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LIVING &
LEARNING:

What should I
know about
Assisted Living?
One Size Does

NOT Fit All!

by Kelly Wilson
The good news is you can and
most likely will find your size and
your style…. Making the decision
to move into an assisted living
community can be a tough choice
for any one, including the family There are some long term care, LTC, policies
members involved in the process. The resis- that provide funding for assisted living costs,
tance to change, feelings of guilt and denial review your individual policy terms. (See below
all too often lead to a delay in making any for a few basic pointers to lead you in the right
decision or move. That is, until something direction for possible assistance.) Keep in mind
serious happens, that SOMETHING usually that just like buying real estate, the family car
affects the health, welfare and safety of our or making any large purchase, you should take
parent, grandparent or spouse. Once this some time to research and plan. There are many
has happened you now add into the mix, resources available by way of publications,
stress and a sense of urgency to the decision websites and private placement services that can
making process. help you find the assisted living community that
If this seems to be the course you’re on, then you fits YOU.
are going about this all wrong! Stop and think of How Can I Pay For Assisted Living?
the many changes and adaptations we all make Generally assisted living costs are an out of
throughout the years of our lives……just chalk pocket expense, however, for those in need and
this up to one more. Putting a positive spin on meeting eligibility requirements, assistance may
everything that is good and right about making be available. Below is a simple guide to point
this move is the key! you first, to the local agencies who can help
Know that here in S. Florida alone there are you navigate through this process of eligibility
well over 1400 assisted living options to choose determination.
from, like choosing what restaurant to frequent 1. Your Aging Resource Center, aka the Area
or where to go on your vacation, look into your Agency on Aging will assist you in determin-
many choices. Whether you are comfortable in ing any eligibility for state or federal govern-
a quiet, residential home setting, usually with 5 ment programs or assistance
or 6 residents or opt for a larger resort setting 2. Veterans Aid & Attendance to determine…
with restaurant style dining and amenities, there eligibility contact your local VAMC directly.
is just the place for you. Being clear and realistic To find location nearest to you go to
on your budget, physical and social needs and www.va.gov
your likes and dislikes is a great starting point. If wealth, income or other issues arise or the
With average cost ranging from $2200 up process becomes complicated you can seek
beyond $4800, finances can play a large part in professional services
narrowing down options, and the difficulty cov- 3. Private Medicaid & VA Planner
ering these costs can create hardships as well.
4. Elder Law Attorney