You’ve spent hours on the internet, have gone on countless tours, and have talked to friends, family, even casual acquaintances about your senior living options. Yet, you still don’t feel ready to take the plunge and choose a senior living community. You can find better, more detailed information about senior living in some unexpected places and use it to make yourself feel more secure in your decision. Here are a few out-of-the-box ideas to source for exploring senior housing options when you have exhausted the traditional resources.
Insurance Agents and Coverage
One of the most common causes for hesitation when making a decision about senior housing is the price tag. Spending your hard-earned nest egg can feel daunting, however, you might have other options. Take a trip to your insurance agent and review any policies you have to see if they add value to your current situation. Some life insurance policies will allow you to borrow on or cash-out premiums to provide a much-needed supplement to your community fee. Check out whether any policies have “tacked-on” on long-term insurance (although not many do). It never hurts to recheck your assets to make sure you have everything possible at your disposal.
Geriatric Specialists
Another option is booking an appointment with a geriatric specialist. Unlike your regular GP, these physicians specialize in the elderly population and more importantly the aging process. They may be able to give a better recommendation about the type of living situation you need. Where an ordinary physician may see you as a fall risk and tell you to seek assisted living, a geriatric specialist might understand the type of ambulation help you need is better fitted toward an independent living community. Whatever the issue, it may be in your best interest to find a second opinion about the kind of care you require in your new home.
Local Social Workers
Who better to point out problem communities or facilities than the people who are called when issues arise? Social workers are a reliable source to understand what senior living communities in your area have had issues with worker abuse, falls, or neglect. These professionals often have insight on situations and problems referral agencies may not and may be able to provide supplemental information. However, remember these professionals are not full-time referral sources and have an enormously tough and important job to do, so keep your requests for their time and information polite and short.
Brainstorm Referral Sources
In that same vein, think about who else in your community could give you extra insights into senior living communities near you. Religious leaders are often in touch with the elderly and are frequent visitors to these communities. Real estate agents help seniors selling their homes, perhaps they could share what community is frequently chosen by their clients? Think about who you will come into contact with during your move-in process and find out if they have any opinions or stories to share. However, as always remember that stories from others are just that – stories. Look for the pattern among the many anecdotes you receive.
Reexamine Your Homework
Through this process you probably have become a subject matter expert (SME) on senior living. If you are reading this article, I can imagine you are a thorough type of person who always considers every angle. So, have a discussion with yourself and think about what your gut (or spreadsheet, depending on personality type) is telling you. Eventually, your decision is about trusting what you have learned and the conclusions you have drawn.
It’s Not Permanent
Finally, while choosing a community is not a decision to be taken lightly, it isn’t final. You still have complete power over your life. It might take some time, but if you end up feeling like you made the wrong decision, you can always choose again.