Westchester’s population is aging. In the past decade, the number of people in the county age 65 and older increased by a remarkable 25%, according to recent reports. Today, more and more families are seeking elder care options that are comfortable and close to home for their loved ones.
Finding the perfect fit in an elder care or assisted living facility in Westchester County can be challenging, considering the multitude of factors to take into account. What services does the facility offer? How should you prepare? And, of course, how much does assisted living in Westchester cost?
At United Hebrew, we are dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge and resources needed to seamlessly integrate your beloved family member into the perfect facility for them.
Our primary goal is to provide you with the necessary information, support, and guidance to make the best decision for your loved one’s well-being and happiness.”
Grace Ferri, CMO at United Hebrew
In this blog post, we will delve into these topics, providing valuable information to help you prepare and make the right choice in assisted living in Westchester County, and how to best support your loved one.
The Price
The cost of elder care varies widely by type of care, as there are various types of long-term care facilities, including the following:
- Assisted living communities
- Skilled nursing communities
- Memory care communities
- Continuing care retirement communities
The cost of assisted living varies widely across the country, according to online cost calculators. In Westchester County, assisted living starts at approximately $7,000 and rise from there depending on the level of support the residents need, for example, with medication management and/or activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, eating and more.
You can learn more about how to pay for assisted living in our blog post – How to Pay for Long-term Care.
Understanding the breakdown of expenses can help put things into perspective. The cost encompasses several factors, which may include housing, staffing, personal care, meals, activities, transportation, and more.
The Prep
Before embarking on the journey of finding an assisted living facility, there are important preparatory steps to consider. Thorough research is crucial to identify the best fit for your loved one’s needs, budget, and care preferences.
Plan Well in Advance
Proper planning is essential when considering care facilities. Be prepared by having options available in case of a crisis. Keep in mind that some care facilities may have waitlists, and you can find more information on this topic in our blog post here.
Understand the Criteria for Elder Care
Understanding the qualifiers for admission to elder care facilities is essential. Here are some factors to consider:
- Age Range: The age minimum to join a senior care facility in Westchester County, NY is 62. There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, some facilities may allow younger residents if they have a specific medical need that requires the level of care that the facility provides.
- Level of Care Needed: Assess your loved one’s healthcare needs to determine if assisted living, skilled nursing, or home care is suitable. Certain facilities offer short-term rehabilitation options. Depending on the circumstances, this may be the best choice for your loved one.
- Specific Medical Requirements: Ensure that the facility has staff trained to manage conditions such as dementia and can accommodate any specialized medical equipment or therapies needed. At United Hebrew, our staff and attending physicians are specialized training in key areas such as geriatrics, palliative care, and complex medical health care for cardiac, pulmonary, and stroke rehabilitation.
The Process
Once you have thoroughly prepared and gained a clear understanding of the kind of facility that fits your loved one’s needs, it is time to select the appropriate facility and start the process of admission.
What to Expect When Searching for Elder Care
To begin the admission process, gather the required paperwork for the chosen facility. This typically includes medical records, financial information, and a doctor’s referral. Clarify any specific documentation needs with the facility to ensure a smooth and efficient admission process.
Once you’ve submitted the application, be prepared to join a waitlist, especially if the facility is in high demand or offers high levels of care. Waitlist processes can vary between facilities, but typically, when a room becomes available, the person at the top of the list receives an offer that they can accept or decline. If the offer is declined, they usually return to the bottom of the list.
Stay in touch with the admissions office to show your continued interest and consider checking out other options if needed.
Get to Know the Facility
Ensure to personally visit and familiarize yourself with the facilities before making a decision. Prior to your loved one’s transition, take the time to understand the community, including the staff, activities, building, and schedule. Establish a close relationship with specific staff members to stay well-informed and involved.
Why Choose United Hebrew
Finding an elder care community in Westchester that fits your loved one’s needs may seem like a long and difficult process. Rest assured, United Hebrew is a campus of comprehensive care offering long-term skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation, assisted living, memory care, and home health care. Notably, our assisted living communities have enhanced licensure, meaning that we can continue to care for our residents as their healthcare needs change.
At United Hebrew, we consider ourselves a community, not a facility. Our core mission is to fully support a wide range of seniors with differing needs- and to create a comfortable and enjoyable community to age in place.”
Nora O’Brien, our Executive Director.
We can help ease the challenges of the aging process. Call us, and we will help you navigate the long-term care system, connect you with a wealth of resources, and answer your questions every step of the way.
Contact our eldercare specialist to learn more:
Grace Ferri, CMO
914-632-2804 x1190
