Finding an Assisted Living Community During a Crisis
BY KURT SAPP, ADMINISTRATOR, SEMINOLE SHORES LIVING CENTER, NORTON SHORES
Determining where a senior loved one should live when they need a little extra help is often something families do together. Making an informed decision usually means taking the time to explore all of the options from independent senior living to assisted living apartments or nursing homes.
But what happens if there is no time? If the older adult you love is hospitalized and their doctor says they aren’t safe returning to their home alone?
When a move to an assisted living community must be made amidst a crisis, the added stress it creates for families can be overwhelming. It’s why we pulled together a few tips to help you make this decision.
Establish a budget. For some families, this will be the first time they’ve discussed finances with a parent. But getting an idea about how much they can afford to pay each month is important.
Investigate financial options. In your haste to find a senior living community, don’t overlook resources that might help you finance care. If your parent was a veteran or is the surviving spouse of a veteran, they may qualify for special benefits through the Veteran’s Administration. Many long-term care insurance policies also include benefits for assisted living communities. The staff at the communities you visit can help you explore your options.
Research from home. You can do some of your preliminary research from home or on your smartphone in your senior loved one’s hospital room. Conduct a Google search to see what communities are located in your desired area. Visit each of their websites and Facebook pages to learn more about them.
Let friends and colleagues know you are searching and ask if they have any recommendations. Your physician might also have suggestions.
Above, a virtual tour of Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center. To find assisted living, you can do some of your preliminary research from home or on your smartphone in your senior loved one’s hospital room.
Schedule personal visits. While it may seem difficult to do on a tight schedule, a personal visit is one of the most important steps in making the right choice. Make sure you allow yourself enough time for a good tour of the community and to ask any questions you have.
Choosing an assisted living partner during a crisis is never easy. But with a methodical approach to exploring and learning more about each option, you will be able to make the best choice possible for your senior loved one.
At Seminole Shores Assisted Living we invite you to tour our community to see, first-hand, why we are Norton Shores’ premier assisted living community. You can also take a virtual tour at SeminoleShoresalc.com or visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/HeritageSeniorCommunities.
Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center, located in Norton Shores, Michigan, gives seniors the opportunity to be independent while knowing that assistance is available to serve them whenever they need it. The center offers housekeeping, laundry, medication management, 24 hour care, three home-cooked meals a day and a full activity and event program. A pet-friendly community, Seminole Shores Assisted Living Center is owned and operated by Heritage Property Management Inc., located in Grand Haven, Michigan. Heritage Property Management Inc. is a family-owned company that operates nine assisted living homes and five independent living homes across the state of Michigan. Learn more at seminoleshoresalc.com and call (231) 780-2944 for a tour.
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