Coping with Aging Parents, Finding Special Care
By
Kimberly Cheng
CBS 2 News
The later stages of life can be difficult, especially when making the decision to put a loved one in special care. With over 120 assisted living homes in the Coachella Valley, the decision on where to go can be difficult.
At Atria, an assistant living home in Palm Desert, residents say it's the little things that make them happy.
"I've never been anywhere where they know your name before you get here," Karl Sommer,88, said. "I fell several times alone. I felt it was time for me (to be where) somebody could help me."
When searching for the right place, experts say common sense is key.
Margaret Rouley, Atria community sales director, has worked in the business for seven years. "(If) the residents aren't talking (and) the employees aren't greeting you at the door, that would put up red flags in my mind."
Senior Living Options of the Desert provides a free service for those who are looking for assisted living. They check records with the California Department of Social Services every year and weed out those that have poor reviews. Clients are able to tour various homes and they help with the process every step of the way.
Rick Peterson, owner of Senior Living Options, says they facilitate the process of "shopping around".
"We're there to be their advocate and to ask questions that they forget or don't know to ask," Peterson said.
Peterson suggests that people find out what type of specialty care is offered and what type of activities are available.
Harriet Anderson is 91. She says constant activity keeps her young.
"I play golf, I bowl, I was on teams. I've always been very active,"
Anderson said.
She offered this advice for those who have decided to put their loved ones in assisted living. "Look into the place to make sure they have activities according to what your (loved ones) will like."
Public records are available on all licensed adult and senior care facilities. They are available at California's Community Care Licensing Division in Riverside. The reports must be accessed in person. For more information, visit www.ccld.ca.gov.
Also, if you are interested in help with comparing places and finding resources, contact: SeniorLivingOptionsOfTheDesert.com.
Cost of Senior and Adult Care
Experts say the key is to plan ahead.
According to Senior Living Options in the Desert, there are about 120 small
six-bed residential care homes in the Valley. There are roughly
9 larger senior homes.
The annual cost of living in a senior care home in the Valley is roughly $24,000 a year for a smaller residential care home; and about $36,000 to $60,000 for a larger facility, like Atria.
Nursing homes, which assist people who need medical care, can run more than $72,000 a year.
Rick Peterson, owner of Senior Living Options, says about 30 to 40 percent of his clients cannot afford these services.
Experts recommend setting up a long-term care insurance policy and planning ahead. Generally, earlier enrollment is less expensive because health risk increases with age.
Veterans and their spouses may also be eligible for Veteran's Affairs benefits.
Also, federal Medicare and State Medicaid may also help.