You might have a loved one who is in need of assistance in their day-to-day living. It could be an aging parent or grandparent and you can’t be there for them every moment. This will necessitate looking for a facility that can take care of all their needs. Looking for an assisted living facility would not be a bad idea. There are some key considerations you should look for in such a facility and we’re going to highlight some of them here.
Location
This is one of the most important considerations when choosing a retirement home or an assisted living facility. You don’t want to take your loved one far away from where it will be difficult to visit. In some states, there is a limit on the medication that can be offered in an assisted living facility. This will be important if you’re looking for a facility that will take care of all your loved one’s needs. There are states with limitations that can still work in your favor. You just have to make sure you’re doing your due diligence before making a decision.
Size
The size of the facility also matters. Your loved one needs to be given the attention that they deserve. If you’re looking for the right fit in terms of size, you can check out On Statenborough. Some senior citizens might prefer a facility that has a lot of people. The most important factor is the staff-to-resident ratio. This will give you the confidence that all your loved one’s needs are being taken care of regardless of the size of the facility. Larger retirement homes are likely to offer amenities like movie theatres and swimming pools. You should discuss this with your family members and your loved ones before making the decision.
Services
A retirement home or an assisted living facility will offer some basic services. Such services include housekeeping, dining services, and wellness programs. Other than the basics, you want to make sure that the facility can handle your loved one’s specific needs. That is why you must visit a facility so that you know what to expect. The specific services are based on supply and demand. For instance, nearly 60% of special care homes offer a dementia program. This is because the condition is synonymous with advanced age and a big portion of the community will likely be affected.
A good facility will also invest in wellness programs that enhance the quality of life. It could be piano lounges, art classes, pet therapy, or community outings.
Cost
Cost is always going to play a big role in any decision-making process. As much as you might want the best facility for your loved one. You also want to make sure that it doesn’t leave a hole in your pocket. That is why it is a good idea to get quotes from different facilities so that you can know the alternatives available and what you’re expected to pay.
Some insurance carriers will allow special care but there is a limit and you might have to pay for some of the expenses out of pocket. The mode of payment will differ from one facility to another. Some will require upfront payment while others allow for installments.
Culture
It is impossible to know how it feels to live in an assisted living facility until you do it. The only way you can know about a facility is by physically visiting the place. Make sure you’re interacting with the staff and asking important questions. You will know if it feels like the right environment for your loved one by visiting the place. You can tag the person along as the decision is theirs to make and you don’t want to be looking for somewhere they’re not comfortable with.
Transition to Higher Care
It can be a scary proposition to move from independence to assisted living. You or your loved one might still think you have what it takes to care for yourself. Assisted living facilities provide the transition to other forms of care. It has to start somewhere. The relationship with your healthcare providers should be maintained. It is not recommended to move to a facility that is far away from your home or your loved ones, so choose one that is safe and close to them. If you’re living in the San Francisco Bay Area, for instance, here is a list of the safest Northern California senior communities. If you’re considering doing this for a loved one, you should be thinking about what kind of care they will need in a year or two after going to the facility.
