Mistakes to Avoid when Selecting a Senior Care Community
Moving your loved one into an assisted living community is a big decision and one that needs deep thought, careful planning and the right advice. It is important that you understand what not to do as much as you understand what to do.
Here is a list of common mistakes you should try to avoid:
- Thinking about your needs first instead of your loved one’s: Too often, a family picks the assisted living community for their loved one based on their own needs rather than those of the senior. You need to take into account what your senior loved one likes and needs in terms of personal tastes and preferences. Your own preferences come next.
- Assuming that stylish or high-end features and high prices guarantee the best lifestyle: What your senior parent needs is quality care – this doesn’t necessarily mean their life in an assisted living community has to include beautiful landscapes and lavish fixtures. Instead, look for a care community that pays attention to the more important details like health care, hygiene, daily activities, dining and overall comfort. Follow your instincts – if you sense bad vibes, try a different place.
- Rushing into a decision: Sometime the urgency of the need for assisted living care is overwhelming and people may end up signing the paperwork too quickly. Visit at least three communities and weigh the pros and cons before choosing one that appears to be best suited for your loved one. Don’t ignore the fine print when you sign documents and ask questions until you are satisfied with the answers.
- Favoring physical proximity: How far is really too far? It is unlikely that you will visit your loved one every day at the assisted living community, but they have to live there. Make sure that it is the best one. If there is a community a little further away from your home but with better facilities and services, it may be worth the distance.
- Making a decision on your own: Choosing your senior parent’s adult care community can be overwhelming. There are several opportunities to get advice from professionals who know the ins and outs of assisted living and senior care. Adult Care Advisors has a team of experts who are happy to make this difficult decision a little easier for you.
Contact our team of senior care experts for more information about selecting an assisted living community for your loved one.