When to Start Looking for an Assisted Living Facility
If you are concerned about whether your loved one is capable of caring for his or her self it may be time to consider an assisted living home. But when is the right time to look for an assisted living home? Experts recommend you begin your search six months to a year before you plan to move your loved one. This gives you plenty of time to do your research and find the right home where your loved one will thrive.
Prior to starting your search do your “home” work. Pay attention to your loved one and make the assessment of the level of care he or she will need? Are they capable of taking care of the majority of their day-to-day tasks but need help with remembering medications, doing laundry, or simply having a healthy and filling meal? Maybe your family member has social needs and is missing out on having someone to chat with, play games with, or simply enjoy doing crafts together and interacting on a day-to-day basis. These are indicators that it may be time to start looking for a new place for your loved one to call home.
Tip on Visiting the Senior assisted living facility
When touring assisted living facilities note how the staff and administrators interact with the residents. Are they friendly and do the residents look at ease around them? Are residents receiving care and attention from the staff and are the residents enjoying themselves? If you’re not seeing people enjoying themselves then your loved one probably won’t either. Ask for event calendars and the admissions contracts from the home. Are there enough activities to keep your loved one enjoying life? Do they get out of the facility from time to time to enjoy other events? Because you’re starting your search early you have plenty of time to review the contract in detail and ask questions of the home before making your decision. You should also plan to visit the facility unannounced. This will provide you with a better understanding of what life will be like for your loved one and if the staff acts the same way towards residents when you’re not scheduled for a visit.
The next consideration is cost. Ask for details on the cost of caring for your loved one and how it will change as your loved one requires more services. Get details on how those decisions are made so it is clear to all parties when additional care may be required. Calculate the total cost for care for your loved one and see how it fits into the budget plans for your loved one’s care.
Finding the right home for your loved one is a big decision and can be very stressful. But having a plan and starting early can mitigate a great deal of stress and help you and your loved one find the place he or she will call home.
Tips for Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
Observe Staff Interactions: Pay attention to how staff and administrators interact with residents. Friendly and caring interactions can indicate a positive atmosphere.
Assess Resident Comfort: Are residents at ease around the staff? Do they seem happy and comfortable in their environment? A relaxed atmosphere is essential for your loved one’s well-being.
Evaluate Care and Attention: Ensure residents are receiving adequate care and attention from the staff. Look for signs that the residents are enjoying their time in the facility.
Request Event Calendars: Ask for event calendars and admissions contracts. Assess if there are enough activities to keep your loved one engaged and if they have opportunities to participate in external events.
Review Contracts Thoroughly: Take your time to review the admissions contract in detail. Ask questions to clarify any doubts and ensure you fully understand the terms.
Plan Unannounced Visits: Schedule unannounced visits to the facility to see how the staff interacts with residents when they are not expecting visitors. This provides a more accurate picture of daily life.
Consider Cost: Inquire about the cost of care and how it may change as your loved one requires more services. Understand the criteria for determining when additional care is needed.
Calculate Total Care Costs: Calculate the total cost of care for your loved one and assess how it aligns with your budget plans for their care.
Start Early: Begin your search early to alleviate stress. Planning ahead allows you to explore your options thoroughly and make a well-informed decision.
Explore Resources: Check out the facility’s resources page for additional information, links, and contact details related to assisted living options.
For more information check out our resources page for links and contact information on assisted living.
