Which steps should be taken after choosing Tall Oaks as your next home? Our compassionate and knowledgeable team can lead you through the necessary preparation for your move-in. To get started, just call our office for a personal tour – 703-834-9800
Common Concerns About Assisted Living
Are you or your loved one ready for assisted living?
Our Readiness Checklist can assist you in determining the answer. If your answer is “yes” to four or more of the questions below, it might be time to consider a move.
1. Do you often feel bored, lonely, or isolated?
2. Do you forget to take your medications?
3. Do you have trouble remembering recommendations from your physician?
4. Do you have increasing difficulty keeping up with household responsibilities like managing the yard or doing daily housework?
5. Do you have trouble remembering to pay bills?
6. Do you find meal preparation to be more demanding than it used to be?
7. Do you have diminished driving capabilities?
8. Do you have loved ones that have expressed concern about your well being in your current living situation?
9. Do you find it difficult to remember things like your address, current season, etc.?
10. Do you find that your social life is not as enriched as it once was?
Can I afford to make the move?
Many families struggle with the transition from their own home to a senior living community because they fear that it’s not affordable. It is important to remember that there are many resources available to assist you in this process. The first step in determining affordability is identifying what you are currently spending at home versus what you would be spending at Tall Oaks Assisted Living. With that in mind, we’ve created a Financial Calculator that outlines many of the household expenditures incurred on a monthly basis.
1. Mortgage or Rent
2. Utilities
3. Property Tax and Insurance
4. Home or Renter’s Insurance
5. Yard Care / Maintenance
6. Housekeeping Services
7. Home Maintenance / Repairs
8. 24-Hour Security
9. Laundry Services
10. Vehicle Costs (Insurance, Gas, Repairs)
11. Meals/Groceries
12. Social and Cultural Activities
13. Recreational Activities
14. Health and Wellness Memberships
15. 24-Hour Emergency Call Services
Financial Options
Step 1: Calculate Monthly Income
| Sources of Income | Amount |
|---|---|
| Pensions & Retirement: | $ |
| Insurance Incomes: | $ |
| Social Security: | $ |
| Annuities: | $ |
| Invenstment Incomes: | $ |
| Other Income: | $ |
| Income Subtotal: | $ |
| Appox. Value of Home: If you own a house or condominium |
$ |
| Income from Home: | $ |
| Total Income: | $ |
Step 2: Calculate Monthly Expenses
| Utilities | Amount | Included at Tall Oaks Assisted Living? |
|---|---|---|
| Water/Sewage/Trash: | $ | Yes |
| Electricity/Natural Gas: | $ | Yes |
| Cable TV: | $ | Yes |
| Housing Cost | ||
| Rent: -or- |
$ | Yes |
| Income from Home: | $ | Yes |
| Insurance Fire/Home Owner: | $ | Yes |
| Taxes | ||
| Real Estate: | $ | Yes |
| Housekeeping/Security | ||
| House Cleaning: | $ | Yes |
| Security System: | $ | Yes |
| Laundry: | $ | Yes |
| Dining Services | ||
| Daily Meals: | $ | Yes |
| Maintenance | ||
| Home Repair & Lawn Maintenance: | $ | Yes |
| Periodic Redecorating: | $ | Yes |
| Snow Removal: | $ | Yes |
| Association Fee: | $ | Yes |
| Transportation: | $ | Yes |
| Personal | ||
| Entertainment: | $ | Yes |
| Health & Fitness Programs: | $ | Yes |
| Total Expenses: | $ |
Veteran Benefits
The Aid and Attendance Program provides benefits for veterans and surviving spouses who require the regular support of another person to assist in eating, bathing, dressing and undressing, and other activities of daily living. The care provided in an assisting living community may also qualify.
To qualify for Veteran’s Aid and Attendance, it must be established by your physician that you require daily assistance by others to dress, undress, bathe, cook, take medications, eat, put on or remove prosthetics, leave home, etc. You DO NOT have to require assistance with all of these activities. There simply needs to be adequate medical evidence that you cannot function completely on your own without assistance.
Aid and Attendance benefits can provide a monthly, tax-free benefit of up to $2,631 for two married veterans, $2,019 per month for a married couple where one is a veteran, $1,703 per month to a single veteran and $1,094 per month to a surviving spouse. This pension does not count against your Social Security payment.
Eligibility must be proven by filing the proper Veterans Application for Pension or Compensation, Form 21-526 Veteran. This application will require a copy of DD-214* or separation papers, Medical Evaluation from a physician, current medical issues, care expense statements, and other documentation as needed. *To request a copy of a DD-214 visit www.vetrec.archives.gov.
U.S. Senior Vets, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, whose primary function is to educate Veterans, Surviving Spouses, and their families in obtaining Aid Attendance and Housebound Pension Benefits, is one of several groups that assist with the qualification and application process.
There are several organizations that assist with the qualification process and will work with Veterans and their families through the application process. Listed below are several links of such organizations that provide this assistance.
http://www.veteranaid.org/
http://www.vba.va.gov/bln/21/ro/rocontacts.htm
