Author: Sarah Williams
Reviewed By: Brindusa Vanta
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.
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.
Continuing care communities are designed to provide multiple levels of care as needs change. Some allow couples to stay together in independent living communities while one receives customized support services. Aging at home also allows couples to remain together, while visiting support relieves the caregiver burden and ensures the care-needing parent is safe and comfortable. Home care aides help with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing and transferring, and service plans may include light housework, grocery shopping and transportation. Home health care may be an alternative for those who require personal care assistance and medical services. Nationwide, home care costs an average of $4,957 monthly, and home health care runs $5,148, depending on hours of service. This is a more affordable solution where only one partner needs care, particularly if couples own their home.
