Last Updated: August 22, 2019
Any kind of move is difficult, but a senior’s move to an assisted living community may be the hardest of all. That’s why it needs to be done right.
At AssistedLiving.com, we provide families with the information they need to make empowered and informed decisions about senior care for their loved ones. Our local Senior Living Advisors, who work throughout North America, help thousands of families each year find the right facility for their loved ones. Sadly, many families don’t take advantage of free services like ours and end up choosing inappropriate senior communities for their loved ones.
5 Ways to Choose the Right Assisted Living Facility
Learn how to choose the right assisted living community by reviewing five of the worst ways to find one.
Knowing these pitfalls can help you make the right decision for your family during your assisted living search:
1. Don’t choose a community based on looks.
Some people select a community because they are wowed by the ambiance of the community or its decor. But what’s more important than appearances is the care that’s provided. After all, it’s people that provide care, not facilities. Don’t merely choose a community by its superficial appearances. Meet the staff, including those who will be providing hands-on care, to get a better understanding of a community.
2. Don’t choose a community for your loved one based off who they used to be.
Don’t ignore your loved one’s limitations when you’re selecting a community. For example, if your father was an avid golfer, you might want to find a senior community on a golf course or with a putting green. But if your father’s physical limitations mean that his golfing days are over, choosing a golf-oriented community would be unproductive.
3. Don’t choose a facility based on your preferences.
When you’re shopping for an assisted living community, don’t confuse your preferences with your loved one’s. Just because you love swimming doesn’t mean your parent needs a community with a heated pool. Perhaps a library is more important to your parent.
4. Don’t choose a facility by location alone.
A large number of families discover the community they ultimately select for their loved one because they drove by it. Simply because a facility is at a high traffic location doesn’t mean it’s right for your loved one.
5. Don’t succumb to pressure sales tactics.
Marketers at assisted living communities sometimes create a sense of urgency to pressure families to sign an agreement. You may be told there’s “just one unit left” or “we can only offer you these special rates until the end of the month.” Don’t allow yourself to succumb to pressure sales tactics that could lead you to choose a less than ideal location.
Have you chosen an inappropriate assisted living facility for a loved one before? How did you find the right community for you or your family? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
You're probably aware this is a sister website of A Place for Mom. I checked our system and saw you've been working with our Senior Living Advisor, Kate Carroll. I will make sure she gets your update and I hope she can help you and your mother find a good solution.
Best,
Jeff
AssistedLiving.Com Team