My Mom May Need to Move to Assisted Living! What Do I Do?

By Susan at Schmidt Law Frim

Welcome to world of “Now what do I do?”  Maneuvering through the field of Assisted Living can be tricky.   This is what my brothers and I found when helping our mom transition.  

There are options for your mom/dad/family members:

• 55+ rentals: no services provided

• Independent Senior Living: many services

• Assisted Living: many services

• CBRF (Community Based Residential Facility): No kitchens, many services

When is a good time to look for facilities?   As soon as you think your mom will need assisted living, start looking!  The best time is when you don’t need to move!   Please look at several facilities.

Touring the facilities is very important.  

• Do they have the services you need? 

• Check out the dining hall!  Try the food.

• Can Mom have her car?  Is there a garage?

• What do the common areas look like?  What activities are available?

- Library, exercise room, movie room, pub (yes, pub!)

• Apartment sizes: studio, one bedroom, two bedrooms

- One bedroom is usually 750-950 sq feet

- Two bedrooms are usually $950-1100

- You will downsize from a larger home. A one bedroom is ample space for one person.

Depending on the apartment, bathrooms and kitchens will vary.  Shower or tub?  Is there enough room for a walker or wheelchair?  Are there cooking facilities in the apartments? Full or partial kitchens?

Laundry services: are there machines in the apartments?

If Mom needs to upgrade to the next level of care, can she?   If so, what is the cost increase?  Will she need to move to a different apartment?

Housekeeping services: what is available, and at what cost?

Before Mom moves in: Have her Powers of Attorney prepared for both Health Care and Finances. Decide how and by whom the bills will be paid. Create a list of contacts for the facility and the family.

Moving day; at last! Help her declutter, pack, move and unpack!  

Visit her often in her new place!

Please call us at 715-845-9621 to schedule an appointment.  

Check out our web page at www.schmidtlawfirm.com or stop by our office at 123 Grand Avenue, Wausau, WI  54403.