Planning a move to a personal care residence requires planning, thorough research and careful consideration. With numerous personal care options, careful planning will help you to confidently deal with such a significant life change.
Moving to a personal care apartment in a continuing care community can cause mixed emotions. You and your loved one might experience anxiety over adapting to a new living situation, but still be excited about the new opportunities.
This comprehensive guide will help you plan your loved one’s smooth transition to a personal care home, so you can rest assured they’re in good hands.
Personal care differs from options like nursing homes because residents remain fairly autonomous. Depending on their mobility and healthcare needs, residents can receive personal care assistance, which includes grooming, personal hygiene and medication management, all while living in their own space. Most communities also provide balanced, nutritious meals as part of the daily service.
The benefits of living in personal care in a continuing care community are many. An established campus like Frederick Living has numerous amenities and services to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. A strong sense of community keeps residents close. This is reinforced with micro-communities, where individuals with common interests meet and participate in various activities.
As part of your pre-transition planning, discuss your loved one’s medical, social and emotional requirements with the personal care admissions coordinator. They will partner with you to ensure they’re equipped to meet your loved one’s specific needs. These personal care considerations may help in selecting the most suitable care option:
At Frederick Living, your loved one can look forward to various campus amenities, including:
Additionally, they’ll have access to an insurance and financial counselor, a social worker and pastoral services on-site. Our Frederick Living staff will ensure your family member’s comfort and preferences are prioritized at all times.
Financial planning is crucial when transitioning to a personal care home. Before meeting with the home’s residency counselor, your family should discuss the financial implications and understand the assets your loved one has available for their needs. When you’re ready to meet with the staff, discuss the fee structure and additional expenses, ensuring you thoroughly understand the costs involved.
The residency counselor can also provide information on qualifying and non-qualifying payment options so you can plan for your loved one’s future long-term care needs. Speak to our competent staff at Frederick Living to request pricing information, which varies based on your needs.
Besides financial planning, your family must prepare for the legal and administrative legwork involved in transitioning your loved one to a healthcare environment. For example, ensure their medical records and living will are in place.
Be certain you understand the personal care contract and ask questions. Consult a lawyer or legal advisor if you need clarification on the contract’s terms and conditions. It’s in your family’s interest to ensure all legal aspects are fully understood.
Once all the paperwork is handled, the impending move becomes a reality. Coordinate with the staff to ensure you are on the same page regarding the scheduled move and understand the process.
When everything is in motion, start packing. Along with your loved one’s personal belongings, remember to include photos, plants, paintings and one or two of their favorite pieces of furniture to personalize their space. Once they’ve settled in, the new environment should feel like home. At Frederick Living, we’ll ensure your loved one is happy and well cared for in their new apartment.
Finally, moving day has arrived. If you haven’t already, confirm with a moving company or the person helping move your loved one’s belongings. They should be on time to ensure adherence to the personal care home’s moving process.
Once you arrive, help your loved one settle in and acclimate to combat possible anxiety. Take time to meet the staff, explore the campus and facilitate your loved one’s participation in orientation and first-day activities. Relax following your hard work and enjoy a meal together in the dining room.
Frederick Living’s friendly and helpful staff will be with you and your loved one every step of the way.
Communication is important when your loved one lives in personal care. Consider ongoing care plans and let the staff know if anything changes over time. Request regular updates from them on your loved one’s well-being, including their physical, mental and emotional state.
Discuss with your loved one their participation in social and recreational activities and the benefits of engaging in them. Encourage them to join a micro-community to explore existing or new hobbies and socialize with like-minded individuals. Staying engaged socially will ensure their emotional and psychological well-being long-term.
Frederick Living has abundant amenities and activities which provide opportunities for purposeful living, so you can have peace of mind knowing your loved one is active and enjoying themself.
Frederick Living understands that transitioning to a personal care environment is an adjustment, but we provide full support so you are not alone. When you choose us for your loved one’s personal care needs, we’ll assist with every aspect and explain processes and procedures so you thoroughly understand each step.
If you’re considering or need help with personal care planning, call us at 610-754-7878 or complete a contact request form, and we’ll provide assistance.