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Make the Right Choice
Three steps to help you select senior living and care services
Talking about senior care doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable process. The following are three simple steps to help you approach the topic with tact and compassion.
Step 1 – Consider the needs, wants, and resources of the individual.
Prioritizing Needs and Desires
There are many factors that come into play when considering senior services and accommodation options. This includes changes in physical and mental capabilities, financial concerns, and social support. These aspects help establish what an individual needs; however, it’s just as important to gauge what an individual wants when discussing accommodation options.
When broaching the topic of care and accommodations, remember to be open and honest about what is absolutely needed. If you will ultimately be making the decision on behalf of someone else, remember to evaluate all of the options from their point of view, not just your own. If ever you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a professional.
Take a Realistic Look at Resources
While finances are never a fun topic of discussion, you’ll need to consider what level of savings and investments are available to help pay for your loved one’s care. The cost of senior care can fluctuate dramatically, depending on the type of care that is required. In cases where the individual qualifies for government-funded care at a long-term residence, the cost can be quite low. With that being said, residents that qualify for government subsidies will still be responsible for the cost of accommodation. The cost of private retirement housing facilities varies depending on the type of accommodation and level of service provided.
Step 2 – Evaluate your options.
Now that you know what you’re looking for and have a better understanding of your budget, it’s time to start weighing your options. First, determine which type of seniors housing is best suited to your loved one’s needs. Start by referring to the definitions in this article . This will help you get a better grasp on the types of properties you should be investigating.
Once you have found a list of potential providers, it’s time to start vetting them. First, visit their websites to see what kind of amenities they offer. Some providers will include photos and virtual tours of their facilities. Don’t hesitate to call and request additional information.
Step 3 – Visit potential providers.
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential properties down, it’s time to schedule a tour. During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to visit with front-line workers, support staff, and residents. Visit with several properties in order to compare the atmosphere and offerings.
Learn what to look for when visiting a retirement residence or long-term care home .
The Right Way to Choose a Retirement Residence
Questions to consider when searching for an appropriate senior care resident
You’ve done your research and identified a handful of senior care candidates on behalf of your loved one. Now it’s time to decide which facility will ultimately provide the best level of care and community atmosphere.
In order to do this, we suggest scheduling a tour of each potential residence. During this visit, try to observe as many daily activities as you can within the home. If possible, arrange to sit in on some of the planned activities or attend a meal service. Observe staff and resident interactions – do people appear to be happy and comfortable in their surroundings? If possible:
- Try and wander around the home on your own in order to get a better sense of the home’s atmosphere and quality of care.
- Ask residents about their quality of life and living experience. Is there anything that they specifically dislike about the facility?
- Does it appear as though the needs of the residents are being met?
Following your visit, ask if you could possibly drop by on another day at a different time. You may notice things the second time around that you missed during your first visit. Finally, ask if the home offers short-term trial stays. These temporary placements are an excellent way for seniors to test-drive a facility before making a final decision.
Ask for Details
Every retirement home differs in the type of services and programs that are offered. As such, it’s important to ask for additional information on these amenities. Most residences offer this in the form of a Care Home Information Package, which clearly sets out what’s included in your resident package and what amenities are available for an additional fee.
Other things to consider when looking at retirement residences include location, especially the proximity to community amenities, hospitals, churches, and retail providers. Ask about the ability of transportation for shopping trips, social outings, and off-site medical visits.
Pay close attention to the quality of the food available (are individual dietary restrictions taken into consideration?), security issues, and the overall cleanliness of the facility.
Finally, be sure to gauge the facility’s ability to meet the needs of your loved in the future. Are assisted living and memory care services available? Considering all of these options now will help ensure that your loved one is comfortable for many years to come.
Long-Term Care
Retirement Homes
Adult Condominiums
