How to Choose Your Assisted Living Facility Wisely
Here's a scenario no one wants to find themselves in: your senior loved one has Alzheimer's. Senior care is complicated by how difficult it can be to manage your time.
Sick family members are even harder to care for. But caring for someone with Alzheimer's is not something you're sure you can tackle.
You need memory care -- which is specialized residential care for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Now, where do you start when choosing an assisted living facility?
Not all assisted living communities offer memory care. Part of finding the right senior living community is accounting for their services and your loved one's needs.
Below are a few considerations when searching for the right community for your aging parents. Read on to learn what's important when picking a senior care community.
What Does Your Loved One Want and Need?
You should never buy a service without knowing all its accompanying parts. Don't enroll your family members in community care if you don't know what services they offer.
Take our memory care example; this and assisted living are dissimilar. Memory care is specifically made to accommodate people suffering from diseases that affect their cognitive function.
Assisted living is what it sounds like. It's residential living where older adults have help while living independently. You must consider whether your parents need memory care and find somewhere that provides it.
Consider if they need physical therapy or hospice care. You should also consider if the assisted living center you choose is where they want to be. Enjoying themselves is part of living a fulfilling life in their golden years.
Ask healthcare providers and assisted living community staff what services aid senior health and what activities they offer. Look into the best communities and list their most attractive and noteworthy qualities.
Talk to Friends, Family, and People in the Community
It may help to get a second, third, and even fifth opinion about the senior living center of your choice. Ask your family and friends about their experiences with the community they chose.
Was the staff patient and friendly? Do they seem professional? Your parents' friends may have great things to say about their communities. Like if they're satisfied with their care and planned activities.
Others within your community can recommend where your aging parents can stay. Ask social workers, care providers, support groups, and religious groups.
Call and Visit Different Assisted Care Communities
Ideally, you have a list of the best assisted living centers in the area and are ready to ask questions. Inquire about how many people live there and how much residency costs.
Tell the staff about your family member's special needs and preferences. Ask if they have a waiting list or if they have immediate availability.
Some communities aren't pet-friendly. It's worth finding out if your parent's furry companions are welcome. Schedule a tour of each community before you make your decision.
It's good practice to ask as many questions as possible. Especially if it's about a service for someone you love. Below are a few other questions you should ask:
- How many care providers are there per resident?
- What experience do department heads have?
- How long have they worked at this particular care center?
- Do key staff members turn over often?
- What activities are there during the week and on weekends?
- Can you attend activities to see what they're like?
Ask whether you can meet with the director, nursing director, and other key staff members. The Medicare Home Nursing List can help you choose a place for your parents.
Here is some of what the list will help you check for:
- State licensing
- Disability accessibility
- Is the relationship between residents and staff friendly and respectful?
- Do the residents look clean and well cared for?
- Is the community well-maintained, clean, and comfortable?
Try to make a second visit without calling ahead, if possible. Observe how everyone behaves when caught off guard by your visit.
Figure Out Costs and Contracts
No two senior care centers are the same. One thing they have in common is that Medicare and Medicaid do not cover assisted living. Specifically, Medicare doesn't cover assisted living at all.
Medicaid doesn't cover room and board. But it does offer waivers to cover things like medication management, food, bathing, dressing, and grooming. Long-term care insurance and veterans' aid may help.
The senior care center may have an office to help determine if there's financial aid. After you've settled your payment methods, read over the contract carefully.
Make sure you understand all the agreements and inquire about what you don't understand. Read the contract at least twice before you sign it. Ask your parents if they're fine with the contractual stipulations.
Assisted Living vs Nursing Home: Know the Difference
An assisted living community isn't the same as a nursing home. The latter is more like a hospital. Your family members may have to share it with another patient.
Assisted living communities are reminiscent of apartment complexes. Trained staff may be onsite to help with health plans and medication. However, the goal is to encourage independent living and engagement.
There are various activities and trips for residents to take part in. Remember that these places are like neighborhoods with special accommodations.
Nursing homes are often more expensive than assisted living communities. Consider your loved one's needs and choose accordingly.
Having Trouble Choosing an Assisted Living Facility?
Choosing an assisted living facility depends on how you're paying, your aging parent's needs, and your willingness to ask questions. Senior health care is complex and requires careful thought and consideration.
Addington Place of Clinton has comfortable and modern accommodation for your elderly loved ones. They can choose between one or two-bedroom apartments or suites.
Our friendly and professional staff offers supportive services -- like bathing and dressing -- and memory care. Residents also have individualized health care plans.
Don't hesitate. Fill out our online form and we'll get in touch to discuss the best choice for your loved one.