According to the American Health Care Association, over 800,000 Americans currently reside in assisted living facilities.
With this many seniors living out their years with the extra help they need, more and more suitable facilities are popping up around the country.
Of course, choosing assisted living facilities for your loved ones isn’t a task to be taken lightly. With so many factors to consider, the road ahead can be incredibly intimidating. Fortunately, we’ve got the top 5 things to keep in mind before you make your decision.
Follow along to discover what you should keep your eyes open for when choosing assisted living facilities in America.
1. Location
There’s no question that having your loved ones close by in their older years is a priority for most families. However, the location of your chosen assisted living facility can actually impact the quality of care your family will receive.
Each state in America has different standards and operation policies when it comes to assisted living. If your loved one requires medical assistance, some locations simply aren’t capable of providing the level of care they may need.
Beyond this, those who wish to live more independently may not be considered for assisted living. On the other hand, some states treat these facilities as more of a social hub for seniors rather than a place for those with extra needs.
Learn more about the assisted living facilities in your area by visiting https://alifeforseniors.com/senior-living-options/assisted-living/.
2. Size
The size of your chosen facility can also impact the level of care your loved ones will receive. Depending on the amount of assisted living staff available per patient, your family members may end up feeling left behind and forgotten.
Try to choose a facility that has sufficient staff for your family member’s medical needs as well as enough space and people for socialization needs.
3. Services
Your options for facilities will vary greatly in many areas but one that your loved ones will appreciate the most is the number of activities for elders.
Assisted living amenities can include housekeeping, dining services, exercise programs, clubs and classes, and even tailored services based on individual needs.
Get an idea of what each facility offers and weigh up how much value each of these activities holds for you and your loved one in their elder years.
4. Cost
As you’ve likely already guessed, the cost of these extra services can add up quickly. While it’s great to get the best of the best for your loved one, be sure to set a realistic budget that you and your family can manage before signing the papers.
Consider what your loved ones will actually use and what they truly need when comparing facility costs and never overextend your budget for unneeded extras.
5. Culture
You wouldn’t buy a home that you didn’t want to live in, so why treat senior housing any differently.
This is the place where your loved one will spend the last years of their life, so take the time to get a feel for the culture, assisted living staff, and the overall experience before making any commitments.
Ask lots of questions and take a proper tour. This decision means a lot to your aging family member.
Choosing Assisted Living Facilities
Now that you know these 5 crucial factors to consider when choosing assisted living facilities, it’s time to set out. From location to culture, we’re confident you’ll make the best choice for your loved ones and their unique set of needs.
Want to learn more about living options for senior citizens? Check out our home and life hacks for everything you need to know for a life worth living.