Are you wondering about how to select an assisted living community? Seniors and their families have an incredible number of options available to them when selecting an assisted living community. To make the best choice, it is so important to take time, ask a myriad of questions and use as many resources as possible to make the best selection. Below listed are just a few thoughts to consider as you work through your decision.
What is an Assisted Living community?
Assisted Living communities offer supportive care in addition to varying amenities and services to help residents with activities of daily living. These activities include help with bathing, dressing, and grooming in addition to assistance with medications and mobility. Some communities offer appropriate care and services to residents who may require very special assistance for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
Communities come in all shapes and sizes but most offer:
- Apartment/suite with kitchenette
- Three meals daily plus snacks
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Options for resident engagement including health and wellness programs
- Scheduled transportation
What do I look for?
It is important to “feel good” and “feel safe” in the community. Here are some questions to consider:
- When you walk into the community, do you receive a warm greeting?
- Is the community clean?
- Do the residents look happy and are they socializing with others?
- Is the staff friendly to you and towards the residents?
- Are you welcome to visit at any time?
- Does the community have an easy to follow floor plan?
- Are there handrails and firm carpets to walk on?
- Is the community completely accessible?
- Is the community in a good location; close to doctors/family, etc.?
How much do Assisted Living communities cost?
The fees at each community vary based on the size of the suite/apartment as well s the services and level of care needed by residents. Most Assisted Living communities offer a base price and then additional fees for supportive services.
A typical community charges a monthly fee to include general services and amenities and another fee based on amount of care that is needed. Always ask about fee options and if they know of any programs to help cover costs. Also, be sure to ask how often fees will be adjusted and reasons for doing so.
Conclusion
When assessing an assisted living community, it’s important to keep in mind quality of life of the future resident, amount of care he/she would need, the cost, value and location of a particular community. Also important to assess is the caliber of the staff; are they well trained and responsive? Happy staff will ensure residents receive quality care and services. Once all questions are asked and appropriate resources utilized, a wise decision can be made.
