The assisted living facility that a family chooses for their loved one can determine the senior’s quality of life, happiness, and well-being. The selection process must be handled with care while considering all critical factors.
With so many assisted living facilities to compare, how can one find a community that meets their loved one’s specific needs and preferences? This article highlights a few factors that can help families find the right assisted living community that fosters safety, quality of life, and comfort.
Determine the Needs of a Loved One
The first thing a family needs to do before picking a senior community is to understand their loved one’s needs. They should consider the elderly person’s level of independence, mobility, cognitive abilities, personal preferences, and medical requirements. For instance, does the elderly person need help bathing, dressing, or managing medication?
The level of care for seniors who can clean up after themselves may not be the same as that for those with mobility challenges or dietary restrictions. When a family knows what their loved one needs, they increase the chances of finding a great assisted living option. They can easily narrow down the potential facilities and ensure the chosen community meets the local needs.
For instance, some older adults prefer being in a vibrant community with numerous activity programs, while others prefer a quiet, serene environment with few residents. Therefore, the family members must consider these aspects to choose the best.
Identify Facilities in the Target Area
After knowing the needs, the family can start researching the facilities in the area. It is always better to focus on facilities that have a strong reputation and guarantee quality care. Reviews from residents and their loved ones can help families with aged parents pick the right option. Families can also use online sources such as senior care directories and state licensing agencies to get valuable information on each facility’s performance.
After identifying a few reliable assisted living facilities with good reviews, older adults and their family members and friends can visit the communities. This tour allows the older adult to observe the facility’s safety features, cleanliness, security, level of care, and general atmosphere. They should check how attentive the staff members are and how they interact with the residents to determine the quality of care they provide.
Enquire About Costs and Financial Options
Since a loved one will stay in the facility for an extended period, the family members must enquire about the service costs. Each facility charges a different amount, so compare before making a choice. Some facilities charge an all-inclusive model, while others have separate offers for additional services like medical assistance or memory care services.
At this stage, it is important to explore the financial options for offsetting assisted living costs. These may include long-term care insurance, veteran benefits, and Medicaid waivers for eligible seniors. In some cases, the family of the older adult who needs long-term care might need to consult with a financial advisor or attorney to make it easier to pick the right financial plan to cover these long-term care expenses.
Consult With the Loved One
The senior about to move into the assisted living community must be consulted before making the final decision. Remember that moving to any facility can be emotional, so it is advisable to involve the older adult in the entire process. This will make it easier for them to adjust and develop a sense of ownership over this new living arrangement.
Finding a suitable assisted living facility requires careful consideration of many significant factors. However, once a family makes an appropriate decision, their loved one will enjoy their stay while the family members will have peace of mind. So, families with aged parents should assess their needs, research all viable options, and plan their finances for a smooth transition.
