Key Factors to Weigh When Transitioning a Loved One to Long-Term Care

Identifying when an older loved one may need to transition from home to assisted living, memory care, or a nursing home can be challenging. However, several signs indicate a change is necessary. These include frequent falls or injuries, noticeable weight loss or gain, diminished personal hygiene, and increased confusion or forgetfulness. These changes may point to physical or cognitive decline that can be better addressed in a more supportive environment.

Another key indication is the increasing difficulty of managing daily tasks. If seniors struggle with routine activities such as cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, or taking medications, they may benefit from the additional support provided in an assisted living facility. 

Social isolation is another red flag. Older adults who are primarily alone or express feelings of loneliness might gain from the community aspect inherent in many assisted living or nursing home environments.

Remember, this transition can be difficult, so it's crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and respect for the individual's autonomy. Discussing the situation openly and honestly with the loved one involved is essential. Involving medical professionals in the conversation can also be beneficial to provide a balanced perspective on the decision. The primary goal is to ensure the safety, health, and overall well-being of the individual concerned.

So, you've navigated the challenging conversations, and your loved one has accepted the notion that they'll benefit from professional care. You've identified an ideal long-term care facility and secured a spot for them. However, this is only part of the journey. Other aspects of their life will require attention and management on your part, some of which may present challenges.

#1. Splitting Up Personal Property

Certainly, your loved one will likely will have personal items they wish to keep close, and such items should accompany them to the nursing home. However, an item may not fit within the available space if it is particularly large or bulky. In these situations, an alternative could be creating a sizable photograph of the item to adorn their bedroom wall.

If your loved one has numerous belongings they can part with, you and any other closely related family members will likely need to address the task of sorting through these items. Allowing family members to keep items that foster a connection or memory to your loved one can be a thoughtful idea. 

However, there may still be a surplus of possessions remaining. These can be sold online, offered at a yard sale, or donated to charity, allowing others to benefit from them. This approach is far more advantageous than simply discarding them or taking them to a landfill.

#2. Dealing with Real Estate 

The property itself will likely need addressing. Given that long-term care expenses are far from cheap, the house sale could help finance these costs, ensuring comfort for your loved one. Ideally, your loved one bought a Long-Term Care Insurance policy when they were younger; otherwise, the cost will be paid through assets. 

If financially feasible, an alternative could be to remortgage and rent out the property, providing a steady income stream. However, this strategy is only practical if you can independently manage nursing home expenses.

#3. Vehicles

In addition to personal items and property, vehicles may also need to be addressed. Some individuals may be capable of driving these vehicles to their new locations, while others might not due to the vehicle's maneuverability or the travel distance involved.

In these scenarios, professional car transport services can be extremely helpful. These services are equipped to deliver any car to a new location using a variety of methods. The vehicle could be driven by a professional driver using trade plates to its new location, or it could be transported on a trailer, depending on your preferences and needs.

Final Thoughts

LTC NEWS offers help in finding quality care options. If someone has Long-Term Care Insurance, we can arrange free claim processing so they get the benefits needed to pay for quality care.

These LTC NEWS guides are also helpful:

• Assisted Living and Memory Care Facilities
• Finding a Quality Nursing Home

Having a plan of action and getting others to help you is not at all a sign of weakness but a way of ensuring that all of your family are kept happy with the outcome that is presenting itself.

Understand the consequences that long-term care has on family and finances. Planning may not be an option for your loved one who needs care, but now is the best time to prepare for the costs and burdens of aging.

Long-Term Care Insurance should be part of your comprehensive retirement plan.

How To Apply For Long-Term Care Insurance.

Be sure to find a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist who works with all the major insurance companies to help you get accurate quotes and professional recommendations.