My Dad is 88 and cannot go back to assisted living from rehab. He is physically pretty healthy although the stroke 7 years ago was definitely the start of decline. He is diagnosed with vascular dementia and alzheimers. He has enough money to private pay for about two years, but then it will be medicaid.
I thought I had made my mind up and even paid a deposit at one facility, but now I have doubts. The one I put the deposit on is well respected, closer to my home and takes Medicaid, if and when the time comes.
I made the mistake of visiting a brand new facility that is 25 miles from my home and does not currently have a medicaid contract. Of course, it was beautiful and well laid out, with a choice of nice rooms on the courtyard. (It is just opening this coming week, however it is part of a large campus of independent and assisted living buildings, which has been there many years and has a good rep as well.) I loved it, but I only met the Administrator, Sales Person and Chef.
I've probably just answered my own question, but it's nice to get informed advice from the ones who have gone before me on this path. Thank you.
The ideal (for me anyway) is a place where I can pop by. Mom was rehabbing for about 3 months a while back. Most of the time she was there, I was going every day so she wouldn't forget me (because I expected to...and did...bring her back home). I would pop in any old time and got a really good idea of the care she (and others) received. That's golden.
Taking Medicaid is critical, if Dad's funds will only cover a limited time of private pay.
The level and quality of care is far more important than a lovely setting. That both places have a good rep is very encouraging, but the newer place has yet to establish its reputation in the arena you are most interested in.
Moving your father when his money runs out will be traumatic. The new place may be accepting Medicaid by then. But what if they are not? Many places only accept it after a period of self-pay, and Dad won't have funds for that at that time. He may wind up much farther from you or in a place with a lesser reputation.
I'd go for the one in the hand (closer to you) instead of the two in the bush!
so im convinced that for me personally, I want dad to have the best now I don't know how long "the rest of his life" will be. having said that, did you ask the new place what their intention is for Medicaid as they go forward? maybe its just that Medicaid licensing takes longer?