Resources for families deciding what happens next
Written for the adult child doing this for the first time, from another state, while working full time. No sign-up required.
Comparing Utah senior living options
Independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and in-home care — what each actually covers, who qualifies, and typical Wasatch Front monthly costs.
- Independent living: $2,200–$4,000/mo. Meals and community, no personal care.
- Assisted living: $3,800–$6,200/mo. Help with bathing, dressing, medication.
- Memory care: $5,200–$8,500/mo. Secured units, higher staffing ratios.
- Skilled nursing: $8,000–$11,000/mo. Medical care, sometimes Medicare-covered short term.
- In-home care: $30–$38/hour. Cheaper below ~25 hours a week, then it flips.
Paying for care without draining the family
Where the money usually comes from, and the three sources most families miss until someone points them out.
- VA Aid & Attendance for wartime veterans and surviving spouses.
- Utah Medicaid New Choices Waiver for those transitioning out of a facility.
- Long-term care insurance policies bought in the 1990s that families forget exist.
- Home sale proceeds — the largest source, which is why condition matters.
- Bridge loans and deferred-payment repair programs while the home sells.
Sorting fifty years of belongings
A four-pass method that keeps siblings out of arguments and keeps the timeline realistic.
- Pass 1: documents, medications, firearms and valuables — secured first, always.
- Pass 2: photograph every room before anything moves.
- Pass 3: each family member flags keepsakes from the photos, with a deadline.
- Pass 4: appraise anything questionable before donating. Then clear the rest.
- Rule of thumb: a full 2,000 sq ft home takes 3–5 days with a crew, 6 weekends alone.
What to fix before listing — and what to skip
Where repair dollars actually come back in a Utah market, based on our completed projects.
- Fix: roof, active leaks, electrical panel, furnace, and anything an inspector will flag.
- Fix: paint, flooring, lighting, and curb appeal — the highest return per dollar.
- Usually skip: full kitchen gut, room additions, high-end fixtures, solar.
- Always do: deep clean and odor remediation. Nothing kills offers faster than smell.
- Staging typically returns several times its cost on a dated home.
The out-of-state family's checklist
What to line up before you fly home, in order.
- Confirm power of attorney and, if a parent has passed, who has authority to act.
- Secure mail forwarding, utilities and homeowners insurance (vacant homes need a rider).
- Photograph the entire home and the contents of every closet, garage and shed.
- Get one written repair scope before you talk to a realtor about pricing.
- Set a single family decision-maker to avoid three siblings approving three plans.
Plain-English glossary
These guides are general information, not medical, legal, or tax advice. Costs are Wasatch Front estimates and change over time. For benefits eligibility and estate questions, talk with an elder-law attorney.
Still have questions?
Ask our assistant in the corner of any page, or send us details about your parents' home.
Request information