Choosing an assisted living community for your parent or older loved one is an important and life-changing decision. But with so many facilities to choose from, it’s often difficult to narrow down the options and find the best senior living situation for your loved one.
Some families postpone the assisted living search out of intimidation or fear of making the wrong choice. Understanding the most common errors others have made when researching and choosing an assisted living community for their loved ones may help you avoid similar mistakes.
Rushing the decision
Perhaps the most common misstep to make when selecting an assisted living facility is deciding too quickly. In many cases, families delay making a decision until a health emergency arises and end up choosing a facility without doing proper research or preparation. Avoid this mistake by researching senior living options well in advance – before your loved one requires more advanced nursing care. This way, you will have more time to research and tour assisted living communities and feel more confident in your decision.
Choosing a community based on proximity alone
Another mistake some families make in the assisted living search is overstressing the importance of proximity. Although you should ensure the community is close enough for you to visit on a regular basis, simply choosing the closest option may cause you to miss out on a better community that’s located further away. Carefully research more than one assisted living community to find the option with the right level of care, social activities, and security for your loved one.
Not involving your loved one in the process
Sometimes adult children will select an assisted living community based on their own tastes instead of considering their parent or loved one’s preferences. If your loved one is able to be involved in the decision-making process, have them visit communities with you and ask them to share their opinions. You parent or loved one will feel more comfortable with the idea of moving to assisted living if they are actively involved in the decision.
Failing to anticipate future needs
Many families choose an assisted living facility based on their loved one’s current requirements for care instead of considering their future care needs. This can be problematic because the facility may not be capable of accommodating the level of services your loved one requires as he or she gets older. Look for a facility that can handle your loved one’s needs both now and in the future, such as a continuing care retirement community. This unique approach to senior care encompasses independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care in one community, allowing residents to easily transition to the next level of care while staying within the comfort and convenience of a single community.
