SWAAD - FCSP - Making Hard Decisions

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Making Hard Decisions

...when your family member needs more care than can be provided at home.

Ask yourself:

Does your relative have health care needs that cannot be met at home?
Are you physically unable to do the work that is required, such as lifting?
Are you worried about the safety of your family member?
Is your own health or safety at risk because of caregiving?

If the answer to one or more of these questions is “yes”, it may mean your loved one needs to be in a residential care facility. It’s wise to look into care options in advance, because her or his condition may change suddenly. Knowing what’s available, and even being on a waiting list can help smooth the process immeasurably.

Where do you start?

Ask friends or neighbors if they know of good facilities. Recommendations can be very helpful.
Get a list of facilities from the Family Caregiver Resource Center (see phone numbers below) and visit some of the care facilities.
If you like one or two, add your name to the waiting list. There probably will not be a fee for this, and it doesn’t obligate you.

Types of residential care facilities:

Adult Family Homes are homes that are licensed to care for up to six residents. They provide room, board, laundry service, assistance with activities of daily living and personal care.
Assisted Living is a licensed boarding home that provides private apartments, meal service, organized recreational activities and personal care such as help with medications, bathing and dressing.
Adult Residential Care facilities are licensed boarding homes that provide room and board, personal care and help with medications.
Nursing Homes provide 24-hour nursing care, therapy, activities, room, board and laundry service.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities are apartment-style facilities that also offer assisted living and nursing home care.
Retirement Apartments are private apartment complexes that may offer some services, including meals, housekeeping and transportation.

Deciding which setting is best for your family member:

Consider location, and how easy it will be for friends and relatives to visit.
When you visit, take a list of the needs of your loved one, such as assistance with dressing, bathing and/or medications.
Talk to residents and staff members; ask how they feel about the home.
Notice how well-maintained the building is. Will your relative be comfortable there?
When you find one or two good facilities, take your family member for a visit. Some residential facilities invite potential residents to lunch or dinner.

How to pay for the care:

Private payment is how most residential care is provided.
Medicare may pay for a limited number of days in a skilled nursing facility, but not for long-term care.
Medicaid pays for some long-term care if the resident meets specific eligibility requirements. It’s wise to find out about the requirements before the resident’s finances are depleted, because it can take a few months to go through the approval process.
Veterans Benefits may cover residential care if the person is a war veteran or surviving spouse.
Long-Term Care Insurance may cover the facility, depending upon the specific insurance policy.

Please call the Senior Information & Assistance office closest to you for more information.