“What to Consider Before Moving a Parent Into Assisted Living During COVID-19,” by Andrea Cooper, Next Avenue

 

Quote:

“Moving a parent into assisted living is an emotional decision in normal times. These days, families have to make especially complex calculations in the shadow of a virus that’s proven especially lethal for elders. About 45% of all COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. have occurred in long-term care facilities, according to The Kaiser Family Foundation. Most of the widely reported outbreaks have been in nursing homes, which differ substantially from assisted living communities. … Concerns about moving into assisted living in 2020 go beyond whether residents may contract coronavirus, though. There’s also the issue of being able to see your parent after move-in; almost no assisted living facilities have been allowing visitors. … Before the pandemic, visiting potential assisted living communities was a smart way to help choose one. But in-person tours are rare right now, of course. So, get a virtual tour via Facetime or Zoom with the opportunity to ask the facilities’ managers questions by phone. The questions might include:”

LTC Comment (from Stephen A. Moses, President, Center for Long-Term Care Reform):

Click through for the questions. Invite any reticent LTCI prospects to read the article. Then explain how private insurance can help people avoid or delay both nursing homes and assisted living. Watch their denial dissolve.