How to Choose an Assisted Living Community for a Loved One
The fact that over 800,000 Americans live in assisted living communities shows it's popular among seniors.
Finding a credible community is essential to keeping your loved one healthy and ensuring they're in excellent hands. But with so many communities out there, it can feel overwhelming knowing which one is right for your family member.
If this sounds like your situation, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know about choosing a senior living community for your loved one.
Start the Search Early
Our top tip regarding elder advice is to search for assisted living communities early on. You don't want to rush the process or move after a crisis without doing enough research. If you do, there's a risk that your relative ends up in a community where their needs aren't met.
A good rule of thumb is to start the search months or years before. Create a list of potential communities that you can look into further when the time is right.
Assess Your Loved Ones Needs
Before finding elder care, assess your loved one's needs so you can find the right type of community. Determine the level of medical care your family member needs, whether it's needing help with medication management or assisted living with memory care.
Figure out your loved one's mobility level. If they struggle, find a community that has rooms with handrails and modified bathrooms to prevent falls. You should also factor in your relative's social needs, whether they prefer a more private or community-driven setting.
Consider the Location
As you start choosing senior living communities, you must consider the location. Many families want to find somewhere in the same state or nearby, so it's easier to visit their loved ones. Make sure you find a community near healthcare providers, such as a hospital or doctor's office, for peace of mind.
Another important consideration is the size of the community. It's important to note that 39 licensed beds are the average, so decide if that works with your loved one. You should also consider the staff-to-resident ratio, especially if your relative has certain needs, as that could sway your decision.
Ask Around for Recommendations
Aside from conducting online research, tap into your local network. You may have a neighbor or family member who is already in a great community. Word-of-mouth is always useful as your friends and family will give you honest feedback about the community and if it aligns with your relative's needs.
Check local senior living agencies for recommendations. These will have a list of nearby communities that may be perfect for your relative. At the very least, agencies will point you in the right direction.
Read Online Reviews
Another fantastic source of feedback comes from reading online reviews. Reviewers will discuss everything you need to know about the community, from the accommodation to how professional the employees are. But if you notice a stream of negative reviews, continue your search as that's a major red flag.
Review Costs and Consider Financing Options
One of our top assisted living tips is knowing where you and your loved one stand financially. Outline your budget before researching communities because you don't want to fall in love with a community, only to find that it's outside of your price range.
Go through your list of potential communities and look at the costs. You can either hire a financial planner or figure out how much your loved one can put toward care. The community's website should include a breakdown of prices, including the cost of accommodation, care services, and any extra fees.
Many communities offer financing options, such as financial assistance programs or providing a flexible payment schedule. It's crucial that your relative can afford the community as their healthcare needs grow. If you have any queries, reach out to the community and they will be happy to discuss the financial resources available.
Schedule a Tour
Once you've created a list of potential assisted living communities, arrange a tour where you and your loved one can visit them in person. You can either do this on the community's website or via their reception. It's a good idea to visit during a planned event or mealtime where you can meet residents and employees.
Ideally, visit the community more than once, so you and your relative can see what life is like there.
Visit the Different Units
During your tour, check out the accommodations available. Depending on the community, there may be rooms, apartments, or units for your loved one. Visit each one and see the types of furnishings, safety features, and if the units come with a kitchenette at the minimum.
Come With Questions
Our "choosing an assisted living guide" wouldn't be complete without telling you to bring questions to the tour. These should cover every aspect of living at the facility, from food options to accommodation. You should also ask questions involving your loved one's healthcare, such as how they will receive medication and if there will be help in an emergency.
Families should also ask about the community's policies. Find out whether your relative can come and go as they please, if it's pet-friendly, and when visitors are allowed. This is the time to ask anything that is niggling you or your relative, so it's easier to make a final decision.
Additionally, speak to employees. The staff should be warm and happy to answer your questions. You should also observe employees who aren't conducting the tour and see how they interact with residents.
Our Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Community
Now that you know everything about choosing a senior living community, it's time to start your search with your loved one.
At Discovery Village Trinity, our team of professionals has curated spaces for residents who want to join an assisted living community. Residents will enjoy the convenience of nearby amenities and help from our friendly staff.
If you live near Trinity, Florida, and are searching for a community, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us here to chat with a member of our team.