The Path to Independent Living -Checks & Balances
“Retirement is work, too. But think of it as the dream job you never knew you wanted.”
The path to long term care can be a unique learning curve.
With all good intentions, families embark on a task they often wish they had begun sooner;
This blog is meant to provide a few pointers for the search.
The entry to care that is not medical, but still provides some support is known as Independent Living ( IL) which can be part of a continuum prior to the need to advance to higher levels. All journeys along this path need the luxury of time, funds and comparison-shopping to be the most successful.
IL is a living arrangement that maximizes independence, self-determination, especially for disabled persons living in a community versus a medical facility.
Its goal is to provide a continued sense of purpose, be as independent as possible in the following areas- good nutrition, physical activity, social engagement, mental stimulation, meaningful activities and relationships.
Each person’s journey is highly individual depending upon a number of factors. Other levels of care within retirement communities are Assisted Living and Memory Care , which are overseen by CMS-
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) was created to administer oversight of the Medicare Program.
***However, Independent Living has no such oversight or safeguards, should one have the expectation of a medical system. Each states’ approach to IL may be somewhat different, which is difficult, if one is used to providing a lifetime of helping and medical oversight- even as it concerns COVID.
Placement agencies designed to help you locate communities can be helpful, particularly if you are from another area. They are free to you, but they earn a commission from the community of choice;
Don’t put the responsibility of choosing on your well intentioned family members. Be an active participant! Your family most likely hasn’t lived with you in decades and you are the best judge of your preferences. If the community is far away, get help setting up a zoom call online or at least a phone call and have a list of questions ready;
Interview the Community representative ( Marketing person) as if it was ‘a job interview.’ It is that important to know all you can up front;
Share with them your three most important criteria for making the change;
Don’t believe everything that is written in the brochure. Brochures are designed to attract you based on photos and aesthetics;
Ask about current staffing and if they have a new resident orientation program; If they do not have a formal program, ask for a ‘go to’ person (sometimes called an Ambassador) to assist you in the beginning;
Ask about the differences, criteria, and pricing for the different levels of care- Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Talk with your financial advisor before committing to your choice. ‘Take good notes;
Ask about whether the property is a 30 day month to month rental or ‘buy in’, which is considerably more expensive;
Be aware that circumstances - staffing, management companies, priorities, may change over time. ‘Look before you leap over the fence for ‘the grass on the other side may not be greener;
Although the 30 day notice is there if you wish to leave, you and your family may not be in a position to make more than one move for a number of reasons. Therefore, it can be a ‘catch-22 situation’ should you not be happy with your choice. Give it time….Find rewarding projects to involve yourself or find a way to make the change you need.