Aging is a fact of life that many of us fight, or we just flat out ignore. Our culture encourages this thinking, as exhibited by the rise in the number of cosmetic surgeries performed and the mantra “50 is the new 40.”
In reality, our bodies age in the same way no matter what. You may be turning back the signs of aging, but you are not turning back aging itself.
As we age, there may come a time when you need help in everyday activities. You may need help getting around, cooking meals, or managing pills. This is what an assisted-living community provides and much more. However, admitting you need help is half the battle.
New York Medicaid Consulting is dedicated to providing the highest quality Medicaid planning services in New York City. We understand Medicaid law and keep abreast of the constant changes, on a state, local, and federal level. We can help you navigate the sometimes murky waters of Medicaid law in order to protect your assets and income while receiving Medicaid benefits. In this blog post, we’ll go over tips on how you can talk to your parents about Medicaid assisted living. Contact us today to get started!
TIPS TO TALK TO YOUR PARENTS ABOUT ASSISTED LIVING
Timing
Timing is key when talking to your parents about assisted living. After all, it’s probably not a topic you want to bring up at Thanksgiving dinner under your parents’ roof. You’ll want to plan ahead and not just blurt it out suddenly. Choose a moment when your parents are happy, relaxed, and in a good mood, such as on a Sunday stroll through the park or casually over coffee. Be prepared as well for what you are going to say. Really think about it. New York Medicaid Consultants notes that you should choose your words carefully, framing the discussion in a positive light, and leaving it open ended.
Make Assisted Living an On-going Discussion
Once you broach the topic, then let it go. Hopefully, you have not waited until your parents need to go into assisted living soon. Just by planting the seed and letting it germinate, you’ll help your parents get used to the idea.
Do Your Homework
The more educated you are about assisted living, the more persuasive you will be when discussing this option with your parents. New York Medicaid Consultants recommends that you visit some assisted-living facilities in your area to really get a true grasp on what you are considering for your parents because not all assisted living facilities are created equal. In fact, there are many different levels and services for you to choose from, depending on how independent your parents still are.
For example, some assisted living facilities are very hands-on, helping residents take their pills on time, helping them with meals, and helping them with everyday activities, like bathing. Other assisted living facilities are more like community centers with cafeteria-style meals where seniors can eat when they please, and more activities to keep seniors moving, such as pools, exercise rooms, and arranged senior activities. After all, you don’t want to be recommending something you would never do. The more knowledge you have, the better the conversations will go.
Take Your Parents to Visit Assisted Living Facilities
Once you have visited assisted living facilities, take your parents to your top choices. New York Medicaid Consultants suggest that you arrange a tour so your parents can have the opportunity to speak to someone one-on-one and have all of their questions answered. This gives your parents a chance to see a modern-day assisted living facility in action because odds are, your parents may have an idea in their head akin to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which wasn’t even what Randle McMurphy had in mind. Many assisted living facilities are more like senior recreation centers than nursing homes. Again, there is a wide variety so make sure to check them all out.
HOW NEW YORK MEDICAID CONSULTANTS CAN HELP
New York Medicaid Consultants’ mission is to help seniors navigate Medicaid successfully by taking advantage of all of the benefits that Medicaid offers. Medicaid admittedly can be difficult to understand and devise all of the many different benefits offered to seniors. Sometimes you just need help knowing what is available to you. Medicaid can cover assisted living expenses, as well as other forms of long-term care. Because each individual’s situation is unique, it’s hard to understand what exactly you do qualify for.
Many people are under the impression that they just don’t qualify for Medicaid if they have assets. However, this may not be the case. When you come in for a free consultation with us, we will review your situation and get you the answers you need. Making the decision to move into an assisted living facility can be difficult. Knowing Medicaid may cover some of the expenses can help you make that decision. New York Medicaid Consultants will help you with your medicaid estate planning and medicaid assisted living needs. Contact us today!
