Assisted Living Home Facts and Information in Gilford, NH
Visiting Angels works with local assisted living facilities in Gilford, NH
Assisted living homes are a type of long-term care facility. Unlike traditional nursing homes, assisted living facilities assist with daily activities and typically do not offer medical care. Residents pay for their stay as they would any other rental property, and many assisted living residences are non-profit organizations.
There are many factors to consider when choosing an assisted care facility. Visiting Angels of NH discusses some of the more critical factors so you can make an informed decision about where your loved one should live.
How to Decide on an Assisted Living Facility
The biggest concern when choosing an assisted living facility is what type of care will be needed. Some facilities provide around-the-clock nursing services, while others help with just a few essential activities like showering or meal preparation. Let's discuss some of these options in more detail.
Independent living
Independent living is the most basic level of assisted care. Residents can prepare their meals, and the facility offers 24-hour security for residents, but no medical staff is on duty. This type of residence is perfect for someone who needs a little assistance with everyday tasks. There will always be someone on call if you or your loved one has a medical emergency or needs help with a fall.
Basic assisted living
This type of facility offers additional assistance with daily tasks like meal preparation and bathing. The nursing staff can administer medication, but there is no on-call physician available. This option would be appropriate for someone who occasionally needs to see a doctor but does not require round-the-clock care.
Enhanced assisted living
In this facility, nursing staff can administer medication, provide medical attention and ensure that residents take medication as prescribed. This level of assistance is appropriate for someone who may need to see a doctor regularly or require help with daily activities. Private rooms are the norm in this facility, but some offer shared rooms for residents who prefer to socialize and have company.
Memory care facilities
These are unique assisted living homes where residents cannot live independently. They provide 24-hour security with staff on hand to meet the needs of those with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Residents of this type have diminished cognitive skills or can no longer remember performing even the most basic of daily tasks. This care option is best suited for those who are suffering from memory loss.
Other considerations
The type of care your loved one requires determines the cost of staying in an assisted living facility. Consider these additional factors when deciding where your loved one should live:
Transportation options
If you or your loved one relies on public transportation, make sure the facility is accessible by bus or train. Transportation options will allow for frequent outings and reduce feelings of isolation. Some facilities offer a shuttle service to take residents to doctor visits and other destinations.
How to pay for care
Many assisted living facilities to accept Medicaid, but private insurance plans are another option. In general, those with Medicare will not qualify for Medicaid coverage as long-term care benefits through Medicare have their limitations and restrictions on coverage.
Some providers work with families to set up payment plans based on financial need while others do not. Check with the provider before making a final decision to ensure your loved one can stay at the facility and does not have to move due to the inability to pay for services or receive government support for coverage.
If necessary, you can also consider selling you or your loved one's house. You can use the proceeds to pay for ongoing care. Be sure to check with a Medicaid expert to ensure this doesn't affect any benefits. Also, if you're considering this option, start looking for comparable sales near you now to get an idea of what the house may sell for in the near future. The median price of homes in Auburn is $605K presently, so this should already paint a picture of what your and your loved one can afford.
Choosing the Best Assisted Living Facility
Choosing the right assisted living facility for your loved one can be difficult. It's important to consider what type of help they will need and how often and whether or not you have funds available to pay for care. Hopefully, this article gives you an excellent place to start your research.
Contact Our Care Team
Visiting Angels of Gilford provides award-home home care for seniors in the Greater Manchester, Derry, or Concord area. To learn more about our services, please call us at 603-366-1993 or click the button below.
