Guest Author - Deborah Pipas
Be assured this will not be the easiest decision you'll ever need to make. Often the time comes that a decision for change must be made just the same whether we like it or not. Perhaps you are aged and physically unable to care for your disabled loved one any longer. Maybe there are other personal reasons that make it difficult or impossible for you to continue their daily care. Sometimes the disabled person makes the decision and they choose to live independently. Whatever the reason or whoever makes the decision it completely changes everything concerning how their care will be managed. The issue becomes where and how to make the necessary arrangements for such a move.
You must first assess the physical, financial and/or mental limitations of your loved one and your ability to assist them once they have made the move. The options that are available must be taken into account. These are great determining factors in choosing a location that will be safe and comfortable for the disabled person. Whether it is by your choice or their preference efforts must be made to choose a residential setting that will provide all that they require to survive day to day.
Often it is our desire that they reside close to us and it is difficult if such an arrangement cannot be made. If the family has become physically unable to travel about town or tend to their own personal care due to financial or health reasons helping our loved one locate an assisted living community may be the answer. Many questions arise; will they need daily assistance such as a caregiver? What about things like cleaning, grocery shopping and transportation? All of these things must be considered prior to the move. If we arm ourselves with as much knowledge as possible prior to beginning this endeavor it can be a much easier transition for all involved.
If our loved one is self-sufficient for the most part we may just need to help them pack and move. Perhaps call or stop by once a day to see that all is well. But what if they are not self sufficient? What if they cannot or will not take their daily medication? What if their disability affects them in a way that makes it unsafe for them to live alone? Do we find a live-in caretaker? Is this something that is within our financial means? In many situations these things may be real problem areas in accomplishing the transition so what do we do?
Begin by checking the yellow pages or online for numbers and websites for your local and county government to determine what resources are available in the area. While you are in the process you may as well look into assistance offered for utilities and any other service and/or assistance that may be offered by your local community or state. Unfortunately for those who need assistance it is not something that happens quickly. Most of the time there is a mountain of paperwork to be completed, research for resources that will require statements from physicians, and many other unexpected obstacles. The good news is that with determination it can be accomplished and there are many agencies to help. Don’t forget the different forums, websites and chat rooms online that can be a goldmine of information as well as personal support throughout this process.
If you or your loved one has not yet filed for Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) now is the time to start the process. There are basic rules for eligibility which can be found through the Social Security Administration . Also check with your state’s department of health, human services, social services, or children and families. Each state lists these areas of information differently so don’t get discouraged just keep searching. As you contact these various agencies to ask questions you will sometimes find a caring voice on the other end that even if they don’t know the answer they will give you additional names and phones numbers of possible resources.
Persistence does pay off!
