Steps for Finding Housing

The following provides some suggestions for finding and comparing housing with services.

Identify the type of care your loved one needs
Assess your loved one's needs (what are the activities with which he or she needs assistance?)
Identify your loved one's financial situation and what he or she can afford*
Long term care choices include:
Adult day care
Meal programs
Senior centers
Professional home care
?In-law? apartment connected to your home
Subsidized senior housing
Residential care facilities and group homes
Assisted living facilities
Continuing care retirement communities
Skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes
Alzheimer's disease or dementia facilities
Hospice
Learn more about the services available
Find out about the local services available in your area:
Search through agis.com's local services
If your loved one is in the hospital, ask to speak to a social worker or discharge planner.
Call a local hospital and ask to speak to a social worker or care manager for suggestions.
Ask friends, family and others you trust for facility recommendations.
Find out how the facilities vary in quality:
Ask friends and family about how well satisfied they were with the quality of the care they or their loved ones received.
Call your state's health department to see if they keep track of housing facilities. See if any complaints have been reported.
Call your Long Term Care Ombudsman for advice about the facilities in your area.
Visit or have someone visit the facilities you are interested in. Use our assessment checklist to document what you learn:
Make sure to set up an appointment ahead of time.
Meet with the director of the facility.
Interview the staff to better understand how the facility operates.
Ask residents what life is like at the facility.
Get a tour of the facility and grounds.
If you can't visit, call for information.
Visit the facilities a second time on a different time and day.
Ask for references and call them to verify what you have learned.
Choose a facility
Based upon what you have learned, make a decision. Discuss your decision with those that understand the personal and health care needs of your loved one including your loved one.
Contact the chosen facility about your decision and to learn about next steps for moving in.

*Note: Medicare covers some care (skilled nursing, rehabilitative) but not custodial care (assistance with activities of daily living). Medicaid will cover some costs but the individual has to meet the eligibility criteria.

 

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