My father has been living in a one bedroom assisted living for 5 years but is now doing rehab for walking. When we moved him to his first assisted living, he was walking and could use and enjoy the space. Now he's likely to be on a walker permanently. We're going to change his assisted living facility while he's in rehab and I'm trying to decide between a one bedroom or deluxe studio. Both would have room for a queen size bed, but there's a dramatic cost difference. He could afford both, but I'm not clear on the logic of why to choose one or another. I don't want to fail to give him nice things and make his life good, but I think having the one bedroom apartment was a temptation to SIT IN IT rather than getting out and enjoying the common areas and participating in activities. But how do I know if my dad will recover enough to do that? The place we're considering moving him to has many activities, even more than at his last place, and spacious common areas. Any advice on how to choose?
I put my mom in a (very large) double room. I knew that she would pay no attention to her neighbor. She didn't. She doesn't even know the woman is there.
And it saves enough money to makeup for two months of fees annually.
And remember this. Their abilities do not get better. They weaken over time. So, you are not just deciding for today but for the next six months and year...
Mom is a fairly solitary soul and likes to put jigsaw puzzles together in her apartment. She was in AL living because of dad's needs, but he died almost 2 years ago. She has minimal needs so again I'm looking for apts for her and have found 3 IL living (who knows how many more) apts about 3 minutes from where I live.
So - what does your father use his apt for - only sleeping? How much stuff is he willing to ditch - would it fit in a studio or will he need more room? If he can afford the one-bedroom - I know if it were me - I'd want a one bedroom - I also tend to be solitary.
But if your father is competent, and he has the money to make a choice between the two, leave it up to him.
One other thing to consider - because COVID essentially emptied out care communities - facilities are looking to get people back in - some are offering move in specials.
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