The logo for family shepherd the house is just the beginning

Call Us Today

(816) 200-2834

Reducing Stress Through Empowerment: A Checklist for Transitioning to Senior Living or Skilled Nursing

October 19, 2024

Transitioning a family member or friend from their forever home into senior living or skilled nursing is one of the most challenging decisions families face.


Not only can the unknown stressors throughout this process create emotional stress, but often present logistical and financial hurdles that can be confusing and overwhelming. Having an understanding of what needs to be done, from selling the home to navigating Medicaid to choosing the right care community, can make the process smoother and less daunting. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations families should keep in mind as they navigate this life transition.


1. Selling the Family Home

For many families, the home is their largest asset. Selling the house can be an important step in funding a loved one’s transition into senior living. However, the process of selling a home can be emotionally charged, especially if the households years of memories or all members of the family are not in agreement about how to proceed.


There are many decisions that need to be made when selling a home. Deciding whether to sell the house quickly or wait for the chance of a higher offer, knowing that they will likely ‘lose’ that buyer as an option; whether to invest money in repairs or updates, and if so, how much, where it will come from, and if it will “pay off” to do so; or if pursuing other options is the best and easiest path forward.


All of this can feel daunting, leaving most people feeling unprepared to make these types of decisions without spending weeks or months.


At Family Shepherd, we specialize in purchasing homes as-is, meaning you don’t have to worry about making costly repairs or staging the home for a traditional sale. We offer a fast and easy solution that allows families to access the financial equity in their home quickly, without the stress of dealing with real estate agents or preparing the home for sale on the real estate market. Get your free no obligation offer to understand your options.

2. What to Do with Personal Belongings

Once the decision to sell has been made, the next hurdle is determining what to do with the personal belongings inside the home. This process can be time-consuming and emotionally draining as families sort through items in the home, many that hold sentimental value.


Organizing a lifetime of possessions requires careful thought about what to keep, what to donate, and what to discard. Once those decisions are made, the logistics of actually getting all of the items out of the house can feel like an overwhelming job.


Families may also consider professional estate sale services, which can help alleviate some of the burden by handling the sale of valuable items. There are companies that specialize in decluttering and organizing, ensuring that items of sentimental or financial value are properly preserved or distributed.


If you're considering an estate sale, make sure you read this article before you consider making the effort.


3. Medicaid Coverage and Asset Management

For families relying on Medicaid to cover the cost of skilled nursing or long-term care, it's crucial to understand how the sale of a home could impact eligibility. Medicaid has strict asset limits, and selling a home may increase your loved one’s assets beyond the allowable threshold, knocking them out of eligibility to utilize Medicaid until they have spent the proceeds in allowable ways.


However, there are legal strategies to protect the proceeds after selling a home while still maintaining eligibility to receive Medicaid benefits. Using the home sale proceeds to prepay funeral arrangements or purchasing a smaller, more aging-forward friendly home, can help preserve Medicaid eligibility when selling a house.


Consulting with an elder law attorney who specializes in Medicaid planning can ensure that families make informed decisions and avoid jeopardizing benefits.  See choosing an attorney page.

man explaining long term care benefits to other business professionals

4. Organizing Family Assets and Legal Considerations

As families transition a loved one into senior living or skilled nursing, organizing financial and legal affairs becomes increasingly important. Families need to ensure that assets are properly managed and protected. This often includes reviewing or setting up power of attorney to give a trusted individual the ability to make decisions regarding finances and healthcare. 


Without the correct legal documentation in place, families may face delays or legal complications when managing a loved one’s assets or medical care. An elder law attorney can help families prepare and organize important documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. If you would like an introduction to an attorney that we know, like, and trust, click here and we will be happy to make an introduction.


5. Choosing the Right Care and Community

Selecting the right care community is one of the most important decisions families will make during this transition. With so many options available, ranging from independent living to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing. It is essential to choose a community that meets your loved one's unique needs. 


Families should take into account factors such as level of care, amenities, cost, location, as well as the senior living community's reputation. Touring multiple facilities and speaking with staff can help families make informed decisions. Using a checklist when visiting different communities can ensure that all important aspects, such as safety, healthcare availability, and social opportunities, are considered equally across all options.


IMPORTANT:  There are resources available, at no cost to you or your family. They can help you navigate which care communities and level of care best fit your family's needs and budget. Click here and we'll introduce you to some of our resources and programs that can help Kansas City


6. Emotional and Social Considerations

Moving a loved one out of their home and into senior living or skilled nursing is often emotionally challenging, both for the individual and the family. Feelings of loss, guilt, or uncertainty are common. While the logistical aspects of the transition are critical, it's equally important to prioritize the emotional well-being of the senior and their family. Staying connected, visiting regularly, and ensuring that your loved one feels involved in the decision-making process can ease the transition.


Many communities offer social activities and opportunities for residents to engage with others, which can enhance their quality of life and provide much-needed companionship, making their transition to senior living more welcome. It is essential to consider these aspects when choosing the right care community.


We recently published an article on senior socialization and the impacts on people living at home, you can read that article here.


7. Financial Planning for Long-Term Care

The costs of senior living and skilled nursing can add up quickly, and it's important for families to have a financial plan in place. Understanding the costs of different care options and how they align with your loved one's resources is vital.


Some families may be best served by exploring long-term care insurance, reverse mortgages, or other financial products to ensure they can cover the costs of care. A financial planner who specializes in elder care can provide guidance on making the most of your loved one’s financial assets. 


If you have a long-term care insurance policy, especially if you plan on using it soon, we've got multiple resources that we can introduce you to that can help you make sure the insurance policy is fully paid and the level of care that you are seeking will be covered.


Family Shepherd is always happy to make introductions to professionals that we know and trust to help you through the process. If you would like to be connected with resources that have established credibility in the industry, click this link to fill out the form and we will make an introduction.


Family Shepherd, Much More Than Just Home Buyers


At Family Shepherd, we understand that selling your home is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to transitioning a loved one into senior living or skilled nursing. We specialize in purchasing homes quickly and as-is, and we are also here to connect you with trusted resources to help in every aspect of this transition.


Whether you need advice on navigating Medicaid, organizing family assets, choosing the right care community, or ensuring you have the proper legal documentation in place, we are your FREE resource for guidance and support.


Our goal is to alleviate the stress that comes with this transition and ensure that you and your loved one can move forward with confidence, knowing that every detail has been addressed. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your home and connect you with resources that make this journey smoother for your entire family.


Share by: