Not Ready Yet?

Frequently, families wait until their loved ones need immediate care.  They realize that their loved one is not taking medications as directed, exhibiting strange behaviors (paranoia, forgetfulness, lack of involvement in activities they normally enjoy), and needs additional supervision and assistance.

There are many services available in the home from live-in care, companion care, medical care, and even behavioral care.  In addition, there are many forms of technology out there, in turn, keeping seniors safer in their homes longer.

Do you have a contingency plan in place?  Should your loved one need long term care, are you aware of ALL of the options out there?  Do you grasp how long waiting lists are these days?  Are you aware of what financial resources are available to help subsidize the costs of long term care at home or in a retirement setting?  And, does  your loved one meet the financial qualifications required by the community of preference?

While many individuals want to age in place (and that is a realistic possibility), it is important to make sure your loved ones are not on the borderline of qualifying for a community of their choice.  If they are close to not qualifying now and assets are tapped into for in-home care, a few months from now, they will likely not qualify. EDUCATION and having a plan in place needs to be the #1 priority!