When someone you love for requires additional care on a daily basis, it can be a difficult time. As a family, it’s a big decision to make to transfer your loved one to an assisted living facility, even though it’s in their best interests.
Once you’ve made the decision, the next thing to do is to choose the right adult assisted facility. There are different things to consider when choosing an assisted living facility, and you need to make sure you’re confident and comfortable with your decision.
It’s never easy to make the decision to move your loved one to an assisted living facility, but the following advice can help you decide what to look out for.
Here are five things to look for when choosing an adult assisted living facility.
1. Location
The location of an assisted care facility is one of the most important considerations you’ll need to make. You should choose somewhere that is conveniently and closely located for relatives to visit, and you should factor your own future plans into the location too. Moving to an assisted care facility can be a big change, and having family nearby to visit can help make the transition smoother.
When considering the location, you should also think about what’s located nearby. Are there places to visit such as beaches or parks? Being conveniently located next to local amenities will also make it possible for outings and visits to different places.
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Consider how easy the location is to get too, and how long it will take you to get there in an emergency. A drive of an hour or so might not feel like much, but it can make all the difference when you’re planning your Sunday visit or you need to get there in a hurry.
2. What services are available?
The services provided by assisted living facilities can vary. When exploring prospective facilities, you should look at the services they offer and whether or not your loved one will feel relaxed and happy there.
While there are typical services like dining services, housekeeping and even fitness programs, you need to make sure there are services to meet your loved one’s specific needs. For example, if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, a program that caters to these needs will help make sure they get the best care and attention.
Do your research and be prepared to ask questions about the types of services available. More and more care facilities are looking to improve the services they offer, helping to improve the quality of life for residents with new therapies and activities. You can also talk to others about their experiences to get a sense of what the facility is like.
3. Are there options for additional care?
For someone with additional living needs, there is a possibility that they will need additional care in the future. Some facilities can make that transition easier, with more advanced care facilities available in the same facility.
Speak to the owners and staff about progressive care and what it could mean for you and your loved one. While it’s not always possible to find a facility that can provide a full range of care, it’s good to know what your options are should your loved one’s care needs change in the future.
You should also take the time to find out what procedures are for dealing with emergencies and other urgent care. This can help you feel comfortable that your loved one is in safe hands should they need urgent care, at any time of day or night.
4. Cost
One of the most important considerations when choosing an adult assisted living facility, of course, is cost. Care facilities aren’t cheap, and while you need to find a facility you can afford, you also need to find a facility that can deliver the care you need.
While many assisted living facility residents finance their own care, often through the sale of houses and retirement packages, there are some who aren’t as fortunate to have the right finances. Those who are on Medicaid, for example, might not have the same options due to current policies.
Discuss costs with facility owners at an early stage, as this will help you work out what’s feasible. Some facilities require upfront costs, while others might have more flexible policies depending on the type of care required.
5. Does it leave the right impression?
While there are a lot of practical considerations to think about when it comes to choosing an assisted living facility, one of the most important things is how you feel about it. You want to make sure that you’re confident in your decision, and that you trust the staff who will be taking care of your loved one.
Don’t rush into the decision; it’s something that will take time. You’ll want to visit different facilities to make comparisons and do some careful research. You could consider visiting multiple times to make sure you’re happy with the services that are offered throughout the day.
It’s also important that your loved ones feels happy and safe there. Moving into an assisted living facility will be a big change from what they know, and their input is important – they are the ones who’ll be living there after all. Weigh up your options and make a decision that’s the right fit for the whole family.
While it’s never an easy thing to do, moving your loved one to an assisted care facility can be the right decision to make sure they get the care they need on a daily basis. With professionals taking care of them, and an environment where they can socialize and relax, it could ease some of the stress of care and improve quality of life.
It’s a big decision, but by considering the points above and doing your research, you can make the right choice for your loved one’s future care.
