{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Healthcare Redefined: Advocating for Aging Adults and Their Families","title":"Plan B: Assisted Living - Part 2","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2654,"description":"In Part 2 of this conversation about assisted living and aging in place, hosts Pam Dunwald and Linda Kritikos continue their discussion with assisted living professionals Dani and Dorsey about what families need to know before choosing a senior living community. They begin with the “free” senior living placement services families often find when searching online. Dani and Dorsey explain how assisted living communities may pay referral companies and why families should ask how a placement service is compensated, whether it considers every appropriate level of care, and whether its recommendations truly match your aging loved one’s needs. They also discuss assisted living costs; the fact that Medicare does not cover assisted living, private pay, long-term care insurance, Medicaid options, and why understanding a community’s payment policies before moving in can help prevent another stressful move later.\nPam and Linda also walk families through practical questions to ask when touring an assisted living community, including staffing, fall prevention, emergency response systems, medication management, medical providers, insurance coverage, and what happens as care needs increase. Dani and Dorsey stress the importance of being completely honest during the nursing assessment so the community can determine whether it can safely meet your loved one’s needs. Families should research communities, review state surveys, understand the facility’s license and program statement, speak with nursing or leadership, and read the contract carefully before signing. Most importantly, planning for assisted living does not have to mean taking away independence. Creating a Plan B for an aging parent while your loved one can still participate in the decision can protect safety, dignity, choice, and independence. It can help your family avoid making major senior care decisions in the middle of a crisis.\n\nKey Moments:\n\n00:00 — Assisted Living as a Plan B: Part 2\nPam and Linda pick up the...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/x2SdStrZc-Lc8b5VHryIyVuuOtQk_lihBYBBgketnRs/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS82YmY0/ODI1MDhmYjE0NDQ3/MDgxMjhiZmJhNzll/ZTcxNS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}