Resources & Forms

Resources & Forms

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question, most likely other people have wondered about it too. Here are a few of the topics people ask us about most. Hopefully your question is here, but if it isn’t, please contact us. We’re happy to help!

Generally, it is safe to say that when they are no longer safe in their current environment as evidenced by increased incidents of accidents, minor or major, then it is time to consider a move. Indicators that one needs a higher level of care are, falls, memory-related issues (forgetting, getting lost, lack of safety in kitchen, etc.), mobility limitations, increased instances of calling 911, and feedback from friends, family and neighbors. However, with relatively healthy and mobile seniors many people overlook the emotional need to move. Isolation and depression are equally good indicators that someone needs to make a move to an environment where they can receive community with people their own age, good nutrition, exercise and activities. It is equally important to provide an environment where they can contribute as well as benefit from the community.
Change is difficult for anyone, but especially seniors. Many seniors wait until a crisis dictates their choices, however that can be devastating as that limits your choices, controls the timing and can be much more expensive. Having an open dialogue about the advantages of making a move (safety, community, activity, even a little luxury) on their terms is certainly the best way to go about it. Don’t be afraid of the conversation and remember that needing to make a move is not punitive or “settling for something less,” but rather an improvement in their quality of life and an opportunity to make positive changes for their future. Another important thing to remember is to schedule specific times when you and they are going begin making changes or begin the process of investigating what they need to do. Scheduling a discussion with an expert, like Frank and Juli is a good first step.
Dementia is a disease of the brain affecting one’s cognitive ability. There are many forms of dementia (vascular, Lewy Body, etc.) and Alzheimer’s is just one of them that is more commonly known.
Yes, they do still exist and are now more commonly referred to as, Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs.) This is where most elderly hospital patients are discharged after a hospital stay for an event or procedure that requires some therapy (physical, occupational, and/or speech) to return to a baseline condition. Medicare generally covers this rehabilitation for a limited time as long as the patient is making progress. While patients can stay in a SNF for long term after Medicare coverage, it is extremely expensive, is very institutional, rarely private, and has limited care staffing. The only type of patients that would require a long term SNF stay are ones requiring persistent IV treatment (non-Hospice) or life sustaining devices such as a respirator.
There are several ways to approach this and as such it really depends on how receptive they are to having this discussion and how open minded they are to giving up this important symbol of their independence. If you have a good mutually respectful relationship with your parent, honestly sharing your concerns is always the best place to start. If they are very closed to the idea, many people respond well to seeing the danger in what they will lose if they have an accident (independence, finances, mobility etc.) For a parent that wants to leave an inheritance, pointing out that they could lose their life savings in a wrongful accident suit may be a good motivator. For an unsafe senior that refuses to accept or is unaware of their lack of ability, taking a note from their Dr. (indicating their potential for lack of driving safety) to the Dept. of Licensing, which will cause them to send a notice for a driving test, may be the only way to get your parent to surrender their license.
Medicare is for medical needs only and does not cover any housing costs.
In simple terms, Medicare is medical insurance provided by the government for the elderly or disabled to cover or help cover the cost of doctor’s visits, medical procedures and stays (both hospital and rehabilitation), therapy and prescription medication. Medicare eligibility is based on age and disability. Medicaid is state funded assistance for housing for those needing care. Medicaid eligibility is based upon low income, little to no assets and need for care.

Helpful Links

Senior Care Consultants offers you the following list of online resources related to senior care and health. We hope you’ll find a wealth of helpful information in the following categories:

Senior Services of Snohomish County:
snohomishcountywa.gov/1031/Senior-Information-Assistance

Sound Generations
soundgenerations.org/

Northshore Senior Center:
northshoreseniorcenter.org/

US Dept. of Veterans Affairs:
www.va.gov/

Medicare information:
medicare.gov/

Alzheimer’s Association:
alz.org/

National Institute on Aging:
nia.nih.gov/

National Center for Assisted Living:
ahcancal.org/

Disclosure of Services/Medical Release Authorization Forms

To sign up as a client, please review our disclosure of services and release form. This allows us to begin working to find the senior care option that’s perfect for you and your loved one. Click below to fill out the forms online.

Online Forms

If you prefer to print and sign the forms, please click below to download the PDF. You may mail, fax, or email the completed form.

Download Forms

Senior Care Consultants
PO Box 12692 Mill Creek, WA 98082
Phone: 206-228-1678 | Fax: 425-337-2760
Email: frank@seniorcareconsultants.net

Senior Care Consultants logo