It is always a big life-changing decision to move into an assisted living facility. This decision and the transition are made easier if a couple is able to move together.
Senior couples can live together in many communities of independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing facilities, and memory care centers.
In many cases and especially when a couple has been married for many decades, being able to live together could determine whether or not they move to an assisted-living facility.
There are many apartment layouts available for couples in senior living communities. These include studios, one-bedrooms or two-bedrooms as well as suites. Many apartments have all the comforts of a luxury condo. These include a private bathroom, hand-held showers and fully equipped kitchens. Couples have the option to choose the size, features, and care levels that work best for them.
The first step is a Geriatric Functional Assessment
It is important to assess each spouse’s individual needs and abilities in order to ensure that they receive the best care possible in their new home. A typical assessment of prospective residents involves a review of a person’s behavior, chronic illness, communication abilities, dietary needs, ability to perform daily activities, ability to manage medications, and other factors.
An assessment can be done by a doctor, a social worker or a geriatric manager at the senior living community that the couple is interested in moving into. It will be easier for the couple’s to determine whether they need long-term care facilities. If both spouses require assistance with daily living activities, an independent living community is not a good choice unless they also employ in-home care services. The spouse who requires the most care will usually decide which senior living facility can accommodate them.
After the couple has chosen a community that meets their needs, a staff member should perform a comprehensive assessment of each spouse before they move in. The evaluation will determine the amount of care each spouse needs, the services they will need, and the cost of that care. Reflections recommends a follow-up assessment be done 30 days after move-in and every six months thereafter.
Cost of Assisted Living for Couples
Costs for senior living in a couple vary depending on what type of care they require and how much assistance each spouse needs. It can be difficult to estimate costs when one spouse needs more care than the others. George, for example, has greater needs due to Alzheimer’s and limited mobility. He needs assistance with dressing, medication management, bathing, and dressing. Also, he requires supervision to keep him from wandering. Mary, on the other hand is completely independent and can still care for herself.
Rent is only charged for the unit that the couple shares, unless the additional fee is required for the second occupant. As long as the facility can meet the needs of each spouse, they are eligible for the care they need. Sometimes spouses might want their own rooms, or adjoining units. There are many options available in each community.
The key to caring for the weakest spouse in a couple is to take care of them both. A couple can live together and that just the spouse requiring more care will be charged for it.
A monthly cost for a place in an assisted-living facility may start at $1,500. However, each spouse will need to pay more depending on where they live, what amenities they choose, and how much additional services they require. According to the Genworth 2019 Cost of Care Survey, the median monthly cost for an apartment with a one-bedroom in an assisted living residence in the United States is $4,051.
Many senior care communities have tiered pricing models that include bundled services. A resident who requires very little assistance might be placed in the lowest tier. Their tier level (and their costs) will increase as their needs change. You may also see fee-for-service and all-inclusive pricing models.
Plan for the Future Care of a Couple
There are many options for couples who need more care than what a senior living facility can offer. Many residential communities provide multiple levels of care within the same building or campus. Continuing care retirement community (CCRCs), which offer all levels of elder care, including independent living and skilled nursing care, are very popular.
George and Mary did not choose to purchase into a CCRC. However, they chose to move into a combination assisted living and memory care facility. Mary and George can move into an apartment in the memory-care wing of the same property if George’s needs are greater than the assisted living staff can handle. Mary can choose to remain in assisted living while George goes to the secure memory unit.
It is usually a short walk down a corridor, an elevator ride up to another floor, or a short stroll towards a neighboring building. Mary could still visit her husband in this scenario even though they would be technically living apart. While they can both participate in activities and dine together in the memory unit, Mary could have respite in her apartment while George receives the highest level of dementia care.
Balanced Care for Seniorly Couples
It is often a delicate balance act to find the right care for a couple who has different needs. It is often about prioritizing the needs and wants of both individuals. When two people are at different stages in their lives and want to live together, concessions are inevitable. Negotiating with a spouse who is suffering from cognitive decline can be difficult. The best thing is to work as a family and reach a compromise.
Finding the right senior living facility in Myrtle Beach can be difficult for one person, let alone two. As these changes can be very costly and difficult for seniors, it is important to reduce the number of people who move between care settings. A geriatric care manager can be a valuable resource for many senior couples.
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Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for a reputable and trusted assisted living community in Myrtle Beach.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/
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