If your elderly parents can no longer stay in their home. There's Help!

Aging affects everyone at some time in their life. I often hear from friends, family members or clients who are facing the same situation I went through with my elderly parents in 2003. I want you to know that there are resources and people out there who can help.

Both of my parents became very ill at the same time and I had to put them in a nursing home. This was especially ironic since my father was a consultant in the building of the very nursing home he was admitted to. 

Many years ago my father told me that only a small percentage of the population ends up in a nursing home. Well, Daddy, things have changed. Mom and Dad had checked out of St. Patrick's nursing home and moved on to a better world by 2006. I learned a great deal from this experience and since then I have been able to help friends, family and clients with their aging family members. 

So, I thought this month we should talk about options. Selling your elder parents' home is very difficult emotionally, but many of us have to do it. Assisted living is a relatively new option that is growing throughout Westchester. Years ago, you would have to go out of state to find a facility and now we have two right here in White Plains. 

I also found wonderful professionals who assisted me in my journey. Miriam Scholl with Westchester Elder Care Consultants has been a trusted resource for me and some of my clients who have needed her. She starts the process by meeting with the family to discuss their financial, at home assistance and housing options. 

Miriam says, "The major challenge in eldercare today is the large number of people who need assistance. Just navigating the system is very complicated. Our generation is used to searching online and getting the job done. But the complexities of Medicaid, assisted living, nursing homes and at home care are overwhelming. When you are in the middle of the nightmare, it is very difficult to make decisions.  Also, getting an elder adult to accept the situation can complicate the process." 

Miriam can also refer an elder care attorney who can help save thousands of dollars by informing you about the laws of Medicaid. Mainly, we want you to know that you are not alone when dealing with parents at this stage of their lives. Here is Miriam's contact information:
Miriam Scholl, LMSW
Westchester Elder Care Consultants, LLC
Office: 914/923-1582/E-mail: MSEldercare@aol.com 

or give me a call to discuss your real estate needs 914-437-6119