SELLING A HOUSE TO FUND LONG-TERM SENIOR CARE

Senior care is essential for many older adults, regardless of whether they need in-home care or full-time care at a nursing home. The cost of senior care can be a concern for seniors who are on Social Security and have limited pension benefits.

Senior care is becoming more costly due to rising inflation. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in the United States spend an average of $4500 per month on assisted living and $7,908 for semiprivate rooms in a nursing home.

Many seniors have decided to sell their homes in order to pay for the care they require. Selling a home can be complicated, especially for seniors who are dependent on government benefits. This guide will help you organize and make smart decisions about everything.

When is the best time to sell your parent’s home to pay for senior care in Myrtle Beach?

When selling your parent’s house to pay for senior care, timing is key. It can take months to list the home, which could leave your family responsible to pay property taxes, utility bills, and other expenses. It is possible to deprive your parent of the chance to stay in the house as long as possible by listing it too soon.

Before Senior Living

There are several reasons to consider selling your home before your parent can move into a senior living facility:

• They are unable to pay their mortgage payments or property taxes.
• You may have to wait several months for an offer because of the high supply and limited demand in your area.
• You or another relative will be moving in with your parent. This gives you plenty of time to put the house on the market and wait for a reasonable offer.

After Senior Living

It may make more sense to sell your home after your parent moves into a senior living facility. These are just a few examples:

• If your parent is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, it would be difficult to sell the house while they are still living there.
• Before you can schedule showings, you will need to make changes or clean out years of clutter. If no one is living in the house, it’s easier to clean and remodel.
• Your parent doesn’t want to have the responsibility of tidying up and making yourself presentable for anyone who visits your house.
• Your parent has just been discharged from a rehabilitation center or hospital and cannot return home without putting his/her safety and health at risk.
• To decorate your house, you will need to hire a professional home stager. This will increase the likelihood of getting multiple offers beyond what you paid. It is easier to stage a house after the owner has moved out.

Particular Considerations when Selling a Home to a Person with Dementia

The legal owner usually is the only one who can sell real estate. You may have to make arrangements for them to make sales decisions. You have two options: guardianship and power of attorney.

Power of attorney

A financial power of attorney allows someone to manage the finances of another person. You can perform many tasks such as selling assets, managing a bank account, paying bills, and filing tax returns. You should arrange POA as soon as you have been diagnosed with dementia. Your parent may not be able to sign the documents if they are unable to do so.

Guardianship

Guardianship is more complicated than power of attorney. This makes it more costly and time-consuming. A judge will appoint a guardian and conservator to help an older person make their decisions. The conservator and guardian are often the same people. However, it doesn’t necessarily have to be this way. It is possible to be the conservator and guardian if you have a trusted sibling.

You are a guardian for your parent’s parent if you are appointed by the court. This means that you must act in their best interests and not yours. You also have a duty as a guardian to the court. Full guardianship allows the appointed guardian to make any decision for the elder person. Limited guardianships can be more restrictive because the guardian cannot make any decisions except as provided in a court order.

It can be difficult having to move your loved ones into assisted living. However, we’re here to help. Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

SENIOR CARE – HOW TO BE MORE COMPASSIONATE

All ages can feel compassion. It is a natural instinct in all of us. If anyone deserves to be treated with the greatest respect, it should be the elderly. They have made it possible and provided the comforts that younger people may take for granted. It is as easy as showing compassion by caring, showing kindness, and offering support to ease discomfort. Here are some senior care tips and ways to show compassion to older adults:

Enhance the environment

Compassionate care is about helping loved ones to feel better. This can be done by making the environment more peaceful and relaxing. You can reduce background noise, eliminate distractions, and provide distance between you and your patient when you speak.

Recognize and assess deficits

Seniors with dementia may experience memory lapses or become delusional. This can make it difficult to provide the best care for your loved one. You can help them recognize their concerns and assess their needs. Effective communication techniques can be used to help seniors with hearing impairments. This will prevent them from being startled when they are eating, watching TV, or resting.

Be positive

Positive attitudes are known to lead to positive outcomes, which is important when caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. How others feel can be affected by our choices of words, actions, and environments. Research shows that people with positive attitudes are half as likely to develop Alzheimer’s and dementia in older adults than those who do not. Positive attitudes can make older adults feel more at ease and improve their overall well-being.

Engage more often

It makes older adults feel more comfortable around you when you interact with them. It can be overwhelming to care for someone in crisis. But try to make it easier by engaging with them more often. Spend some time with them to share stories and interact with their interests. This will make them feel better and can even help to rekindle relationships that have been broken or spark new ones.

At Reflections Assisted Living, we understand the importance of providing compassionate care to our seniors and strive to do just that. Our Director Of Resident Care, Chelsea Jordon, explains that, “Compassion is when you gain the desire to help someone who is not doing well and could use a helping hand. We make sure to train all staff members to be able to provide the best quality care, while understanding how to be compassionate while doing so.” Our expertise and forward-thinking philosophy drive us to continue providing the very best care for families and their loved ones.

Seniors require special care and every individual is unique. Visit Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest today to find out more about our assisted living community and other services.

Like our Facebook page for more great info about assisted living and memory care.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/

DIFFERENT SENIOR CARE OPTIONS

It can be difficult to navigate the maze of senior care options. It would be great to have a roadmap. Perhaps you could have someone or something to guide you on the right path.

You may need assistance finding the best solution for your loved one’s care.

There are many options for senior housing and there is no one right answer. There are many options, but this is the benefit: You have a greater chance of finding one that suits your long-term goals.

These are 8 senior care options that you and your loved ones should consider.

1. Independent Living Communities

These living arrangements are also known as Senior Housing, Senior Housing, or Senior Apartments. They can be either apartment complexes, condos, or freestanding homes. Most housing is fully furnished and simple to navigate. Some homes are luxurious and offer a variety of social amenities as well as fine dining. Others offer the basic necessities.

If:

• Except for a few minor medical issues, you are completely independent.
• Socializing is something you like.
• You want to have a variety of amenities included with your monthly rent. You have access to a library and wellness center, snow and trash removal, and emergency call-for assistance systems.
• You are looking to downsize but not ready for assisted living in Myrtle Beach.

2. Assisted Living Communities

The assisted living facility is also known as Assisted Care Home or Personal Care Home. Residents can live in their own apartments or share rooms with a roommate. They are also able to receive assistance with daily living activities (ADLs). Many facilities offer communal dining, recreation programs, areas and transportation. Some have a modest design while others are more luxurious. They host regular social and interactive events.

If:

• While you are no longer able live safely at home, you do not need to be taken care of at a high-level.
• It is becoming increasingly difficult to cook.
• 24-hour emergency response is a great option to feel more secure.
• It is impossible to drive any longer. Many assisted living communities provide comprehensive transporation for your doctor’s appointments or errands. They also offer housekeeping and laundry services.
• You should take advantage of all the social opportunities available to you, including lunch outings and Wii bowling leagues.
• Personal care services are more important (care for personal hygiene, dressing, medication management, escorts and incontinence management) than is possible at a retirement home.

3. Nursing Homes

This facility is also known as Skilled Nursing, Convalescent Care or Long-term Care. It offers the highest quality of care in either private or shared rooms. There are scheduled activities and meals are served in the resident’s private room or in the central dining area.

If:

• A frail elderly person or disabled person needs 24 hour skilled help with feeding, lifting in and out of bed and other tasks.
• Rehabilitative care is short-term (care that helps you recover from illness or surgery). These care include: Surgical & Medical Rehabilitation, Orthopedics/Joint replacement, Cardiac & Pulmonary Care and Respiratory Rehab. IV Therapy is also available. Palliative Rehab is an option.
• It is not possible to prepare meals. On-site dieticians ensure healthy meal options in open dining spaces.

4. Memory Support

This special community is also known as Memory Care or Dementia Care. Residents can live in semi-private or private apartments and participate in structured activities led by trained staff. Residents are protected from the elements in order to avoid wandering.

If:

• Memory problems can lead to memory loss and you may need assisted living.
• Specialized dementia care is required, such as 24-hour staffing and a wander-management system.
• Engaging activities, support, and personalized routines are essential for those with cognitive, physical, and social challenges.

5. Respite Care

These options are also known as Adult Day Care or Short-Term Stay Programs. They may be offered within an assisted living community for a limited time, typically a matter days to a month. Many Adult Day Care centers provide programs throughout the day but no overnight accommodation.

If:

• You are a caregiver, and you need a break.
• It is important to have a “getting acquainted” period with your loved one.

6. Residential Care Homes

These facilities are also known as Adult Family Homes, Board and Care Homes, Group Homes and Adult Family Homes. They offer similar care to in-home and have live-in caregivers. While senior care services can vary in their offerings, most provide assistance with daily activities (ADLs), as well as recreational opportunities.

If:

• You desire the feeling of home and require assistance with ADLs.
• Only very limited, temporary medical attention is required.
• You desire a private setting that is not available in other settings.

7. Home Care Companies

Home care, also known as In-home personal care or Home Health Care, allows you to live in your home while receiving health care services. Many residents have their homes modified to meet their changing needs. Residents have access to a variety of home care services, including in-home and daycare services.

Investment cost: Modifying your home will result in a one-time payment and hourly charges for in-home services.

If:

• Although you don’t want to go anywhere else, you still need help with ADLs.
• You feel safe in your neighborhood and have many friends and family nearby.
• Home-care can be affordable and provided as often as you need.

8. Hospice Care

Hospice care is for people who are in the last stages of incurable diseases. This patient- and family-oriented service does not seek to find a cure for the disease, but rather provides relief from symptoms and dignity.

There are many hospice providers in communities. The family has to choose one. Although it takes some effort, this is a worthwhile use of your time. It is best to discuss hospice early enough that the patient can participate in the decision.

Family members and doctors can initiate a discussion about hospice options. Local organizations such as the American Cancer Society is also good sources of referrals. A list of licensed agencies may be provided by your state’s department for health and social services, or a regional hospice organization. You can also find help from your church, friends, and members of the community who have received hospice care.

There are many factors that go into choosing hospice care. Start by looking for agencies that have been accredited, certified, and licensed by a recognized national group. Find out how long an agency has been around and make sure you check for professional references. A good agency should be happy with these references. You can also consult the Better Business Bureau or your local Consumer Bureau. The Better Business Bureau and the local Consumer Bureau are two other places to look.

It is important to determine the types of services offered and who provides them. Many hospices provide a care plan that is tailored to each patient. Ask to see one to ensure it meets your expectations and needs.

The quality of your hospice homecare staff member is as important as that of the agency. After all, they will be there for your loved one in his/her final days. Face-to-face interviews can help you decide if a candidate is the right match.

Hospice Care is the right choice for you or your loved ones if:

• An incurable disease has struck you or your loved ones.
• Continued care is essential
• It’s the best choice for your loved ones

Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now and if you’re looking for the best place for your elderly loved one.

Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/