Aging is incredibly difficult. You go from being able to do everything on your own to suddenly needing help, sometimes just to get out of bed in the morning. It’s hard to accept that once you get older, you are not going to be able to function like you used to.
Right now, that’s what your aging loved one is going through, and it’s on you to convince them to look into long-term care. You know that it’s what is best for them, but they aren’t sure about it.
Here are some tips for having that tough conversation and ideas for making it a little bit easier at this time.
Make Them Part of the Decision-Making Process
First of all, make sure that you don’t operate independently of your parents when it comes to finding long-term care. Incorporate them into every step of the process, from meeting with a long-term care advocate or estate planning attorney to meeting possible caregivers and exploring assisted living facilities. Listen to your loved one’s cares and concerns; don’t dismiss them. Treat them like an equal and be respectful at all times.
Decide on In-Home Care vs. Assisted Living
You have two options: in-home care vs. assisted living. You can make the switch at any time from in-home care to assisted living. Keep in mind that nursing homes are for the short term and rehab after an illness or injury, and assisted living is a long-term solution where your loved one will live in a community and receive medical care.
The advantage of in-home care is that your loved one can stay in their home and be comfortable in their surroundings. With assisted living, they can have more of a social life and also have their own home as part of the community. If your loved one is having a hard time due to isolation, assisted living may be a better option. You will need to find an assisted living community that fits their needs. For example, one may offer memory care, while another is focused on providing general support. One may offer a lot of outings for very mobile seniors, while another focuses mostly on activities that people who don’t move much can participate in.
There are many facilities in Washington State that offer a range of amenities – it’s just about finding the right one.
Ask Trusted Friends for Referrals
You can reach out to your loved one’s friends and ask them for referrals for in-home caregivers as well as assisted living facilities. Then, your loved one will know that you’re seeking out real opinions instead of simply going online and hiring strangers or picking a facility with the best reviews.
Let Them Know How They Can Pay For It
Your loved one might be worried about how they’ll pay for long-term care. They can use their savings, long-term care insurance, or, sometimes, their benefits from a job or from being a veteran. Your loved one may also be able to do a reverse mortgage or sell some of the valuable items they no longer need, like their car. You can always consult with an estate planning attorney to figure out how to pay for long-term care.
Get In Touch With an Estate Planning Attorney
For help with paying for long-term care, you should reach out to the estate planning attorneys at Legacy Law Group in Eastern Washington, Spokane Valley, and Spokane itself. Contact us at (509) 315-8087 today to get started.
