Nan Hayes

Caring.com Expert

About

Nan Hayes began her work with the older generation at the age of 15. In 2002, after 20 years of corporate work experience, Nan founded RightSized Living, a senior relocation company which assists senior clients and their families as they transition from one home setting to the next. Since 2004, Hayes has worked to establish standards for the Senior Transition Industry through the Senior Transition Society and the Certified Relocation Specialist credential program. Hayes helps older adults find information and qualified resources for relocation through the consumer website at MoveSeniors.com.

Recently Published on Caring.com

  1. Tuesday October 20, 2009

    1. Should I give up an opportunity to move out of the country because of my mom's needs?

      Answer - You have much on your plate! The first question is, have you discussed your thoughts with your mother? As she is in good health, she most likely has something to say about the pending move and her role in it.

  2. Friday October 16, 2009

    1. What are my options if I need to move but all the nursing homes in the new state have waiting lists?

      Answer - You obviously care a great deal for your mother and have remained on top of the situation. Based on your comments, it does not sound as though your mother requires 24-hour care and she may be just as comfortable in an Assisted Living or Continuing Care Community or even at home with frequent professional support...

  3. Tuesday May 19, 2009

    1. How many aides per resident are required in an assisted living facility?

      Answer - The Assisted Living Federation of America (ALFA) leaves the issue of staffing flexible so each individual facility may decide what is best for their residents and resident focused programs. Due to differences in specialty or types of care, which may range with the resident population, ALFA states the...

    2. How can I tell if mother is getting proper care in her nursing facility?

      Answer - Quality ratings are often available for homes and should be part of your research when selecting a home. In many cases you can find this information on state websites. States survey Medicare and Medicaid certified homes every 9-18 months including interviews with residents, review of resident records...

  4. Monday March 23, 2009

    1. How can I find a reputable long term care facility for my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's?

      Answer - Several national databases offer options to search for housing by level of care as well as by location. There may not be a dedicated Alzheimers facility in your area, but there are several who offer mixed levels of care. You may also search for Medicare/Medicaid certified facilites by county.

    2. What can we do if our mother refuses to even talk about a nursing home?

      Answer - Chances are, the harder you push for resolution the more your mother will resist. This may be because she is truly fearful of moving to community housing, as are many older adults, or it may be a symptom of her memory issues. Either way, you may wish to find another trusted party to introduce the conversation to her or to act as a mediator...

    3. Who's qualified for dispensing medication to assisted living patients?

      Answer - CNA 's should not give any medications to the patient , yet, if certified they can assist the patient in self administering the medication. Even when certified, the medication should be pre-measured and given to them by a nurse or doctor. This sounds like the situation you have described and is OK...

    4. What are the housing options for my parents who are filing bankruptcy?

      Answer - Although your parents are not yet ready for supportive housing, it is best to plan ahead. You should review the information on your state websites to find local programs such as HUD, low rent options for seniors and housing choice vouchers.

  5. Wednesday November 26, 2008

    1. Should my dad divorce his wife to avoid being financially responsible for the housing choices her daughter is making for her?

      Answer - What to do when step children make a financial decision about the care of their parent but it affects the entire family

  6. Thursday October 30, 2008

    1. Should my mother continue to live in Ireland or move to the United States to be closer to family?

      Answer - You may wish to begin by determining what her support system is in Ireland. Do you have extended family, friends and relatives there? What services are available to her? Have you asked your mother where she prefers to live? It is understandable that you wish to have her here with you, but it may help...

    2. Are there facilities that we can place my schizophrenic mother?

      Answer - There is a good chance Assisted Living provides a good option for your mother, but much more information is required. Your mother’s choice for housing will require financial and medical assessments.

    3. How can I get financial assistance for repairs to my home?

      Answer - Options and facilities that are available to care for an aging and schizophrenic parent or elderly person.

    4. How can I convince my mother that it's time to make the move to an assisted living facility?

      Answer - First and foremost, consider all the options for your parents.

  7. Tuesday August 26, 2008

    1. What are my parent's housing options if my mother does not pass a cognitive screening test?

      Answer - What to do if your parents or elderly relatives, while waiting for admission to a continuing care facility or nursing home, begin to show signs of dementia

    2. How have you handled persuading your loved one to remain in the nursing home when he or she unreasonably thinks he or she is ready to go home?

      Answer - What to do when a loved one, aging parent, or elderly relative, unreasonably wants to leave their nursing home.

  8. Wednesday July 30, 2008

    1. What social services for widow of veteran are available? Does it include home health care?

      Answer - How to find acceptable home health aides for elderly parents and seniors using Medicare and Medicaid.

  9. Friday July 11, 2008

    1. Can my uncle take himself out of a rehab nursing home because he's not happy with the care?

      Answer - In most cases, a discharge planner would be involved in your fathers release. If this is a Medicare or Medicaid certified institution, there are regulations surrounding his release. Typically, plans for his discharge are made between you, or the authorized care giver, the doctor and the discharge planner...

    2. My elderly mother has anxiety disorder and is fine when feeling well but uncontrollable when ill. Is it time for assisted living?

      Answer - Assisted living is restricted to those who can care for themselves but require help with meals, personal hygiene, housekeeping and some routine items such as medications. If your mother's periodic illness requires more care than this, consider other options such as an in home health care agency during those times when additional support is necessary...

  10. Sunday May 18, 2008

    1. What are restrictions on immigrating parents to the US for long term care?

      Question - Advice on moving aging relatives to America. Finding culturally specific senior housing.

    2. What kind of living arrangements are available for those under 65, but disabled, without a lot of money?

      Answer - If you have not done so, contact your local resources for information on seniors with disabilities. Your local Area Agency on Aging and your Aging and Disability Resource Centers can provide information about regional housing and assistance programs.

    3. My ill mother refuses to live with us, what can be done?

      Answer - You obviously care about your mom. It also sounds like you have probably tried a variety of approaches to address these problems, yet your tactics are just not working. It's time to try something new. If the issues are not life threatening, don't raise them for a while. and once you do, approach them from a new angle...

    4. What is the average cost of assisted living in Westchester County in NY state?

      Answer - A recent study of 10,000 facilities by Glenworth Financial shows that the annual cost of assisted living averages $36,090 nationally, a 25% increase over 2004. Costs ranged from $4,921 per month in New Jersey to $1,981 per month in Arkansas. Westchester county will fall into the higher end of this spectrum...

    5. What are restrictions on immigrating parents to the US for long term care?

      Answer - Advice on moving aging relatives to America. Finding culturally specific senior housing.

    6. What legal rights to do grandchildren have in determining whether grandma is fit to live alone?

      Answer - Advice on legal responsibilities for an aging relative. How to find out if an aging relative is able to continue living independently.