I'm familiar with Alz after my mother lived with us for 5 years until it got advanced and she needed 24 hour care. Now my husband has it. We downsized two years ago, and currently live in a one story home on some property. My questions is about future living arrangements. I am currently healthy and 67. He is 70, and mid stage. I'm trying to think about possible future needs, and wondering if there are any places we could still live together (or very nearby) when I am unable to meet his… read more
As Charlotte says, there are assisted living facilities available that can accommodate your needs but they are very expensive. I investigated them recently as an answer for my wife and I as she is in the latter stages. At first it seemed reasonable enough but when looking, pay close attention to “add ons”. The base rate increases if meds have to be administered, if the resident is incontinent and requires frequent changing, PT to exercise, a diet not compatible with daily offerings, and so many additional fees. As I considered our needs, just the things I do daily, I realized the cost would nearly double. If there are changes the facility deems necessary, they only have to advise you of their decision to step up to a higher level of care and adjust the rates accordingly. I came home with my head spinning! After considering how comfortable we are in our current home, how happy we are here, I decided to opt for in home care. I have a nurse that comes in weekly and a care giver that comes in for just a couple hours each day. The care giver is also available with 48 hours notice, to spend an 8 hour day with my wife if I need to complete larger tasks or if I just need time to my self. Between them and family support, I think we can continue for a while longer. I’m happier with the environment as even the assisted living or independent living apartments seem institutional and the staff rushed. The costs for in home care are far lower than a move. The nurse is covered under our medical plan. So far, so good.
It depends on where you live. There are couples that move into independent or assisted living complexes where they also have a dementia wing. I know one man that moved into one. To get a break he could leave his wife in the dementia unit for a few hours. Eventually she moved into it while he stayed in the independent section. But, they do cost money.
Someone just told me that Medicare pays for 2 weeks of respite care per year. We're not there, yet, but could be valuable in the future.
I am from Florida and there are many Assistant living for couples. Even though one of them does not have Dementia or Alz. You pay a years lease and eveything is provided for both.
Good to know. Thank you.