Different people may have different preferences and needs when it comes to seeking the right assisted living community. Perhaps you are a devout Christian or a Catholic. Perhaps in that case one of the Catholic retirement communities may be better suited to you.

In any case, this is a big decision that often requires a lot of thought and consideration. This post aims to help people everywhere find the best fit for their elderly parents.

Think about what all services you need

First and foremost, you need to think about all the facilities and amenities you need. It is best if you create a list of such things. Write down the kind of support you would need. It doesn't matter how big or small it is; it pays to have clarity of it. It is possible that today you don’t need much help with anything. But, in the future, you may need full-time or long-term care.

Cost

Many people think that living in an assisted facility in Florida is a costly affair. But, if you do your calculations right, it’s actually a lot cheaper than in-home care. Therefore, another paramount thing to think about is the cost.

Make a list of your financial resources. It’s better to seek the help of a financial advisor. He will list down all your income sources and assets such as veteran's benefits, spouse benefits, retirement investments, long-term insurance, pensions, etc. 

Equipped with this knowledge, you can figure out what type of living facility is within your budget and what all you can afford. If the resources are still not enough, you could always apply for federal aid programs such as low-income housing, supporting housing, and myriad other options.

Housekeeping Services

Most seniors have trouble taking care of the household chores such as laundry, cleaning, and other upkeep. Therefore, it’s good to look into whether or not housekeeping services will be part of the package. Often, many facilities will charge extra for this service. So, be sure to look into it. 

Tour The Facility

Create a list of all the facilities you’re contemplating. Then call one of them one by one. A good facility such as putnam farms danvers will have no trouble arranging a tour because it is one such community that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its residents, offering a range of amenities and personalized care options. It's important to explore different communities to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. Once there, be sure to check out the rooms, dining area, etc. Be sure to talk to the residents to get a feel of the community. Talk to the staff members as well.

It’s like having a tour of the house before deciding to buy it. Therefore, before you can fully commit to a facility, be sure to have a thorough tour of it. Unless you are 100% confident that this is the place for you, keep on exploring your options.

Compare Agreements

It’s good to look at agreements of different facilities. Typical agreements include details like what all services are included, what is excluded, the ratio between staff and residents, etc. Look into details of how they care for the residents once they become sicker and older.

Look into any penalties for an early exit, the related conditions, time frames, refunds, etc. if the market is competitive, you might get a lower rate or negotiate the pricing. This is particularly good for those on a low/fixed income.Many communities even have a clause under which the person cannot stay for reasons like financial instability or misbehavior. It’s also possible that some communities may not accept Medicaid and there may be a waitlist for Medicaid bed allocation. Be aware of such things beforehand.

Check Credentials

In the event of a sale or bankruptcy, the terms of the agreement may change. Therefore, you should do thorough research. If possible, check with the local AAA to check the institute’s credentials. 

It’s good to ask a few questions. For instance, you could try asking whether or not there’s some pending change of ownership in the next year or so. 

Also, enquire about staff turnover rates, waitlist, average staff employment, the average length of resident stay, etc. Look for state licenses as they may vary between states. Look into the type of care provided, fines, citations, violations, etc.

Food & Dining

What are the food options available at the cafeteria? Do you see a big menu? Is there consideration for vegan people or those with medical conditions? It’s good to have a wide variety of food options. Luxury assisted living communities may offer additional amenities that include more versatile food options.

Also, look into the dining area. Is there a shared dining space? Is the menu rotation. Is there availability of snacks other than three square meals? Do residents get kitchenettes and small refrigerators to store their snacks and/or prepare tiny meals as per their convenience? 

Medical Assistance 

It’s possible that your loved one is still not at the stage where they need round-the-clock monitoring or medical supervision. However, since they're old, they may need medical assistance every now and then. Look into the service package and see what kind of medical care is provided on an as-needed basis. Look into the assistance for specific health problems that your senior may have. 

Social Activities

A big part of healthy living during old age is how well your seniors are able to socialize. The biggest benefit of living in a communal setting is the ability to meet with people of similar age, have conversations, and eliminate that sense of isolation. 

Other than the communal aspect, also look at the social activity calendar. Ask the management about what special activities such as music, dancing, instrument playing, etc. are conducted.

Exercise & Fitness

Regular fitness and exercise regimens are a big part of what keeps you fit and healthy even during later years of life. Therefore, you must not put it on the backburner. See if the facility offers low-impact methods to stay fit and ensure health. 

Many assisted living often includes things like gyms, fitness rooms, yoga classes, walking tracks and paths, group exercises, etc. most of these classes are tailored to suit different health conditions and all kinds of disabilities. Be sure to look into these options.

Bottom Line

Finding an assisted living community that is like a dream fit for your elderly parent can be quite a tedious task. Be sure to take your time if it demands so. Make sure to never rush into this decision as it will impact their quality of life for decades to come.