Are you or your loved one overwhelmed from trying to choose the best assisted living community? You or your loved one are not alone. After all, there are many factors to an assisted living community, and it can be difficult to tell which one is the best. Hence, here are some tips to help you or your loved one better choose the right assisted living community.
What Is Assisted Living?
First, let’s understand what is assisted living. Assisted living is a residential option for mature adults who need some help with certain daily activities, like bathing or dressing, but do not require round-the-clock health care or supervising that a nursing home would provide. At the same time, assisted living allows you to enjoy some privacy and independence. In short, assisted living is a living arrangement where you or your loved one can get help to live more comfortably.
Services and Amenities
One of the factors you or your loved one should look out for is the services and amenities provided. This is usually what makes an assisted living community stand out from another. For instance, some assisted living community offers salons and game rooms, while others may not. Hence, you or your loved one should consider the services and amenities that you prefer and search for an assisted living community that offers them. Apart from visiting the website or assisted living community directly, you or your loved one can also google for their reviews. By checking the reviews from others, you or your loved one can learn from others’ first-hand experience if the services and amenities are good or not. Here are some services and amenities that a good assisted living community may offer: linen service, private and communal dining rooms, massage therapists, wellness programs, and complimentary transportation services.
Cost and Payment Options
Every assisted living community comes in varying prices and models. Hence, it is important to know which fits within your or your loved one’s budget and if the assisted living community is valuable for its price. After all, even if the assisted living community offers many benefits, if it is out of your budget, or you do not particularly enjoy the additional services, you will not enjoy your time there. In addition, check that the assisted living community does not have any hidden fees. That means you or your loved one should go for assisted living communities that pay a controlled entrance or monthly fees. At the same time, it is important to note that you or your loved one are paying for the entire experience. This includes lifelong healthcare (even if your needs change), amenities, services, transportation, and activities.
Life in the Assisted Living Community
This factor can help to differentiate which are the best assisted living communities. While they may offer services and amenities, will they be able to meet your personal needs and preference? Is it easy to access the available activities or social gatherings? Will you be able to enjoy the right care or assistance for a better quality of life? These are questions that you or your loved one need to ask yourself. So, what is the best way to answer these questions then? You or your loved one should visit the assisted living community directly. Some offer a complimentary trial period where you can experience first-hand if the community is the right fit for you. If they do not have a trial period, you can still ask them if you can head down to see the area. Remember to ask any questions you or your loved one have to the team members and see if people seem to be enjoying themselves.
