There may come a time when families must make a plan for where they or their loved one will age in place. It’s important to know what some of the options are. There are two main types of living options, independent living, and assisted living.
Independent living is just that. You live in your own home, apartment, or room. You can complete daily tasks with little to no help. If you live in your own home, an apartment for seniors, or a room at an independent living facility there is often the option to pay for additional services like weekly house cleaning, laundry service, or once-a-day meals. Companion home care services can be used by a home care company (see last month’s newsletter for types of home care) to provide some support. The benefit of living in an independent facility is there are often social events and outings that are planned and easier to participate in with other people.
Assisted living has many options as well. Often in an assisted living apartment or room all meals, snacks, laundry, and weekly house cleaning are included in the monthly price. Before renting the space there is usually an assessment to determine if you need any assistance and how much. At that time the “level of care” is determined and the price for those additional “levels of care” are added to the monthly rate. This is good for a couple where one might need more assistance than the other. You only pay for the services you need or are assessed for individually. Make sure you know all the pricing involved before signing on the dotted line. Rent is often month to month but double-check that as well. At Preferred Living Solutions it is our philosophy that individuals live in the least restrictive environment to live as independently as possible. As you plan for your future or that of a loved one, please give us a call so we can help you navigate all the complexities of where to enjoy the later years of life.