This is at the moment premature for us, but how do we get a clue about how much this is going to cost when it happens?
My MIL does own her home. She has a really old minivan and some but not that much in the bank.
How do we find out this information? Thank you for any direction or links or words to use when googling.
Straight assisted living would likely cost a bit less, and skilled nursing significantly more.
Like said, tpu need to shop around.
What do they offer? If you add more "care" does the monthly rate go up? For instance, medicine distribution, housekeeping, etc.
Some places just have a fixed rate.. and others, add on depending what needs to be done.
Yes, go do your homework now..Actually you and spouse take a tour of the different places now. Get used to the idea of placing mom... the more prepared you are, the easier it may be to convince mom with the time comes to move her..
NO, it's never easy.. but looking around, seeing what the facilities offer, compare them, look where the residents are.. Have a meal there, and sit with a resident who may be cognitive enough to converse with you. "How do you like it here?" How are the staff? etc. If you think you like a place, stop in and look around again.
How large of a "community" is it? My aunt was very independent. Lived by herself her whole life. So I thought this AL place was perfect.. Not too large, and people there seemed nice.. Well... it turned out to be too large.. WAY TOO LARGE... She was not happy. I found her a 6 pack.. 6 residents & 2 caretakers in a private house-type setting. It was perfect for her.. VERY SMALL.. Only a couple of people to deal with instead of 30+.
GO check out places near you. Good luck!
One source for the article is Genworth's Cost of Care Report which you can access at www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html. They have a calculator registered visitors can use and lots of info on long-term care.