Dear Readers, I often get questions on “where to start” when you have a loved one who may need to go into some type of senior community. In previous columns I have gone over how to determine if your loved one was ready for assisted living, and also the differences in the types of communities [...]
Dear Readers: I often get mail asking what is the best way to help a loved one transition to an Assisted Living Facility, so I have compiled some simple ways to help your loved one adjust. 1. Have them bring their own furniture and other items that are familiar to them. Let them decorate their [...]
Dear Curtis, This is a follow-up to a previous question regarding the costs of an assisted living facility. Who exactly pays the bill for an assisted living resident? Financially Challenged Dear Financially Challenged: Residents or their families generally pay the cost of care from their own financial resources. Some will use the proceeds from the sale [...]
Dear Curtis, My mother has lived with me and my wife for the past 3 years. She is in good health and was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s about 4 years ago. The Alzheimer’s has never been much of a problem for us until recently when we began to see her experience large mood swings from morning to [...]
Dear Readers: Since starting my column last year, I have heard many misconceptions about today’s senior living facilities. Below is some information on the history of senior living facilities that I hope will help clear things up a bit. 1960’s & 1970’s – The term “Nursing Home” is first introduced. These facilities were generally very cramped, [...]
Dear Curtis, What are the costs for an assisted living residence? Cost Curious Dear Cost Curious: Cost vary with the residence, room size and the types of services needed by the residents. Across the nation, daily basic fees run approximately $100 & up–generally less than the cost of nursing home care. A basic assisted living fee [...]
Dear Curtis: I am concerned about my father. He currently lives alone and has no desire to move in with me, nor does he want to go into any senior living community. Lately, whenever solicitors come to his house or call him, he gives them money or signs up for whatever they are selling. Since [...]
Dear Curtis: My mother lives alone and has had several accidents over the last year. I have been concerned with her being able to take care of herself and with her recent accident, am even more so; however, I am afraid to approach her. What is a sensitive and appropriate way to approach this subject with my [...]
Dear Curtis, If my parents go into an assisted living facility, will they eventually need to go to a nursing home at some point? – Looking out for Mom and Dad. Dear Looking Out: Many residents are able to stay in assisted living forever. Unfortunately, some may develop needs that by necessity require them to go [...]
My mother recently went into an assisted living facility, but is having a difficult time adjusting. She is unable to take care of herself and doesn’t want to live with us, yet she seems miserable in her new place. Did we make the wrong decision? – Distressed Family Dear Distressed: There are many factors that [...]
