HOW TO CHOOSE A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
September 22, 2014HOW TO CHOOSE A SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY
By Veronica Figueroa, Broker/Owner – Re/Max Innovation
There comes a time in life when a change in living situation is necessary to the well being of an aging loved one. When it becomes difficult for family members to carry out the various activities of daily living without the assistance of others, this is generally the time to make a change. Older adults face many challenges as they age which include loss of eyesight, memory loss or dementia, fatigue, lack of mobility, prescription medication management, lack of socialization and loneliness.
First and foremost, it is important to look at this stage of life as another chapter, a new beginning, and not the end of life. Even though our parent or loved one will most likely need to move, and sell the home they have come to know and love, there are many ways that children can make this transition seamless and as pleasant as possible.
Ask your loved one’s primary physician for a referral to one or more communities so that you can go out and pay a personal visit to these locations. The best way to get accurate, objective information is to speak to the people in the sales center or admissions department. Also, speak to residents, their family members and staff members. As far as affordability is concerned, many assisted living communities can be costly, with additional feeds added to the tab for specific care such as bathing, dressing, medication management, oxygen management and other needed services.
Sometimes seeking the lowest price is not nearly as important and deciding on a comfortable, high-value community. Be sure to consider both affordable value and optimum life satisfaction when making this decision. Freedom from the costly upkeep of owning a home benefits your loved one in many ways. Expenses like mortgage payments, property taxes and maintenance can be eliminated and your loved one’s quality of live can become a primary focus.
Making the right decision revolves around quality of life, standards of care, associated costs and the inherent value of the overall living experience. There are many things that are important to seniors who live in this kind of environment. Among these include comfort, peace of mind, affordability, financial security, quality and value, high standards of care, independence, socialization, adventures, nostalgia, recognition, intellectual stimulation and self expressions.
Make sure that staffing levels are consistent with high standards. Be certain to find out how you will be notified if your loved one has an emergency. Ask how your loved one’s condition will be monitored, and if his/her condition changes what will be done. Ask about staffing and how the community plans to provide the care your loved one needs. Also ask how much times per day will your loved one receive direct and hands-on assistance.
Most importantly, a senior living community is a place to go to “live” and not a place to go to “die”. Taking along some cherished mementos and photographs, furnishings and other items will help to make it feel more like home. And plan on spending ample time with your loved one in their new environment as they become acclimated. Most communities have events and a calendar of things happening all the time for families to become involved in.
