For many people, realizing a loved one needs help with basic daily tasks is hard to face – but it doesn’t need to be. Just because your loved one needs help doesn’t mean they need medical care – that’s where assisted living comes into play. Assisted living is a way to let your loved one live independently but in a safe, nurturing environment. Keep reading to learn more about how to choose the right fit when it comes to assisted living centers.
What Are Assisted Living Centers?
Living in assisted living facilities is sometimes like living in a part of a large nursing care center, retirement community, or senior housing complex. Other times, they’re an entirely independent place that isn’t associated with a larger outfit. Typically, people in assisted living facilities are seniors, but other residents may have other health issues like disabilities or dementia.
All residents have their own apartments with bedrooms, bathrooms, small kitchens, and a living area. Some residents opt to share these apartments with a roommate – this is part of your decision when finding the right fit.
What To Look For
Another thing to consider when finding the right fit is what it offers. Does it have 24-hour security and supervision? Is that something you want? What about meals? Do you want to cook your own or have them made (three a day) for you? Do you need help with personal care like bathing or eating? Then there’s housekeeping to consider. Consider all of these when using the web or making phone calls to screen facilities.
What To Ask?
When you narrow your search and are ready to start visiting assisted living centers, keep a list of your most important questions. Here are a few that should be at the top of your list –
- What is the staff-to-patient ratio?
- What types of training do staff receive?
- Can you adapt care as my loved ones need change?
- Are there shopping centers or other businesses within walking distance?
- What is the social schedule here? What about spiritual schedules and opportunities?
What To Look For?
During your in-person visit, there are things you want to look for, and make sure they align with what you and your loved one have in mind. Like the food (sample if you can), inspect safety measures, and what’s the outdoor environment like. The benefits of spending time outdoors are well-known for everyone, but especially seniors. If you can, talk to residents and their children if present and try to get an honest review from them. It’s also worth visiting centers multiple times.
Considering Costs
Assisted living costs can hold people back from making the plunge, but they shouldn’t. Assisted living facilities are significantly cheaper than nursing homes – around 25 to 50,000 dollars a year. Most places charge a base rate and it can fluctuate depending on the services you add on. The cost of the facility is typically paid by the resident (your loved one) or their family. Depending on whether or not your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy or a policy that includes assisted living care, some of the expenses may be covered, so be sure to reach out to their insurance provider and have that information upfront.
Tech To the Rescue
As you can see, it can feel not very comforting trying to find the right facility for your loved one. Thankfully today, there is tech that can simplify the process for you. Not only should you take advantage of online reviews and testimonials, many facilities offer virtual tours – which means you can narrow down your search easily from the comfort of your own home without wasting time visiting facilities that wouldn’t have met your expectations and needs to begin with.
It’s also worth noting that websites like Seniorly.com make finding the right center easier than ever before. You can compare features, costs, and more. You can find centers that are local or further away if you’re looking for a change in scenery.
No matter what you and your loved one decide, transitioning to assisted living doesn’t have to be a sad transition – it’s actually a happy one, where your loved one can remain independent but that independence in a safe environment. By utilizing the above tips, you’re well on your way to finding the right fit. Happy Trails!
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
