How do you know if assisted living, independent living, or nursing home care is right for you? As you grow older, choosing the right senior living for couples with different needs can become harder than ever. Before making this decision, it is essential to consider your loved one’s needs and your own so that you can make the best decision possible. Here are some of the most common reasons people choose these different options, as well as a few key questions to ask yourself as you make your decision.
Can Couples with Different Needs Live Together in Assisted Living?
The question of whether my partner and I can live together in assisted living has often been asked. The answer is both yes and no. Yes, many couples do live together in an assisted living community, but it is not always possible for everyone to reside under one roof. Some couples have very different needs that cannot be easily managed by one home or by one staff person. Couples considering assisted living should think through what each resident’s specific needs are before moving forward with a move.
Helping Loved One’s Transition into an Assisted Living Community
Of course, it’s not all about you—if you or your spouse requires a level of care that’s beyond what your home can provide, then it might be time to explore community living options for couples with different needs. When selecting a community, there are a few things to consider: Is one spouse going to stay on as an active resident? Will they need to move elsewhere after a certain number of years? Do both spouses still require a high level of care, or will one be able to maintain their independence longer than their spouse? It is vital to do research ahead of time and find out about policies around these situations.
Questions to Ask During Your Tour
When it comes to assisted living, no two couples are alike. It is essential to ask an assisted living community a series of questions so you can figure out if they fit your needs and preferences. Assisted living communities offer a range of choices in terms of care level and amenities, so it is essential to do your research ahead of time to help you narrow down your options. During your tour, you will want to ask about the cost per month for different levels of care, amenities offered on-site or nearby, whether pets are allowed and how far from home, various amenities are located. Once you have been on a few tours and have gathered all that information, you can compare senior living communities side by side when it comes time to make a decision.
How Long Should They Stay in an Assisted Living Community?
Assisted living communities can provide two loved ones with different senior care needs, but only if they are willing to share a room. Most assisted living homes do not have private rooms for married couples or partners who need independent care. Instead, most will offer double-occupancy rooms for couples who require independent care. The best way to determine if an assisted living community is right for your family is to spend time on-site touring their communities and speaking with staff about how they accommodate loved ones with varying levels of independence.
Do Your Homework as a Couple
Finding a senior living community that meets your needs and matches your budgets is challenging enough on its own. When you add in family dynamics, it can get even more complicated. Before you start looking for senior living options, be honest with each other about what you need and how much you can afford to spend on amenities and accommodations. While some couples will only consider shared facilities, others may feel more comfortable choosing completely separate locations so they can enjoy their own space together without worrying about spending time or money together. It is important to be upfront and honest about the expectations, so neither of you feels frustrated or neglected by your decision down the road.
