Have you planned what to do if you can't care for yourself as you age? CCRC is one option.

[Panina]

I can't even bear to begin telling you the nightmares of the two of three facilities my now 103 year old mother has been in over the last year. First for re-hab at two and now for long term care. All three offer independent living, assisted living, memory care and long term care (nursing). One was non-profit church affiliated and the facility was like a five start hotel. The care was much better too but because Mother went there for re-hab and they determined she could not improve they discharged her and had a six month waiting list for long term care. She had not bought into their plan so we had to move her. The other two have been pretty bad. It's the little things that are so frustrating. At $15,700 a month one would think the care would be better. Sadly, those who are paid the least spend the most time with Mother and have the least pleasant jobs. Many just try to do as little as they possibly can and then do it roughly and poorly. It breaks my heart and the guilt of having to have her there eats me up.

I have been where you are with my dad. He was in a Nursing Home for his last few years. You can only do the best you can do. There comes a time we just are not able to do what we want to do and than have to try to get them the best care we can, which is often not as good as we want for them. I am not a deeply religious person but do believe in a higher power. A man of faith once told me, be kind, do the best you can and than release it to the Lords hands. This has helped me very much.

The fact that the care was better in non-profit affiliated facility does show there are better places if we plan. I think those of us that have elders that didn't plan and needed this higher level of care understand and think about the what if for ourselves.

 

[Timeshare Von]

We are the POA for an elderly friend (he's in his mid-80's) and in declining health over the past 2-3 years. We've learned a lot going through helping him with his choices. Currently he resides in a senior living complex as an independent resident. His independence, however, is slipping away and assisted living is in his near future. Where he currently lives, can provide the additional services he will soon need.

There's a lot of complexity to these situations and in his case, had he stayed in his 2 br/2 bath independent apartment and subsequently needed assisted living services, he could have stayed in the larger unit but at the time he would run out of money to afford it, the gov't assistance program requirements would have forced him into a studio size apartment. But since he has recently agreed to downsize voluntarily while still independent, he will most likely not be forced from a 1 br to a studio if/when his money runs out.

In my opinion, lots of insurance companies/agents prey on folks with the "what will happen when you run out of money" scenario. Family members freak out, worried mom or dad will be forced out onto them in their homes, or worse, out on the street. A little research will go a long way . . . making long-term care facility insurance perhaps unnecessary.

For our friend, he has enough money going from independent living to assisted living, for about 2 years. After that, if he's still alive, but broke (no financial assets remaining), the cost of his studio apartment with assistance living services will only cost him a portion of his social security benefit . . . the balance will be subsidized by the gov't.

But to the OP . . . yes folks should be talking openly and honestly about their wishes. Too often, families are faced with such decisions at the time of a crisis and without the full understanding of their loved one's expectations and desires. For me personally . . . I hope that "death with dignity" options become more widely accepted and that when "that time" comes for me, I'm able to be humanely die in peace and comfort. We do this with and for our pets . . . the fact that we can't make the same choices for our human loved ones seems wrong to me.

 

[Panina]

The responses so far has given me lots to think about.

After posting this a friend of mine landed in the ICU. Last week I had lunch with her and she was telling me all she wants to experience and hopes to do it soon as when we get older time is running out. We keep putting off what we want to do. That keeps repeating in my mind.

@clifffaith is someone I have followed. She has given me lots of guidance even if she doesn't know it.

What I know for sure...

I do not want to live in the house/community I am in if my other half leaves this earth before me.

Even if my Step daughter would want to live with me in my time of need, I would not put that burden on her nor the burden to figure out where I should go.

I know how hard it is to get a good home aide. I have been through countless for my mom. I don't want to be alone with no help trying to get good help. As bad as it might be at assisted living or long term care if you don't have someone close to you visiting often if you live at home it can be worst (I know many won't agree with this but I lived it with my dad. He was treated much better in long term care than with aides at home).

I want to choose while I am healthy where I will be if I need assisted living or long term care. (You can designate in writing but I have personal seen where someones wishes were ignored)

I don't want anyone else making decisions about my care. (Sadly I have seen bad decisions made for others based on money even though there was more then enough)

An Independent Living Community for me must be a not for profit, be a true CCRC type A for both me and my other half, be modern and feel like an high end condo resort and their Assisted Living and LongTerm Living must have good ratings and there needs to be a benevolent fund if I run out of money.

My take, if you find the "right place" move in sooner than later and live life up enjoying all the great amenities. If you move in when you can't do much you missed the whole point of Independent Living Communities.

Lastly, research, understand the differences, be diligent as surface wise it might look good but after researching and reading the fine print you might not have what you think. As I said before CCRCs remind me of timeshare sales at times. If you have purchased a great one you will love it, if you purchased one that you overpaid for and does not encompass what you thought it will, you will regret it.

 

[clifffaith]

Our marketing woman at Reata Glen actually came from timeshare sales. We got this nice LL Bean heavy canvas tote to put all our paperwork in because when they brought her on board she told them they shouldn’t be sending buyers out with armloads of paperwork! We’d only been there not even six months when she moved to Hilton Head to go back to the timeshare world — I think to Marriott. I was 65 moving in and she was a few years older than me.

 

[clifffaith]

I watched Mom struggle with home health care aides. You’d get some who were former nurses who actually taught my mom how to care for dad and make a bed with someone laying in it. Then you’d get those who were decent but had constant transportation problems. My favorite was the one I called Clawdia. She expected to change diapers and clean my dad’s butt with 3” bejeweled nails. It was obvious she had no clue what home care might involve. Mom met her at the door the second day and sent her home after determining she hadn’t cut her nails.

 

[AnnaS]

We have had our share of aides here also. Private and with agency. Some were great, some so so and some not good. Depending on where you live, transportation for them could be a problem (and weather makes it harder) if they don't drive.

Private is always better. They work for you and not the agency. Word of mouth type of thing. Really need to trust someone. I know a few people right now who work as private aides.

Not many choices/good/nice assisted living facilities here. Thankfully I can manage the house, sometimes with my sons' help and sometimes need to pay someone for certain things. I love my neighbors and neighborhood. We look out for each other - but yes, it's good to think about it while we still can decide and know what we want down the road.

Now if I am sick, I don't want to be a burden to anyone. I say, when I can't walk/shower or wipe my own butt, they can put me in the nursing home.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

The responses so far has given me lots to think about.

After posting this a friend of mine landed in the ICU. Last week I had lunch with her and she was telling me all she wants to experience and hopes to do it soon as when we get older time is running out. We keep putting off what we want to do. That keeps repeating in my mind.

@clifffaith is someone I have followed. She has given me lots of guidance even if she doesn't know it.

What I know for sure...

I do not want to live in the house/community I am in if my other half leaves this earth before me.

Even if my Step daughter would want to live with me in my time of need, I would not put that burden on her nor the burden to figure out where I should go.

I know how hard it is to get a good home aide. I have been through countless for my mom. I don't want to be alone with no help trying to get good help. As bad as it might be at assisted living or long term care if you don't have someone close to you visiting often if you live at home it can be worst (I know many won't agree with this but I lived it with my dad. He was treated much better in long term care than with aides at home).

I want to choose while I am healthy where I will be if I need assisted living or long term care. (You can designate in writing but I have personal seen where someones wishes were ignored)

I don't want anyone else making decisions about my care. (Sadly I have seen bad decisions made for others based on money even though there was more then enough)

An Independent Living Community for me must be a not for profit, be a true CCRC type A for both me and my other half, be modern and feel like an high end condo resort and their Assisted Living and LongTerm Living must have good ratings and there needs to be a benevolent fund if I run out of money.

My take, if you find the "right place" move in sooner than later and live life up enjoying all the great amenities. If you move in when you can't do much you missed the whole point of Independent Living Communities.

Lastly, research, understand the differences, be diligent as surface wise it might look good but after researching and reading the fine print you might not have what you think. As I said before CCRCs remind me of timeshare sales at times. If you have purchased a great one you will love it, if you purchased one that you overpaid for and does not encompass what you thought it will, you will regret it.

We moved to a type A CCRC about 5 months ago. We had to have a physical from our physician, took a cognitive test, etc.

In the San Diego area, AFAIK, there is only a single CCRC type A that is a non profit. IMHO, it is run like a non-profit - - good intentions, but perhaps not the sharpest people. In my opinion, the single non-profit in our area is not the best managed. So, we went with a for-profit place with a good reputation, good location and is walking distance to shopping. It is a San Diego "sister" Glen community to the one that @clifffaith is at.

Something that I think is really important in terms of timing is to move before you HAVE to. If you wait too long, you may develop something that would disqualify you from entry into the independent living units. We have a friend that waited too long - - he had a series of strokes and probably wouldn't pass the cognitive tests. A relative has Parkinson's disease, which is also a disqualifier.

Over a year ago we put in a deposit at two different places - - both essentially full. In one, they had only been open a few years and the average age was probably in the low 70's. Their unit turn-over was low, as you would expect. In the other one, they opened 20 plus years ago and the average age is probably mid 80's. And, as a result, they have greater turn-over. Our expected wait time was probably 5 to 10 years. Some people had waited 12 years. I am healthy NOW, but didn't know what shape I'd be in at the 10 year point. But they had two lists - - one was an external list for people like us and one was an internal one. The internal list give priority to current residents who want to switch units. So they get first pick when units open up. We were way down on the external list (#67). So, we decided to take a unit that was smaller than we wanted just to get on the short internal list. We immediately moved up to 6th place. When our target unit became available (surprisingly, in only 6 weeks) the five people on the list ahead of us declined (perhaps they wanted a unit in a particular area, particular view, or decided to stay put and not move). So, we got the unit that we wanted. So, if you choose a place where the average age is higher, you'll probably have better availability.

If you can find a non-profit CCRC place without a wait list or with a short wait list, I'd advise you to seriously consider it as a near-term move. Brand new places with openings or places under construction would be ideal. Just don't wait too long. If you get diagnosed with Parkinson's, COPD, congestive heart failure, stage 4 cancer, dementia, etc., you may not be able to get in and get the continuing care without paying substantially more.

 

[WinniWoman]

I worked in

The responses so far has given me lots to think about.

After posting this a friend of mine landed in the ICU. Last week I had lunch with her and she was telling me all she wants to experience and hopes to do it soon as when we get older time is running out. We keep putting off what we want to do. That keeps repeating in my mind.

@clifffaith is someone I have followed. She has given me lots of guidance even if she doesn't know it.

What I know for sure...

I do not want to live in the house/community I am in if my other half leaves this earth before me.

Even if my Step daughter would want to live with me in my time of need, I would not put that burden on her nor the burden to figure out where I should go.

I know how hard it is to get a good home aide. I have been through countless for my mom. I don't want to be alone with no help trying to get good help. As bad as it might be at assisted living or long term care if you don't have someone close to you visiting often if you live at home it can be worst (I know many won't agree with this but I lived it with my dad. He was treated much better in long term care than with aides at home).

I want to choose while I am healthy where I will be if I need assisted living or long term care. (You can designate in writing but I have personal seen where someones wishes were ignored)

I don't want anyone else making decisions about my care. (Sadly I have seen bad decisions made for others based on money even though there was more then enough)

An Independent Living Community for me must be a not for profit, be a true CCRC type A for both me and my other half, be modern and feel like an high end condo resort and their Assisted Living and LongTerm Living must have good ratings and there needs to be a benevolent fund if I run out of money.

My take, if you find the "right place" move in sooner than later and live life up enjoying all the great amenities. If you move in when you can't do much you missed the whole point of Independent Living Communities.

Lastly, research, understand the differences, be diligent as surface wise it might look good but after researching and reading the fine print you might not have what you think. As I said before CCRCs remind me of timeshare sales at times. If you have purchased a great one you will love it, if you purchased one that you overpaid for and does not encompass what you thought it will, you will regret it.

I was in the home health care business most of my life and you are absolutely correct. Home care generally speaking is not reliable. Sometimes you luck out with a good one, but it’s not the norm.

We had an aide part time for awhile while my mom was home. She was lazy but we figured at least she was a body. When I put mom into assisted living my brother hired a part time aide to be with her overnight because we couldn’t
trust the facility employees to be responsive. Heck- we really couldn’t even trust the private aide, but it was all we could do,

 

[clifffaith]

We moved to a type A CCRC about 5 months ago. We had to have a physical from our physician, took a cognitive test, etc.

In the San Diego area, AFAIK, there is only a single CCRC type A that is a non profit. IMHO, it is run like a non-profit - - good intentions, but perhaps not the sharpest people. In my opinion, the single non-profit in our area is not the best managed. So, we went with a for-profit place with a good reputation, good location and is walking distance to shopping. It is a San Diego "sister" Glen community to the one that @clifffaith is at.

Something that I think is really important in terms of timing is to move before you HAVE to. If you wait too long, you may develop something that would disqualify you from entry into the independent living units. We have a friend that waited too long - - he had a series of strokes and probably wouldn't pass the cognitive tests. A relative has Parkinson's disease, which is also a disqualifier.

Over a year ago we put in a deposit at two different places - - both essentially full. In one, they had only been open a few years and the average age was probably in the low 70's. Their unit turn-over was low, as you would expect. In the other one, they opened 20 plus years ago and the average age is probably mid 80's. And, as a result, they have greater turn-over. Our expected wait time was probably 5 to 10 years. Some people had waited 12 years. I am healthy NOW, but didn't know what shape I'd be in at the 10 year point. But they had two lists - - one was an external list for people like us and one was an internal one. The internal list give priority to current residents who want to switch units. So they get first pick when units open up. We were way down on the external list (#67). So, we decided to take a unit that was smaller than we wanted just to get on the short internal list. We immediately moved up to 6th place. When our target unit became available (surprisingly, in only 6 weeks) the five people on the list ahead of us declined (perhaps they wanted a unit in a particular area, particular view, or decided to stay put and not move). So, we got the unit that we wanted. So, if you choose a place where the average age is higher, you'll probably have better availability.

If you can find a non-profit CCRC place without a wait list or with a short wait list, I'd advise you to seriously consider it as a near-term move. Brand new places with openings or places under construction would be ideal. Just don't wait too long. If you get diagnosed with Parkinson's, COPD, congestive heart failure, stage 4 cancer, dementia, etc., you may not be able to get in and get the continuing care without paying substantially more.

I’ve mentioned before that in October four years ago the realtor called in the morning to tell us our home had sold for way more than we listed it for. Then in the afternoon the doctor called to tell us Cliff has bladder cancer. We called Reata Glen to tell them I guess we can’t meet the health requirements. But they said I’m good and Cliff will have a separate contract with nursing/memory/assisted living not included. But when he was cancer free for a year he could switch contracts. We did that and he’s now on the full contract as we continue to monitor his bladder. Next week he goes back in for biopsies on suspicious areas. We’ve done this every June since his radiation and chemo treatments in 2022, and so far the results have always shown he’s still good.

 

[Emmjay]

One thing that was mentioned here was the ability to clean one’s bottom. I suggest an add on bidet feature that costs about $25. My mom’s assisted living allowed it. It helped out quite a bit especially to help prevent UTIs.

 

[Panina]

We moved to a type A CCRC about 5 months ago. We had to have a physical from our physician, took a cognitive test, etc.

In the San Diego area, AFAIK, there is only a single CCRC type A that is a non profit. IMHO, it is run like a non-profit - - good intentions, but perhaps not the sharpest people. In my opinion, the single non-profit in our area is not the best managed. So, we went with a for-profit place with a good reputation, good location and is walking distance to shopping. It is a San Diego "sister" Glen community to the one that @clifffaith is at.

Something that I think is really important in terms of timing is to move before you HAVE to. If you wait too long, you may develop something that would disqualify you from entry into the independent living units. We have a friend that waited too long - - he had a series of strokes and probably wouldn't pass the cognitive tests. A relative has Parkinson's disease, which is also a disqualifier.

Over a year ago we put in a deposit at two different places - - both essentially full. In one, they had only been open a few years and the average age was probably in the low 70's. Their unit turn-over was low, as you would expect. In the other one, they opened 20 plus years ago and the average age is probably mid 80's. And, as a result, they have greater turn-over. Our expected wait time was probably 5 to 10 years. Some people had waited 12 years. I am healthy NOW, but didn't know what shape I'd be in at the 10 year point. But they had two lists - - one was an external list for people like us and one was an internal one. The internal list give priority to current residents who want to switch units. So they get first pick when units open up. We were way down on the external list (#67). So, we decided to take a unit that was smaller than we wanted just to get on the short internal list. We immediately moved up to 6th place. When our target unit became available (surprisingly, in only 6 weeks) the five people on the list ahead of us declined (perhaps they wanted a unit in a particular area, particular view, or decided to stay put and not move). So, we got the unit that we wanted. So, if you choose a place where the average age is higher, you'll probably have better availability.

If you can find a non-profit CCRC place without a wait list or with a short wait list, I'd advise you to seriously consider it as a near-term move. Brand new places with openings or places under construction would be ideal. Just don't wait too long. If you get diagnosed with Parkinson's, COPD, congestive heart failure, stage 4 cancer, dementia, etc., you may not be able to get in and get the continuing care without paying substantially more.

We were actually on a waiting list for 2 different places. One we have ruled out, the other we are on the waiting list for the older buildings. The ones that are the newest sold out in 6 months when projection was two years. These new building have a projected wait time of 15-20 years. The older buildings can be tomorrow or a few years from now for the two bedroom, first floor we want. Yes we have the option of going into a one bedroom which is easier to get, but with my other half still working he needs office space and it would not be easy in a one bedroom. Also there is an unit change charge of $40,000 in addition to the increased cost for the two bedroom.

 

[nomoretslt]

And don’t forget….update your wills, trusts, DNR and life insurance beneficiaries. DH and I never got around to it after moving to a different state. It matters. I came very close to being a widow. DH… healthy guy, works out, eats right. Faulty aorta….and mitral valve. Big one is fixed via TAVR. Little one next week. 30 days in hospital. Thankful to surgeons and hospital staff for having faith in him and for dedicating themselves to helping him live. Not out of the woods yet…but feeling good about it. If you are not feeling “right” don’t procrastinate…make an appointment to see your Dr. DH’s primary Dr was the one that sounded the alarm…..whoa something has changed since last year and not in a good way.

 

[Panina]

I’ve mentioned before that in October four years ago the realtor called in the morning to tell us our home had sold for way more than we listed it for. Then in the afternoon the doctor called to tell us Cliff has bladder cancer. We called Reata Glen to tell them I guess we can’t meet the health requirements. But they said I’m good and Cliff will have a separate contract with nursing/memory/assisted living not included. But when he was cancer free for a year he could switch contracts. We did that and he’s now on the full contract as we continue to monitor his bladder. Next week he goes back in for biopsies on suspicious areas. We’ve done this every June since his radiation and chemo treatments in 2022, and so far the results have always shown he’s still good.

That health requirement is what is making us think sooner than later. We had medical scares this past year, too many. All turned out ok but it put on the forefront anything can change in a moment.

 

[clifffaith]

One thing that was mentioned here was the ability to clean one’s bottom. I suggest an add on bidet feature that costs about $25. My mom’s assisted living allowed it. It helped out quite a bit especially to help prevent UTIs.

We had Toto toilets installed in the two bathrooms. Dad was bedridden and/or using a bedside commode, so manual help was the only way to go at that point. We love our Toto’s!

 

[AnnaS]

One thing that was mentioned here was the ability to clean one’s bottom. I suggest an add on bidet feature that costs about $25. My mom’s assisted living allowed it. It helped out quite a bit especially to help prevent UTIs.

- many now are having them installed. For many years people made fun of the bidets in Europe/not necessary, etc. etc. - in Italy everyone has one in their bathroom. Standard practice - and great to have not just for old age/not being able to wipe ones butt .

 

[pedro47]

I worked in

I was in the home health care business most of my life and you are absolutely correct. Home care generally speaking is not reliable. Sometimes you luck out with a good one, but it’s not the norm.

We had an aide part time for awhile while my mom was home. She was lazy but we figured at least she was a body. When I put mom into assisted living my brother hired a part time aide to be with her overnight because we couldn’t
trust the facility employees to be responsive. Heck- we really couldn’t even trust the private aide, but it was all we could do,

Is it true that most assisted community facilities pay just minimum wages to health aide workers and the turn over rate in that occupation is very high?

Also, is it also true, that most assisted community facilities do not employ enough RN staff to the ratio of the number of senior citizens living in their facilities?

 

[AnnaS]

Is it true that most assisted community facilities pay just minimum wages to health aide workers and the turn over rate in that occupation is very high?

Also, is it also true, that most assisted community facilities do not employ enough RN staff to the ratio of the number of senior citizens living in their facilities?

I am not @WinniWoman - - she will also give her input - as far as here where I am. Yes and yes to both questions.

My friend recently retired from nursing home (HR). My cousin and my SIL's mom retired from Aide agency - and know a few more.

Same goes for Aides in nursing home. Each one has too many "patients" to take care of during their shift.

 

[jp10558]

The responses so far has given me lots to think about.

After posting this a friend of mine landed in the ICU. Last week I had lunch with her and she was telling me all she wants to experience and hopes to do it soon as when we get older time is running out. We keep putting off what we want to do. That keeps repeating in my mind.

I think about this a lot. I know there's lots of financial advisors who will say "always prepare for ____" where the blank is always something. I don't disagree about trying to have a plan for unexpected expenses or losing a job. What I do tend to have some concerns about is the apparently bottomless whole of end of life care and to some extent long retirement planning. I do OK, but I'm not Bill Gates, and it seems to me unless it's reasonable to stow away 10+ million to cover maybe living to 100 and needing 5+ years of assisted living and some nursing home too... I'm pretty sure you're going to "run out of money" sometime in end of life care given the insane pricing in the US.

So, I tend to agree that I'd rather have traveled, made memories and had fun while I can, with my relatives while they can, than have one or two more days of paid for nursing care when I'm dying. I also see as people age, they tend to want to leave the house less anyway due to it just being more difficult. So I'm generally planning to be prepared to be housebound sometime in retirement, either due to lack of funds or due to lack of health. Given my COVID experience of locking down, I think I'll be just fine.

And thinking about that is basically all we can do - we don't know the future, so I also tend to like to try and get stuff done while I can now.

 

[WinniWoman]

Is it true that most assisted community facilities pay just minimum wages to health aide workers and the turn over rate in that occupation is very high?

Also, is it also true, that most assisted community facilities do not employ enough RN staff to the ratio of the number of senior citizens living in their facilities?

This day and age the workers receive a lot more than minimum wage. Many paid very well actually. For years low wages and lack of benefits were blamed on lack of or incompetence of staff. But for the most part it is simply not true. It is just the nature of the beast so to speak. High turnover. Lack of motivation. Dishonesty. Unreliability.

Not all, of course. Some are wonderful.

As for assisted living facilities I am sure they must meet specific staffing ratios, but many will utilize LPNs as opposed to RNs due to the salary difference. Like many businesses they will make do with the least amount of staff required to save money. Plus it’s hard to get help, never mind good help.

And heaven forbid an employee calls out sick!

 

[Panina]

I think about this a lot. I know there's lots of financial advisors who will say "always prepare for ____" where the blank is always something. I don't disagree about trying to have a plan for unexpected expenses or losing a job. What I do tend to have some concerns about is the apparently bottomless whole of end of life care and to some extent long retirement planning. I do OK, but I'm not Bill Gates, and it seems to me unless it's reasonable to stow away 10+ million to cover maybe living to 100 and needing 5+ years of assisted living and some nursing home too... I'm pretty sure you're going to "run out of money" sometime in end of life care given the insane pricing in the US.

So, I tend to agree that I'd rather have traveled, made memories and had fun while I can, with my relatives while they can, than have one or two more days of paid for nursing care when I'm dying. I also see as people age, they tend to want to leave the house less anyway due to it just being more difficult. So I'm generally planning to be prepared to be housebound sometime in retirement, either due to lack of funds or due to lack of health. Given my COVID experience of locking down, I think I'll be just fine.

And thinking about that is basically all we can do - we don't know the future, so I also tend to like to try and get stuff done while I can now.

I agree with "I'd rather have traveled, made memories and had fun while I can". I will still do that as long as I can even if I choose an Independent Living community.

Maybe I am overly concerned because of my experiences in life. My dad had a stroke and was home as long as possible but then went into the Medicaid system. My mom is not self sufficient and if I didn't help her I have no idea what would happen thus me having no biological children makes me think what if I am not self sufficient who will help me? I have watch my relatives being extreme burdens on their children. I also watched my ex's mother forced to live with her son and wife (who she disliked) when she could not take care of herself due to an illness that she passed from. I can go on and on but I believe I made my point why I am so sensitive about planning my future as I grow older.

 

[Panina]

We received a call from the independent living community we were interested in. One of the renovated and upgraded units became available because the new resident couldn’t sell their house and decided to pull out. Honestly, we were both excited to check it out.

The size was decent, but the upgrades and selections were pretty disappointing. I kept wondering how a design consultant could let those choices go through. When I was a consultant for a major builder, I always offered plenty of alternative ideas. A lot of money was spent on upgrades like built-in closets, office built-ins, and a washer and dryer upgrade, but unfortunately, none of those options worked for us.

The outdoor area, which included two screened porches and a nice-sized space, was appealing. However, the living room lacked privacy since it didn’t have a hedge of bushes and faced the parking lot. Out of all the two-bedroom units available on the first floor of the two buildings we’re considering, this one was definitely the least desirable location.

So, it’s a firm no for us. I know there are only seven other units that match what we’re looking for, so it might take some time, but who knows what might come up here or somewhere else.

 

[VacationForever]

California also has a law that requires health care workers in facilities to be paid a minimum of $25 per hour.

 

[pedro47]

California also has a law that requires health care workers in facilities to be paid a minimum of $25 per hour.

That is just an outstanding wage in California compared to most other states.IMHO

 

[pedro47]

This day and age the workers receive a lot more than minimum wage. Many paid very well actually. For years low wages and lack of benefits were blamed on lack of or incompetence of staff. But for the most part it is simply not true. It is just the nature of the beast so to speak. High turnover. Lack of motivation. Dishonesty. Unreliability.

Not all, of course. Some are wonderful.

As for assisted living facilities I am sure they must meet specific staffing ratios, but many will utilize LPNs as opposed to RNs due to the salary difference. Like many businesses they will make do with the least amount of staff required to save money. Plus it’s hard to get help, never mind good help.

And heaven forbid an employee calls out sick!

What states are you reference to in your post. The Commonwealth of Virginia is not one of the states.

 

[BJRSanDiego]

I’ve mentioned before that in October four years ago the realtor called in the morning to tell us our home had sold for way more than we listed it for. Then in the afternoon the doctor called to tell us Cliff has bladder cancer. We called Reata Glen to tell them I guess we can’t meet the health requirements. But they said I’m good and Cliff will have a separate contract with nursing/memory/assisted living not included. But when he was cancer free for a year he could switch contracts. We did that and he’s now on the full contract as we continue to monitor his bladder. Next week he goes back in for biopsies on suspicious areas. We’ve done this every June since his radiation and chemo treatments in 2022, and so far the results have always shown he’s still good.

You raised a good point that if a disqualifying disease is put in remission, that you can get your contract "fixed".