Change is difficult for anyone, but especially seniors. Many seniors wait until a crisis dictates their choices, however that can be devastating as that limits your choices, controls the timing and can be much more expensive. Having an open dialogue about the advantages of making a move (safety, community, activity, even a little luxury) on their terms is certainly the best way to go about it. Don’t be afraid of the conversation and remember that needing to make a move is not punitive or “settling for something less,” but rather an improvement in their quality of life and an opportunity to make positive changes for their future. Another important thing to remember is to schedule specific times when you and they are going to begin making changes or begin the process of investigating what they need to do. Scheduling a discussion with our experts is a good first step.

Yes, they do still exist and are now more commonly referred to as, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs.) This is where most elderly hospital patients are discharged after a hospital stay for an event or procedure that requires some therapy (physical, occupational, and/or speech) to return to a baseline condition. Medicare generally covers this rehabilitation for a limited time as long as the patient is making progress. While patients can stay in a SNF for long term after Medicare coverage, it is extremely expensive (usually in the $300-$500/day range), is very institutional, rarely private, and has limited care staffing. The only type of patients that would require a long term SNF stay are ones requiring persistent IV treatment (non-Hospice) or life sustaining devices such as a respirator.