Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one into an assisted living facility is never an easy choice. For some, there is the perception of a loss of independence or a sense of sorrow at leaving the family home. However, it is vital to know when it is the right time to move into facilities for seniors.
Assisted living provides comfort, socialization, specialist care, and quality of life to countless older Americans. As of this writing, more than 800,000 people in the US are currently living in an assisted living facility. However, not all facilities are created equal.
That is why picking assisted living facilities is such an important task that requires knowledge of the sector and the red flags to look out for. If you are looking for an assisted living checklist, make sure to read our handy guide on how to pick the right place for you.
- Know Your Care Options
This is the first and most important thing when it comes to assisted living amenities. You need a crystal-clear idea of the type of care available on-site and the quality of care you are likely to receive. As this expert guide to senior living communities explains, different facilities have widely differing care options.
You need to ask the right questions to find out what is on offer. Does the facility offer medication assistance? Is care truly 24/7? Are staff equipped to handle any disabilities you might have? Once you have the answers, you can make the right choice.
- Pricing and Financial Assistance
The average cost of an assisted living facility for one person in America is $4,300 a month. That is not cheap by any measure. However, wide price disparities exist between facilities, while the price is certainly not indicative of care quality in all cases. What’s more, comparing facility costs is a tricky exercise, since there is so much federal and state financial assistance available to you. Figure out your entitlements so that you can get a realistic idea of your budget.
- Background Checks Are Key
This is a very simple question you can ask to filter out your options. Are the assisted living staff subject to background checks before being hired? If the answer is no, then that is the end of the conversation. Move on and find somewhere else. Safety is paramount and any facility that cannot be bothered to run a routine background check is not worth your time.
- Location, Location, Location
Finally, don’t forget about the importance of location. Although most facilities are designed so that your needs can be met 100% on-site, this is not the only thing that matters. How close are you to your family members and friends? What about your family doctor and your local hospital? Are transport connections to the assisted living facilities good or bad? A well-located, connected facility should always be the gold standard to aim for.
Make Empowered Choices for Your Loved Ones
Picking assisted living facilities is tough, but the right know-how can help you make the right choice. If you need more expert insights to help you make empowered choices for your loved ones, we have got you covered. Make sure to consult our expertly-curated Family guide to learn more.
