Growing up can be challenging, especially when it includes a role reversal where the children must start taking care of their parents or loved ones. Often, we do not want to face the harsh reality that our aging loved ones just might need some care from an eminent assisted living facility like belairassistedliving.com.
Now, choosing the best assisted living community for your loved ones is a vital decision that demands careful planning and consideration. With a sea of choices available, it is imperative to comprehend the essential aspects to look for in an assisted living community to ensure it caters to the needs and preferences of the individual.
Today’s detailed post will walk you through the essential aspects to consider, helping you make an easy and informed choice.
Location
More than 1 million Americans over the age of 65 live in independent living and assisted living communities. Though they are common housing options for seniors, the decision demands consideration of ample key factors.
The first factor to consider is location. Naturally, you need to keep your loved ones as close as possible. Hence, try to consider the assisted living communities within a 30-45-minute drive. Spending close to two hours on drive time will hugely minimize your ability to schedule meaningful visits.
Again, if you are baffled between the two facilities, consider the location itself. Also, make sure to ask yourself:
- Is it a safe neighborhood? If your family member has Dementia or Alzheimer’s, what would happen if they escaped?
- How close is the facility to the preferred hospital or the primary doctor of your loved ones?
Quality of Care
Evaluating the quality of care provided by the assisted living facility is another critical aspect you must take into consideration.
Try to look for facilities that recruit certified, skilled, and compassionate staff members. It is also essential to comprehend the staff-to-resident ratio of the community and the availability of medical care and emergency response systems to your loved ones.
Activities and Amenities
An excellent assisted living facility must offer a diverse range of amenities and activities that cater to the physical and mental well-being of your loved ones. This incorporates recreational activities, fitness programs, social events, and excursions. Check if the facility offers personalized activity schedules based on the interests and abilities of its residents.
Furthermore, if your loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia, be sure to determine if the assisted living facility you’re choosing has a memory care unit.
Cost and Financial Planning
Do you know there are approximately 30,600 assisted living communities with nearly 1.2 million licensed beds in the US? Hence, it is significant to comprehend the cost structure of the community you are choosing for your loved one and ensure it aligns with your financial planning.
Try to inquire about the breakdown of fees, what is incorporated in the cost, and any additional charges that might arise. Also, assessing financial assistance programs and insurance coverage options can be useful.
Security and Safety
Safety is one of the topmost priorities in assisted living. Before you throw the hat in the ring, make sure the facility has robust security measures in place. This should incorporate secure entrances and exits, surveillance systems, and emergency preparedness plans. It is also significant to check for remarkable features that encourage mobility and prevent falls, like non-slip flooring and handrails.
Ultimately, your objective is to provide your loved ones with a home where they can receive the necessary care they require and maintain their quality of life. While this process may seem challenging, considering the aforementioned critical aspects can help you make an informed decision that offers peace of mind for both you and your family members.