A Guide to Finding and Paying for Senior Care as A Couple
What happens when a couple plans on moving to a senior community, but each one will benefit from a different care level? When one spouse needs assisted living, but the other doesn’t, it can feel unsettling. Fortunately, some senior communities ensure that couples live together while each spouse receives the best level of support.
Sage Oak of Denton is a senior living community that’s worth the drive because our specialized services help couples and families stay together. Let’s explore how you can:
- Find personalized senior care for your spouse
- Live as a couple with your spouse
- Ensure they receive the support they need
- Pay for supportive senior living
- Help a loved one adjust to their new home
Assisted Living for Your Spouse: Can couples live together?
The answer is yes: Many assisted living facilities accommodate couples.
These communities are designed to provide personalized care for each resident. That means one spouse can continue living independently while the other receives a higher level of care.
Boutique senior living communities like Sage Oak of Denton provide both assisted living and memory care for partners with Alzheimer’s or dementia. This setup allows couples to stay close, even when one requires more specialized support.
Assisted Living for Couples: The Benefits of Staying Together
Living together in an assisted living community has many benefits (including financial ones), especially when one spouse requires more care than the other. This arrangement allows couples to share their lives and maintain their bond, which is vital for emotional well-being.
Here are some expanded benefits that appeal directly to the caregiver spouse:
Emotional and Social Well-being
Senior care for your spouse in an assisted living community can significantly enhance your quality of life. The weight of caregiving can be heavy, and you can get much-needed relief.
With professional care available for your loved one, you can focus more on enjoying your time together rather than managing daily caregiving tasks.
- Socialization and Friendships: Many assisted living residents are very independent but benefit from personalized support. You’ll be able to meet new people and form friendships with others in similar situations. Communities also have social calendars filled with activities and events, helping you stay active and engaged.
- Wellness Activities: Assisted living communities typically offer a range of wellness activities that keep residents healthy and active. These can include exercise classes, walking clubs, yoga, and more. Participating in these activities can improve your physical and mental health.
- Chef-Prepared Meals: Another significant benefit is enjoying delicious, nutritious meals without the hassle of cooking. Many communities offer chef-prepared meals in a communal dining setting, allowing you to relax and dine with others. Sage Oak of Denton residents enjoy a private chef in each house.
Peace of Mind
Moving to an assisted living community also brings peace of mind. Knowing that professional caregivers are available around the clock to support your spouse alleviates stress. You’ll have the assurance that your spouse is in an environment where their needs are met promptly.
Amenities and Services
Assisted living communities offer a wide range of amenities and services to enhance residents’ quality of life. Here are some typical offerings:
- Personalized care plans
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Chef-prepared meals
- Transportation services for medical appointments, shopping, and outings
- Recreational activities
- On-site health services
- Emergency response systems
Enhanced Independence with Support
While your spouse receives the care they need, you can also maintain your independence. Many assisted living residents enjoy the best of both worlds: living independently while having access to support when necessary. This balance allows you to engage in activities you love, explore new hobbies, and live a fulfilling life.
Assessment and Personalization for You and A Spouse
It’s important to understand your and your partner’s needs before choosing a senior living community. Start by assessing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Personal care
- Meal preparation and eating
- Mobility and transferring
- Medication management and administration
That will give you a good idea of what kind of help is required.
Senior living community team members conduct professional assessments to pinpoint each spouse’s specific needs. Based on these assessments, personalized care plans are created. These plans encourage independence while ensuring the necessary support is provided, enhancing the quality of life for both spouses.
Financial Benefits and Cost Considerations
Living together in an assisted living setting can save money. Housing and care costs are often lower when spouses reside in the same community than when they live apart, and each needs separate care. Sharing accommodation can further reduce expenses, making it a more cost-effective solution.
The cost of assisted living for couples varies depending on the care required and the community. One way to manage these costs is through VA spouse benefits for assisted living. These benefits can significantly reduce the financial burden.
The VA Aid and Attendance benefit can help cover senior care costs for eligible veterans and their spouses. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, like having served during wartime and needing assistance with daily activities. These benefits can provide substantial financial relief.
Additional Options to Help Pay for Assisted Living and Memory Care
- Long-Term Care Insurance: While not all policies cover assisted living, some do. Review your policy to understand your coverage.
- Life Insurance Policies: Some policies allow you to use the cash value to pay for assisted living.
- Reverse Mortgages: Homeowners can convert part of their home equity into cash to pay for care.
- Annuities: These can provide a steady income stream to help cover costs.
- Savings and Investments: Personal savings, retirement funds, and investments can be used to fund care.
- Bridge Loans: These short-term loans provide funds until other financing, like a home sale, is completed.
Most senior living communities do not accept insurance like Medicaid or Medicare. Those funds are typically used for nursing homes. Those facilities provide temporary medical care housing for rehabilitation; assisted living offers a long-term living solution with varying levels of care.
Supporting A Spouse’s Move to A Care Program
Remember, it’s okay if you decide not to make the move with your partner. Every journey is different. Senior living, especially memory care, is about strengthening relationships and ensuring the best care. Supporting your spouse through this transition will help them feel loved and secure in their new home.
When one spouse needs assisted living, it’s important to find a community that supports both partners’ needs, whether you live there or have other arrangements.
Once your spouse has moved into a community, ongoing support is essential. Visit regularly to help them adjust and stay connected. Participate in community activities together to make the environment feel more like home. Open communication with the care team ensures that any concerns are addressed promptly.
Senior Living for You and Senior Care for Your Spouse
Assisted living for your spouse should be personalized to enhance independence and ensure quality care. Contact Sage Oak of Denton for more information on senior care and VA benefits. Our team will provide valuable guidance and support throughout this process.