Is It Time to Move To an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home?
As you advance in years, it may be time to consider whether leaving home and entering some type of healthcare facility is best for you. Rather than waiting until you are no longer able to act for yourself and the decision is forced upon you by others, you may wish to take a more proactive approach and make the decision now, while you can. But should you move now? And if you decide to move, what type of facility is best for you? There are several factors to consider.
The Factors to Consider When Deciding to Move to an Assisted Living Facility or Nursing Home
One important factor to consider is your mobility. If you are able to get around on your own, or with the assistance of a cane or walker, assisted living may be appropriate for you. But most assisted living facilities cannot care for seniors who need help transferring from their beds, and many cannot accommodate continuous wheelchair use, so being ambulatory is often required. For these people, a nursing home may be a better option.
Another factor to consider is the status of your health. If you are getting older but do not have chronic illness or major health concerns, beyond your age an assisted living facility may be appropriate. But most assisted living facilities cannot care for chronic illnesses and patients who develop them often need to move to a medical facility or nursing home.
The Benefits of Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities can and do provide help with non-medical needs, like the regular activities of day to day living that you may need a little help with, like bathing and cooking. If this is something you or your loved one would like, assisted living may be a good choice.
Do you worry about the safety of your home? While some seniors choose monitoring systems to install in their own homes, assisted living can provide an extra level of safety and security. If you have a bad fall, or incur a burn while cooking, being in an assisted living facility means someone is there to help right away. In addition, the help you receive with daily activities in assisted living means you are less likely to be injured in the first place. If you desire more security and help with day to day activities, but you do not need medical attention, it may be time to make the move to an assisted living facility.
For more information on what you might want to consider when making this serious decision, our office is here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us today by calling (202) 895-2799 or emailing cliff@cmcohenlaw.com to schedule an appointment. The Law Offices of Clifford M. Cohen is an estate planning law firm in Washington D.C..
