There will come a time when everyone will need a little help to get through the day. Unfortunately for many that may happen before reaching what is considered full retirement age. Whether it be for emotional support and or physical help, having some form of assisted living might become the norm. This doesn’t mean it’s over and that you should throw in the towel by giving up your independence. Coming to terms with this new lifestyle is easier than you may believe as there are structures in place to stop you from free-falling.

After years and decades of paying into Social Security you may want to know what you are owed by the government. This is exactly the right course of action in the beginning. But even so, it’s time to mold your lifestyle around your illness or disability. Once you can get your social arrangement figured out with your family, and then your finances, you’ll begin to see where and when you won’t need assistance. After all, being able to control your own life even in the latter part of life is something we all want to hold on to.

Source US-SocialSecurityAdmin-Seal.svg

What you’re owed

Finances will be given priority when this time comes, and actually it’s a simple process. You can go to the social security administration website where you may apply for a social security disability application. This is so you can get the government assistance that you might be owed which in turn will help you to pay for everyday life. Once you have filled out the form it will be awaiting review. During this time you should check your social security disability status daily to catch up on the application you have filed. Be wary of the fact that it may need to be changed or edited by you if requested to do so, as sometimes a little more information is needed. If all is clear and ready to go ahead, you’ll be given a hearing date and time, the location of your current claim as well as the final decision.

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Making it physically easier

Now the time has come to enjoy retirement or rest up and heal. You might want to consider making life physically easier in the home. If you have a multi level home, getting up and down the stairs will slowly become a bit of a chore. Have a discussion with your family whether it would be wise to put in a stairlift to help you get up and down the home without assistance. You may also wish to consider getting a motorized wheelchair so you can go from room to room without any effort. Be mindful that getting ramps fixed onto the outside of your home could also be needed to accommodate your wheelchair.

Another route you could go is to explore private healthcare perks such as nurses who are sent to your home every day to help you. Everything from ironing clothes, cooking meals and bathing assistance is available if you get a particular service package from a provider.

There comes a time in life when the basics are a struggle, but if you have worked hard all your life, why should you needlessly suffer when you must tolerate your body giving up on you? Assisted living can be done with your pride intact. After decades of keeping up your end of the Social Security bargain, one of the first steps is to see what you’re owed by the government. Making it easier to keep some independence and move around your own home will soon become incredibly liberating if you plan carefully and seek out all options.