Finding senior care on a limited budget

05/05/21 • 11 min

Hello, Chealsea here With Solutions for senior’s podcast.

Before I get started today, I would like to thank Home Helpers of Bourbonnais for sponsoring solutions for seniors podcast. If you or your loved one are in the Kankakee or will county area call home helpers at 815-401-5527 for all your home care needs. You can also visit their website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/kankakee

The last couple weeks I’ve been talking about how to help your aging loved ones decide where to live weather they are able to age in place or move to a care facility. But for many seniors they are unable to age in place, they don’t have family to live with and they can’t afford to move into a care facility. What options do our loved ones have then?

For many seniors, they survive on Social Security from month to month. Their retirement years are challenging and enjoying the golden years and living comfortably is only a dream for them. And once they retire, they struggle. They are in survival mode.

When seeking care on the limited income of Social Security, there are a few options available for the personal help for our aging loved one or for additional income to pay for care. Here are a few ways we can help our aging loved ones to make that happen.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Medicaid

Medicaid Waivers Program

If your aging loved one can still live independently here are some option to help them look into

There are many affordable housing options available for low-income older adults, through both the government and the private market, and “affordable” doesn’t have to mean sacrificing quality or a great lifestyle. By making the move to an affordable senior housing community, your aging loved one can build new friendships, enjoy the activities they love every day and stay in a community they can call home.

Here are six types of affordable senior housing options available to low-income older adults on a fixed budget.

Co-Op Housing

Public Housing

Virtual Retirement Communities

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

Thank you so much for joining me this week. I hope this episode has helped you and your aging loved one find care on a fixed income.

Again, I would like to thank home helpers of Bourbonnais for sponsoring solutions for senior’s podcast. If you are your loved one are in the Kankakee or will county area call home helpers at 815-401-5527 for all your home care needs. You can also visit their website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/kankakee

Join me next week for another episode on a coming challenge we all face while helping out aging loved ones. Stay safe and well.

Hello, Chealsea here With Solutions for senior’s podcast.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Medicaid

Medicaid Waivers Program

If your aging loved one can still live independently here are some option to help them look into

Here are six types of affordable senior housing options available to low-income older adults on a fixed budget.

Co-Op Housing

Public Housing

Virtual Retirement Communities

Housing Choice Voucher Program

Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)

Thank you so much for joining me this week. I hope this episode has helped you and your aging loved one find care on a fixed income.

Join me next week for another episode on a coming challenge we all face while helping out aging loved ones. Stay safe and well.

Previous Episode

Tips for picking the right skilled nursing facility

Hello, Chealsea here With Solutions for senior’s podcast.

Last week I talked about all the options for your aging loved one from aging in place or moving to a care facility. If moving to a care facility is the best option for your aging loved one then you and your aging loved one have a lot of things to consider from Staff ratios, certifications, therapists on-staff, and much more. But one of the most important, does the site provide quality care? Today I’ll talk you through the challenges and what to look for, as you and your aging loved one look to select the long-term care facility that is right for them.

The first task is to understand what type of facility your aging loved one needs. If your loved one is coming from a hospital or other facility; their doctors and nurses will help direct what care is needed and what facilities local can provide that. If they are not coming from a hospital or other care facility, then you’ll have to start from scratch. Luckily care facilities are very accommodating and can help guide you through their facility and the services they offer.

Types of Nursing Facilities I’ll want to investigate. Some services available at nursing facilities differ, though there is some crossover. I’ll just cover the basics.

Skilled Nursing Facility

Nursing Home

Rehab Center

Assisted living

Independent Living

Making the Best Choice

Since you and your aging loved one are more then likely looking for a permeant or a more permeant living option for them, knowing what your aging loved one’s community has to offer is important. When meeting with local care facilities you can see how well the communication is with them, as communication will be important as your aging loved one will be living there.

As a family member and your loved one being a potential resident you have the right to learn how others have rated each facility. You can check the facility’s ratings regarding any special medical needs they might have.

If you’re worried about pressure ulcers (commonly known as “bedsores”), check out a facility’s quality status using the Vohra Center of Excellence Finder. Skilled wound care staff means that a facility takes the well-being and safety of its patients seriously.

Few things are more important for your aging loved one than selecting the proper facility to meet their long-term needs. Make sure you are equipped with the right knowledge to help make the right decision with your aging loved one.
Again, I would like to thank Home Helpers of Bourbonnais for sponsoring solutions for seniors podcast. If you or your loved one are in the Kankakee or will county area call home helpers at 815-401-5527 for all your home care needs. You can also visit their website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/kankakee
Thank you so much for joining me this week. Join me next week for another common challenge we all face while helping our aging loved ones. Stay safe and well.

Next Episode

6 Ways home care can help seniors rediscover themselves.

Hello, Chealsea here With Solutions for senior’s podcast.

Before I get started today, I would like to thank Home Helpers of Bourbonnais for sponsoring solutions for seniors podcast. If you or your loved one are in the Kankakee or will county area call home helpers at 815-01-5527 for all your home care needs. You can also visit their website at www.homehelpershomecare.com/kankakee

This week I’m going to be talking about ways our aging loved ones can rediscover themselves as they age. They are navigating through a new time in their life’s. After retirement, our aging loved one may struggle to find purpose in their lives. Many are surprised at their lack of direction without a Monday-to-Friday job. This lack of motivation can have a damaging effect on their well-being. Without this sense of purpose, our aging loved one could slip into a stationary lifestyle. They could find themselves feeling listless, anxious, or depressed.

Lack of purpose takes a toll on older adults, mentally and physically. If your aging loved one reports feeling a lack of energy, motivation, and direction. Then it may be time to look into getting an in-home assessment from an in-home care service. When meeting with your potential in home care service make sure your loved one expresses their feelings so the coordinator can really get a feel of what’s needed, and they can help create a plan to help them rediscover themselves. There are many ways that an in-home care service can benefit our aging loved one, each home care service may have special ways and things that are unique to them. Today I’m just going to cover the basic ways an in-home service can help your aging loved one rediscover themselves after retirement.

1. Volunteering

2. Taking a Class

3. Learning a Skill

4. Reconnecting Online

5. Telling their Story

6. Meaningful Relationships

Those are just the basic benefits that having an in home care service can provide to your aging loved one trying to rediscover themselves after retirement. Each in home care provide will be able to meet with you and your aging loved one to help create a personal plan for your aging loved one. Once your loved one starts creating a relationship with their caregivers and start rediscovering themselves, you’ll notice such a positive difference with your aging loved one.

Thank you so much for joining me this week. I hope this episode has inspired you to have a conversation with your aging loved one and help get them started on the road to rediscovering themselves.

Join me next week for another episode on a common challenge we face while helping our aging loved ones. Stay safe and well.