Assisted Living; Why it’s important to plan before you need it

Jennifer was going about her workday when she received the call.  Mom had a bad fall and is in the emergency room.  For years, Jennifer and her sibling worried about this happening.

Sam and Charlotte live in their single-family home in Roseville.  They are both eighty years old.  Recently, Sam has become forgetful.  Together, the two of them have decided it’s time to start looking for senior living.

What is the difference between these two scenarios?  Choices and Control.  Jennifer and her family are experiencing a crisis.  Sam and Charlotte are taking steps to avoid being in that situation.  Planning before you need it will give you more senior housing options and time to decide.

Choice

Senior living offers a wide range of options, and no single choice fits everyone. These options include, but are not limited to:

• Active fifty-five living/ Independent senior housing
• Age in place senior housing
• Assisted Living
• Continuum of Care Community
• Memory Care
• Residential Care

Planning gives you time to explore the options that appeal to you, which leads to more choices.  And more time to consider if living in the Minneapolis/St Paul area is best or to move near children.. In a crisis, your focus is on communities that have availability and the services you need.

Control

Sam and Charlotte have the luxury of controlling their destiny and making their own decision about where they want to live.  Staying near family is desirable.  They have time to tour more options.  Joining waiting lists is advised.  Having two or three communities on the short list is becoming more common.  Once you are on a waiting list, the next phase is getting things to be able to say yes when an apartment becomes available.

In the crisis, Jennifer and her siblings will likely be making decisions on placement.  Mom may have limited ability to tour the communities.  She will be trusting their judgement.

Cost

Like all things, the cost of care and housing have risen.

• A senior living apartment can start at $1700 or more for a one-bedroom unit in the Minneapolis area.
• For assisted living, you add the rent, care and meals together for the total. On average for someone with minimum care, the cost starts at $5500 per month.

Most senior housing costs are an out-of-pocket expense.  Less than 20% of the population has long term care insurance.  If you are a veteran, you may have access to veterans’ benefits.

Planning for the cost of long-term care will give you an understanding of what you can afford.  Some places participate in programs that help people with limited assets.  You will have more options if you can pay for some of your housing and care on your own.

Senior Living Advisors

At Choice Connections, our experienced advisors can help you to find the best options for your situation.  We offer free consultations to anyone living within the Twin Cities metro are and often involve children that are out of state.   Our team also offers opportunities for independent seniors to participate in the senior tour of homes.  You can find more information about the tours  at here. 

We love to hear from you.  If there is a topic you would like us to cover in our newsletter, or something you’re curious about please reach out to us.  We are happy to help you.