My friend’s mother is staying in her home with in-home care 24 hours a day. Is this more expensive than living at an assisted living community?

Licensed and bonded in-home care agencies cost between $26 and $38 per hour. If someone needs a caregiver for 24 hours a day, then it could cost anywhere from $18,720 to $27,360 a month. Assisted livings provide 24-hour care to residents at a fraction of that cost. Included in the rent of assisted livings are meals, utilities, social activities, housekeeping, cable and maintenance.

Many assisted livings have transportation available for errands, doctor visits and outings. There is an additional cost for care services at most communities, however, even the highest level of care cost does not come close to what one will pay for in-home care for 24 hours a day.

It is important to note that caregivers at assisted livings and in-home care agencies have background checks and their businesses carry liability insurance and workman’s compensation on their behalf. If you were to hire a caregiver who works independently, you may be responsible for an injury if it occurs in your home. Check with your CPA and find out if an independent caregiver needs to be claimed on your taxes at the end of the year.

If finances are not an issue for your friend’s mother, then most prefer to stay in their own home for as long as possible. It is preferred because many seniors find it difficult to make changes in their surroundings. Your friend is most likely trying to grant her mother’s wishes. If she starts to outlive her money, then assisted living is a wonderful option.

My father is living on his own and needs to have outpatient surgery. Is there somewhere, besides skilled nursing, that he can have temporary placement until he heals up from his surgery?

Most assisted livings have respite care. It is a furnished room where all your father will need to bring are his personal supplies, like lotion, shampoo and clothing. There is a per-day charge that includes care fees. He will get 24-hour caregivers to help him with care services like bathing, dressing and medication management. The daily fee also includes meals, utilities, housekeeping and activities.

If the doctor orders physical therapy or occupational therapy, they will come to his room at the assisted living. Some assisted livings require two-week minimums, and some require a minimum stay of 30 days.

You will need a Physicians Report, or a Form 602, filled out beforehand so that the assisted living can create a personalized care plan for him, for when he arrives. You can get these forms from the assisted living you have chosen for respite care.

This is a great option to help him through this difficult time. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that a caregiver will be there day and night to check in on your father and provide the help he needs until he gets back on his feet again.

My mother would move into a senior community in a heartbeat, for socialization, if she knew she could bring her pet. Are pets allowed in senior communities?

I get this question often and the answer is YES! Many senior communities and assisted livings encourage their residents to bring their fur-babies with them.

Having their beloved pet helps them emotionally through the transition of their move. Most require that they can care for their pet (or have someone come in to help provide pet care). Call around to find out which senior communities accept pets or not. I know that most of the larger communities do allow them.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems. If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.