Finding a quality establishment that would allow her to bring her dog was very challenging. 

We also learned that as dementia progresses, it becomes harder to move without impacting memories and, as a result, quality of life.  More specifically, you form memories of where things are in the house, where you go to eat, how you shop, how you get there, etc.  A big move at any age is hard for anyone, but it can be exceptionally difficult when you have dementia.  Some senior living centers consider this and create facilities that offer a full spectrum of living conditions, ranging from fully independent condos to memory care units and everything in between.

Cost is another consideration of long-term care.  Depending on your financial situation, you may want to work with state agencies or organizations such as AARP to help navigate the financial complexities of long-term care.  Another organization you may want to check out is Hilarity For Charity (HFC), which provides caregiver support grants.  Several variables come into play when considering long-term care options, such as the amount, type, and location of care.  Long-term care insurance is an option to consider; some people begin shopping for it in their fifties.  Like all insurance, there are many considerations to take into account. 

The location of long-term care may also be something worth considering.  Are the facilities close to family, friends, or recreational activities?  What services do the facilities offer, i.e., social activities, transportation, on-site amenities, etc.?  State-level resources may also affect quality of life.  Some states offer a Medicaid supplement for long-term care.  Regardless of individual circumstances, it’s essential to consider what matters most to you.

1. 1.0 _____: Have you thought about long-term care options? Thinking about long-term care is essential to creating a comprehensive estate plan.
2. 1.0 _____: Have you considered long-term care must-have services? State laws and regulations, as well as corporate policies, will dictate what additional services may be included in the pricing, such as a shuttle service, an in-house hair salon, a bowling alley, a library, volunteer opportunities, etc..
3. 1.0 _____: Have you priced long-term care and included it in your financial plan? Long-term care insurance becomes more expensive the older we are when we take out the policy.
4. 1.0 _____: Have you researched long-term care facility locations? Depending on the services you are looking for, long-term care facilities may not be located near family.  This could prove to be a challenge later if routine visits are ever needed. 

_____: Assessment Grade

RuReady Resources:

1. The Last Chapter Series Organizer
2. The Last Chapter Series Readiness Review and Checklist
3. The Last Chapter Series Resource List

AARP Resources:

1. Long-Term Care. AARP has a series of articles and resources located at the bottom of its Family Caregiving page.  Information on Assisted Living Facilities, Continuing Care Communities, Geriatric Care Manager, Group Homes, Long-Term Care Guide, Long-Term Care Insurance, Long-Term Care Insurance Claims, Long-Term Care Insurance Cost, Medicaid Coverage, and Nursing Homes can all be found here. 

Article References:

1. Marlena del Hierro (2023, July 10). 18 Tips for Moving Someone with Dementia: What You Need to Know. Senior Resource Center.  https://www.seniorly.com/resource-center/health-and-lifestyle/18-tips-for-moving-someone-with-dementia-what-you-need-to-know 
2. Anna Baluch (2024, February 05). How To Find The Best Senior Living Communities.  Forbes Health.  https://www.forbes.com/health/senior-living/best-senior-living/
3. AARP (2022, July 26). Long-Term Care Cost Calculator  https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/financial-legal/long-term-care-cost-calculator.html