November 6, 2015

Selecting the Right Nursing Home, Part 4

Part 4: A Question of When Not Where

It’s a challenge that requires clear thinking: when does your loved one need to move from independent living to assisted or skilled care? There are four questions to consider –

  1. Will the person be safe and healthy at home or in independent living?
  2. Who is available to provide care as needed?
  3. Is it (effectively) more expensive for the person to remain at home?
  4. Is there sufficient social interaction at home?

You’ll find more in-depth and additional questions to consider on our site here.

Often it may be hard for you or family members to make an unbiased determination about what level of care is required. When you’re dealing with family members, so many other emotional factors enter into the equation, along with the rational choices that must be made.

You can get help from a geriatric care manager concerning the proper level of care and type of facility, and a financial planner or expert can help you figure out costs for varying levels of care at home or at facilities. This same page has more information about what these professionals offer in terms of knowledge and services, and how to locate them.

Your questions and comments are always welcome.

Robert W. Hurlbut, President