Home is where the heart is, and as we age, the desire to remain in the comfort of our own homes becomes even stronger. However, the reality is that aging brings a natural decline in certain abilities, making it challenging to maintain complete independence. This is where the importance of choosing the right assisted living community for yourself or your loved one truly shines.
It’s easy for some to consider assisted living as a loss of independence, but in truth – it can be a key facilitator of maintaining independence and enhancing quality of life. This blog will show you why selecting the right assisted living community is crucial, emphasizing how this transition fosters a renewed sense of independent living.
Let’s look at some of the most important factors that will help you cut through the clutter and figure out what assisted living community fits your loved one’s needs the best.
Determine Needs and Preferences
Understanding the needs and preferences of your loved one as you research assisted living communities is vastly important, if not the number one priority.
Start with assessing their care needs, such as any physical or medical considerations. Are they showing signs of struggling with typical activities like grooming, getting dressed, or taking medications at appropriate intervals? These are the activities of daily living that an assisted living like Martin Boyd Christian Home can help with.
Next, think about cognitive abilities: does Mom seem to be repeating stories over and over? Is Dad having trouble remembering where the keys are? These are signs that your loved one could benefit from memory care.
Finally, identify personal preferences of your senior loved one. Do they enjoy decorating their living space with family memories? Do they enjoy the company of those in their same stage of life? What amenities are important to them? By carefully considering the unique needs and preferences of yourself or your loved one, you can navigate this transition with confidence.
Research and Shortlist Assisted Living Communities
Once you’ve determined the type of assisted living community you’re interested in, you’ll want to begin researching communities online. Many have robust websites that show you everything you need to know about making their community your new home.
You’ll want to gather information such as online reviews from Google or other reputable review sites, assessing both positive and negative feedback. Look for testimonials on social media from residents and/or their families. These give you a firsthand look at what it’s like to live inside an assisted living community.
Finally, make sure you familiarize yourself with the different amenities and levels of care offered at each community. Look for virtual or “3D” tours on the websites of each community that show you a preview of what’s available before you set an appointment for an in-person tour.
Visit and Tour Assisted Living Communities
Now comes the fun part! By now, you should have a short list of assisted living communities that appeal to your loved one’s needs and preferences. It’s time to make an appointment for an in-person tour.
Some key factors to consider when touring a community are:
● Cleanliness, maintenance, and overall appearance
● Friendliness and responsiveness of staff
● Interaction and engagement among residents
● Safety and security measures
● Dining options
Ask Relevant Questions
During your tour of each community, make sure you ask relevant questions about the items that are most important to you or your loved one. Write them down beforehand and bring the list with you.
Some of the questions you will want to ask center around the following:
● Cost and financial considerations (including how to pay for senior living)
● Levels of care offered
● Staffing and training
● Activities and socialization opportunities
● Rules and policies