Long-term elder care: Benefits and downsides of assisted living

One of the most emotionally difficult decisions older Georgia residents can make is whether they should leave their homes in favor of assisted residential living. It is often an adult son or daughter who recommends assisted living to an aging parent. Many elders hesitate to consider the option because they believe it is typically one step shy of a nursing home.

It can be helpful to speak with other older people who have already transitioned to assisted living lifestyles. Many people wind up far more satisfied with such arrangements than they thought they would. Benefits often include no longer having to perform maintenance and upkeep on a home, enjoying a private setting while also having assistance on hand if needed and the opportunity to take part in many organized social activities with other residents.

A potential downside to assisted living involves lack of services. Not every facility is equipped to handle certain medical conditions or mental health issues, such as moderate to severe dementia. Assisted living care can also be quite expensive, which may be a concern for someone of limited financial means.

An assisted living atmosphere is definitely not the best environment for everyone; however, it can be a positive experience for many, and it is often a significant part of long-term elder care planning. However, numerous legal complications may arise in an assisted living situation. An experienced Georgia elder law attorney is a great asset to have on hand to address such issues and help rectify problem situations.

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Kevin Tharpe

With 25 years of experience, Kevin understands how estate planning, special needs planning, and government benefits programs work together. This is a crucial element of a thorough plan. He explains your eligibility for benefits programs and ensures that you do not make costly mistakes that may disqualify you or deplete your assets.

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