These 4 Tips Will Help You Make the Best Decisions for Your Aging Loved One

Q: How do I know which type of senior care my loved one needs?

Start with a comprehensive care evaluation through local aging services or a geriatric care manager to assess medical, daily living, and safety needs. That assessment guides whether in-home care, assisted living, memory care, or skilled nursing is most appropriate.

Q: What costs should I expect for in-home care versus assisted living?

Costs vary by region and level of care. In-home caregivers can be costly for 24/7 needs; assisted living often charges monthly fees that include housing and services. Create a long-term budget and check benefits like long-term care insurance, Medicaid waivers, or veteran aid.

Q: Does Medicare cover long-term senior care?

Medicare typically does not cover ongoing long-term care such as assisted living or continuous home health aides. It may cover short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitation after hospitalization. Medicaid can cover long-term nursing home care and sometimes in-home services, depending on state rules.

Q: What resources can help find reputable senior care providers?

Use local Area Agencies on Aging, AARP’s caregiving directory, and aging life care associations. Consider using unbiased senior housing locator services and verify any recommendations independently to avoid conflicts of interest.

Q: How do families balance caregiving responsibilities and personal life?

Assess available family resources, set a sustainable care plan, rotate responsibilities, and seek respite through paid caregivers or community programs. Regularly reassess needs and adjust the plan as the loved one’s condition changes.

Published by

Clara

Dec 24

Senior Care: Smart Choices for Aging Loved Ones

My grandfather’s health has been declining. To keep him in the comfort of his own home, our family called in reinforcements: round-the-clock home care.

It gives my grandmother, his wife of 63 years — who is completely drained — a break. It eases the burden on my parents, who are also tired. And it keeps my grandad content.

But it’s incredibly costly.

Fortunately, my grandparents can cover this care, but what if they couldn’t? What would happen then?

Figuring Out the Best Care for an Elder Family Member

First, let’s admit this is an ongoing conversation. Entire books are devoted to eldercare, including “Facing the Finish: A Road Map for Aging Parents and Adult Children” by Sheri Samotin.

I contacted Samotin and Amy Goyer, AARP’s family and caregiving specialist and author of “Juggling Life, Work, and Caregiving,” for broad advice.

Both experts agreed: There are numerous care choices — everything from independent living to assisted living to skilled nursing to memory care to retirement communities to in-home care…

And there’s no single, universal answer for every situation. (Sadly.)

There are, however, practical steps you can take to help determine what’s best.

1. Learn About the Options

You won’t know everything about your relative’s needs, especially if you don’t live with them. To better assess their requirements, Goyer recommends getting a comprehensive care evaluation.

Basic assessments are often free. Reach out to your local Area Agency on Aging or The Aging Life Care Association.

When you call, Goyer suggests saying, “I’m not sure what level of care my loved one needs. Can we do an evaluation?” That will narrow your initial search.

2. Assess Your Available Resources

Charlie Russell and Betty Russell pose for a portrait in their home. — (*The Russells met on a double date and have been married for 64 years. Tina Russell/Savinly*)

Samotin urges families to consider the resources immediately at hand.

Is there a family member who can go to medical appointments? Coordinate caregiving? Spend time with the relative? Maybe even provide housing?

When thinking about resources, you should also factor in your finances and insurance.

Samotin advises creating a long-term budget. You can’t precisely forecast how much care will cost or what health needs will arise in a year, but a budget helps clarify what’s feasible.

If you’re unsure where to begin, AARP has auseful calculator that gives a baseline estimate across different care scenarios.

Regarding insurance, Goyer notes Medicare does not pay for ongoing, long-term care, such as assisted living or continuous home health aides. It covers short-term needs like hospital stays, brief nursing facility care or therapy.

By contrast, Medicaid usually covers nursing home costs. Some states offer waivers to cover home-based care, which can be more economical. Paying For Senior Care provides a state-by-state breakdown.

Goyer also recommends asking your loved one if they carry long-term care insurance. “Many people bought policies,” she says. “Their children might not even be aware of them.”

Additionally, if you’re tending to a veteran, investigate benefits available to them. Veterans and often their spouses may qualify for assistance. Check with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

3. Weigh the Different Alternatives

For housing and care choices, many communities offer senior housing locator services. These are usually free, Goyer says, but be cautious: some advisors are incentivized to recommend specific facilities, so verify information independently.

A solid starting point isAARP’s caregiving directory. Look for “Find Senior Care Near You” and search by care type and zip code. It links to Caring’s reviews of facilities or agencies.

Also consider resources like senior discounts on rideshare apps for transportation and senior fitness programs to help maintain independence when possible.