Choosing the right home for your parents or grandparents can be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be hard, you just need to know what to look for. It is important to know what your loved one is capable of doing on their own. If they are still mobile and can get around really well then a retirement home or assisted living may be the way to go. A retirement home, or assisted living, allows them to be independent as they were before. Living in a retirement home can be prepared for a potential future illness. A nursing home is for those who are at risk and are better off if they are not left alone for too long. Choosing the right senior residential care services takes proper time and research.
Things to Consider
It is important to begin your search by figuring out what you and your loved ones want. The location and size of the place can be very important. It is important to decide on how far you are willing to drive to visit your loved ones. It is also important to note the size of the place. If there are a lot of people in a smaller area, it will not be ideal for someone who is introverted. It is important to pay attention to the services offered by the place you choose. Note whether you would want to place your loved one somewhere that has specialized services for each resident, or whether they specialize in end of life care versus improving their quality of life.
Questions to Ask
Having questions before reaching out to facilities is extremely important. It is important to ask about what services are offered like was mentioned above. It is also essential to ask about what insurance can be used at the facility, and whether they are Medicaid certified. Asking about treatment plans and visiting hours is also important.
Call Around and Visit
Calling places to ask questions and potentially requesting a tour is an important step. It will help you make a good decision in choosing the right place for your loved ones. You will get a feel for the place and staff when you visit. You may also think of more questions to ask once you are there.
Red Flags
One of the worst things about moving your loved ones into a home is the risk of elder abuse and neglect. Knowing what to watch out for when visiting and researching places is one of the first steps in ensuring the right place is chosen for your loved ones. Sometimes something that may seem simple like loud noises can be a deciding factor for choosing a place. If a place is noisy or chaotic, it may not be the right place. When interacting with the staff, or even just observing the staff interact with the people in the facility can let you know how your family would be treated while there. If you notice that they are ignoring the needs of the residents or do not talk with patients often, that can be a red flag. If you notice a lack of administration, that can be a red flag. Administration handles filing and keeping track of important information about your loved one, so it is important they are properly staffed to keep everything in order.
Knowing this important information can aid you in finding the right place for your loved ones as they transition from living in a home of their own to a nursing home or assisted living/ retirement home.
