Created in partnership with The Restoracy.
What makes a home? Is it ending the day with a hot meal? Fresh laundry in your drawers? What about laughter, or simply knowing someone who cares is just down the hall?
It’s difficult to think about, but many seniors in the United States lack access to such things, whether it’s due to living alone in the house where they raised a family, or perhaps more concerning, living somewhere that even those who are paid to make sure these things happen—don’t.
With healthcare advances and innovation, it’s expected that in the next two decades, the number of people over 65 will increase by 42% and the number of people over 85 will increase by 111%, according to Consumer Affairs.
And, since women tend to live longer than men, the average nursing home resident is a single female. If that has you mulling over your own future, or that of a loved one, there are things you can be thinking about now whether you’re just out of college or already caretaking for a parent.
Jill W. (last name withheld for privacy purposes), the eldest of two, moved her 76-year-old father to The Restoracy in October of 2022. Following a brain injury, he fractured his spine, and she needed to find a skilled nursing facility that could handle her father’s unique needs—and quickly.
After looking at several options, Jill decided The Restoracy was the best place for her dad.
The Restoracy is a senior living home offering rehabilitation, long-term skilled care, and memory care. With locations in Whitestown and Carmel, which are locally owned and operated by Bryan Lindsay and Ryan Levengood, The Restoracy focuses on a home-like setting where a loved one can go after time spent in a hospital, rehab, or an assisted living facility to receive the highest level of care. The locations are dually certified, meaning they can serve residents on Medicare or Medicaid in need of skilled nursing.
It was the level of skilled nursing Jill was looking for but more importantly, an environment she felt comfortable with. And, the staff was helpful from day one. Her advice to adult caregivers? “Be as prepared as you can. Talk with other people who have gone through the process and do the work upfront to avoid having a bad experience later on,” she said.
That’s what working with The Restoracy has done for her.
“They cultivate taking care of the little issues so that nothing becomes a big issue. There’s incredible communication. They’re not guarded—they’re communicating with you as though they’re talking about their own parents—from the nurses to the administrators to the therapists. They’re focused on solutions,” she said.
Of course, cost is a consideration—which is all the more reason to plan as far in advance as possible, says Molly Schulz, Admissions Coordinator at The Resoracy. Schulz, who has been working in senior care for more than a decade also suggests making sure the following is in order in advance of a visit:
- Knowing what type of insurance the person has and the cards available
- A ballpark estimate of assets and finances
- A power of attorney and any other pertinent paperwork such as estate documents
- Having the ultimate decision-maker on-site
An elder law attorney can be incredibly helpful when it comes to preparing the appropriate paperwork. Though getting legal affairs, finances, and health directives in order is important, the most important thing is to find a place where your loved one is safe and well-cared for.
“[My dad] sits at a table with other residents. They know him, his personality, how he jokes—it’s been such a blessing to get to know the other residents and the families. The atmosphere is one of a partnership in this effort to care for and keep our families safe. I can rely on them and trust my dad with them,” Jill said. But the homey atmosphere does more than just help her dad.
“It’s helped me find balance in my life—when your shoulders are stuck up around your ears, and there’s physical pain from the stress—they’ve lessened that,” she said.
For more information visit therestoracy.com.
Leslie Bailey is the co-founder and CEO of Indy Maven. She is very much the eldest daughter.
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