s an additional charge if she can’t make or unmake her bed.
The three meals a day that sounded great in the beginning? They won’t look so great when your mom refuses to eat them and you have to pay extra to get her what she wants.
And that’s just the beginning. Everything that looked good about assisted living in the beginning will quickly become your biggest regret over time.
Instead, look at in-home caregiving instead.
In-home caregiving allows your parent to age in place. In the comfort of their own home. Where they are most comfortable and most at home.
But what it doesn’t sacrifice is care.
In-home caregiving brings the care to you. One on one care, so your loved one is getting all the attention. And that means your parent can remain independent longer because they have the ability to do what they most want to do.
Visit friends? Yes.
Eat what they prefer? That’s possible too.
Keep pets? Of course.
Ensure their homes are well maintained and cared for? You bet.
And because you aren’t paying for a facility – only the care – it’s a lot less than what you pay monthly for assisted living facilities. A LOT less.
Interested?
The best next step is to give us a call. We can help you make a decision about the next step for your loved one. It may be the best phone call you’ve made as you face this new path.
The holidays are a time for getting together with family scattered across the globe, renewing friendships, taking in the sights and sounds of the holidays … and checking in on aging family members to see how well they are managing.
