When is it too early to start planning for an assisted living apartment? Never according to a recent Fairbanks News-Miner report.
Titled "Plan ahead for assisted living, even if it's years away," that article specifically addressed an Alzheimer situation where the patient waited until his condition had progressed to the point that he could no longer remain at home.
And just when he needed an assisted living apartment most, he discovered that there were no rooms available to fulfill his requirements.
But lack of availability isn't the only reasoning for thinking ahead when planning for an eventual move to an assisted living apartment.
Cost is also an important reason to get one's ducks in a row early.
As the News-Miner report pointed out, "There are ways to try to prepare for these challenges though.
The earlier you start, the better.
" The sooner you set the wheels in motion, the sooner you can start saving and the better prepared you'll be to handle the financial burden.
This is especially true if you or your loved one is afflicted with a certain condition, like Alzheimer's, that not every facility is capable of handling.
When it comes to paying for an apartment don't count on Medicare to pay your fare.
Even Medicaid only kicks in if your income and assets fall under certain strict limits.
Of course finding an assisted living apartment and paying for it is one thing.
It is an entirely different thing altogether to acclimate oneself to this new way of living.
Forbes magazine recently wrote "The Inside Story" on assisted living, offering "six ways to help transition a loved one.
" These tips are the final piece in the puzzle that will make an apartment not only a doable arrangement but also a place that will genuinely feel like home.

1. If your loved one is leaving a medical facility (as opposed to your own home) to enter an assisted living apartment complex, obtain that "facility's recommendations as to the best next step for your loved one.
   "
2. If your loved one is being release from a hospital or short-term care home prior to his or her move-in day, "Ask for a list of all medications your loved one is supposed to take after leaving the healthcare facility.
   Check to be sure he or she is getting all of them.
   "
3. "Stay with your loved one on moving day or arrange for a familiar and trustworthy person to be there.
   " A familiar face will go a long day toward making the move less traumatic for everyone involved.
   
4. Always remember that "you are your loved one's advocate.
   " Don't be afraid to intervene on his or her behalf on all important matters.
   
5. Make the assisted living apartment director aware of "your loved one's likes and dislikes, needs and wants.
   "
6. Always bear in mind that an assisted living apartment does not offer the same level of care that a medical institution like a hospital or nursing home would.
   While these apartments offer a rich and vibrant social atmosphere, their care is often limited.
   "You need to monitor your loved one's health status yourself as a family member.
   "