Three Ways To Help Your Elderly Loved One Have A Smooth Transition To Nursing Home Care
If you're like many people with elderly loved ones, you've probably spent at least a little time figuring out a plan for when that person is no longer able to live on their own — and perhaps the time has come when the loved one in question needs to enter a nursing home. This can be a tough decision to make, but the truth is that aging-in-place options aren't right for everyone, and skilled care staff can make a real difference in the quality of life experienced by the elderly. If you're just beginning the process of transitioning your loved one to a nursing home environment, here are three steps that you need to take.
Shop Around
Shopping around is important when you're seeking a nursing home situation so that you can find the best possible fit. Try to pay a visit to as many as possible within a reasonable driving distance from your home before making a final selection — most of them allow visitors to enjoy a meal in the dining room and basically have a look around. Those that don't may be trying to hide something. It's also a good idea to get recommendations from others in your community, but keep in mind that just because a specific place is right for one person doesn't mean it's a good overall fit for everyone else. For instance, you may know someone whose elderly father loves living at a certain nursing home because it's right next door to a golf course, but if your elderly loved one doesn't like golf, it may not be the best choice unless the facility offers a large variety of activities.
Don't Be a Stranger
Once you find the right place and get your loved one settled in, plan on visiting as often as you can as well as including your senior in the usual family activities. The holiday season can be especially lonely for seniors in nursing homes, so consider extending an invitation to stay in your home for a few days during that time.
Talk With a Medicaid Specialist
Many people with long-term care needs depend on Medicaid to finance their nursing home stay. A qualified Medicaid specialist helps families create workable financial plans for the care of their senior loved ones. Applying for Medicaid can be a cumbersome process: applications can be denied even for slight errors and requirements can vary significantly by state. A good specialist will be up on all applicable rules and regulations to ensure that your senior's Medicaid application navigates the associated red tape as smoothly as possible.
Check out resources such as http://www.seniorsolutionsofli.com to learn more.
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