Posted: August 25, 2023
Big life changes, such as making the move to a senior living community, can be particularly challenging. When couples who need the same level of care can transition together, the decision is more about logistics and finding the best location with the desired amenities. When couples have different levels of care, finding a senior living community that offers multiple levels of care is ideal to keep the couple together. It is very important to make sure each older adult is getting the correct level of care needed and no one is compromising their care to stay together with their spouse.
Take, for example, Lois and John. Lois is a vibrant 74-year-old in good physical and mental shape; she has no significant health conditions. Her husband of 50 years, John, has moderate Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. As his condition worsens, he needs more assistance with everyday personal care, including bathing and physical stabilizing, which Lois feels anxious about.
Eventually, it became clear that taking care of John was more than Lois could handle independently. But moving to an assisted living community was out of the question given the level of care John needed. Separating the couple would be difficult emotionally, and John’s condition could worsen without his wife by his side. It was a struggle for the couple and their adult children to figure out how John could get the care he needed without putting additional strain in the family.
John and Lois’s situation is not unique. Many families face this problem, and many are unaware that most senior living communities have ways to accommodate couples who want to live together. There are sometimes options where both parties can live together, while the person who needs the care can pay for what they need.
Fortunately for John and Lois, together with their children, they were able to find a multi service level apartment, and they settled into their own apartment together.
Casey’s Pond can accommodate senior couples who wish to live together—even if one spouse needs more care than the other. It can be detrimental to the health of both when a couple is thrust into separate living situations. We are a leader in providing a continuum care community for aging adults, allowing loved ones to age in place or live in one location for as long as they need. We meet all levels of care from independent and assisted living, to skilled nursing and rehabilitation care. This gives both families and residents peace of mind, knowing they will have the support and care they require regardless of their ongoing needs.
Our community is designed to help residents live active, independent lives in the beautiful backdrop of Steamboat Springs, whether single or couples—along with their pets.
Casey’s Pond’s senior living community offers a variety of floorplans, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments large enough to comfortably accommodate a couple. Our dual certification (Independent Living and Assisted Living) apartments resemble that of an upscale condominium, including full kitchens, private bathrooms, and wheelchair accessibility. Couples can choose the floor plan and apartment features that are right for them. Both spouses will have access to amenities, personalized programs and fresh chef prepared meals with the beautiful Rocky Mountains as their new home’s backdrop.
Prior to the couple’s move-in, team members will conduct a thorough assessment of the level of assistance required by each. The couple will be re-assessed on a regular basis to ensure both are getting the care they need. We provide physical and medical support for one spouse while the other continues to enjoy independence. We partner with the spouse as care partners.
It can be complicated to figure out costs when the level of care differs from one spouse to another. In our example above, Lois will likely pay only the base monthly rent since she is completely independent and able to care for herself. John, however, will have more assistance needs because of his care needs. He will need supervision to prevent him from wandering, but may also need help managing medications, bathing, and dressing.
Couples who live together in the same apartment will pay for their apartment, but there will be an additional fee for the level of care cost for one. If the other spouse begins to need additional care as well, then this can easily be added for the spouse.
Most families cover assisted living costs using private funds—often a combination of savings, Social Security benefits, pension payments, long-term care insurance, and retirement accounts. However, there are some government programs such as Aid and Attendance through the Veteran’s Administration.
It can be challenging to find the right assisted living community for even one person, let alone a couple. The goal for families should be to find the best option for today that also offers possibilities for the future. This minimizes the need to move from one care setting to another, which is expensive and hard on seniors. Contact Casey’s Pond today and let us help answer any of your questions.
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