Managing “Mixed Care” Arrangements For Elderly Loved Ones

Finding the right late-in-life and, often more important, the right end-of-life care for an elderly loved one can be a something of a maze. It's actually often made more difficult because so many care facilities promise overlapping care.

How do you untangle the red tape and understand what's actually being offered when assisted-living facilities bring in hospice services? Answer: It takes some due diligence and a proactive approach.

Such mixed-care arrangements are increasingly common these days when end-of-life is recognized more as a gradient rather than a definable stage. For some help in navigating this topic, consider reading a recent article titled "Managing the Assisted Living vs. Hospice Dilemma" from The New York Times –The New Old Age Blog.

Essentially, this article confirms that you have to do some digging and open up communication channels with the facility and its caretakers. This can help you learn how they actually work and what to expect. Moreover, it’s important for you to ensure they fully understand what you and your family expect.

Reference: The New York Times – The New Old Age Blog (November 19, 2012) "Managing the Assisted Living vs. Hospice Dilemma"