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What Should You Do When Only One Parent Needs Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
What you should do when only one parent needs assisted living is engage them both in a discussion about their options. Talk to them about their financial situations, living preferences and support requirements. Patience and compassion are crucial, especially as living apart can cause separation anxiety and loneliness.
Some assisted living communities offer accommodations for couples, allowing your parents to stay together. These facilities provide tailored care for one parent, while the other lives independently, enjoying group activities and amenities. Alternatively, some couples may choose to live separately, with one spouse aging at home and frequently visiting the other in assisted living. In-home care is another option, enabling both parents to stay at home with one receiving personalized support.
Factors to consider if both parents move to assisted living
While some communities allow partners to live together, even if only one needs support, you should consider that state funding, such as Medicaid and waivers, only covers your parent who needs care. Your other parent would need to pay out-of-pocket. Financial assistance rarely includes boarding costs, which can be costly. As of 2021, the national average cost for assisted living is $4,500 per month.
However, assisted living may enhance the quality of life for both parents. Practical support with everyday activities relieves your independent parent of caregiver duties. Both parents can engage in ability-appropriate enrichment and wellness activities, make new friends and pursue leisure interests. Many assisted living communities have resident car parks, and seniors can maintain their independence and autonomy.