Choosing a suitable assisted living facility can be difficult, but it can significantly impact your loved one's quality of life. Pick the correct facility and your loved one will be surrounded by people caring for them as if they were family members. In addition, you'll find an assisted living facility with the resources and experience to care for them responsively and appropriately.

If you are looking for an assisted living facility for your parent or loved one, here are a few things to consider before making a final decision:

No. 1

Location, location, location

The location and your loved one’s healthcare needs can make all the difference in how much you'll be able to interact with them. Searching for a local facility is simple. For example, a Google search for assisted living in Des Peres will bring up results local to Des Peres.

No. 2

Qualified staff

If you want your loved one to have a positive experience, look for an assisted living facility that has experience working with seniors. Assisted living facilities are staffed with nurses and trained professionals who can help care for any medical needs your loved one might have. Additionally, many assisted living facilities have activities directors and social directors who plan events, trips, and dinners to help your loved one keep in touch with friends.

No. 3

Quality of Life

Compare the amenities offered by each facility. You want to ensure that your loved one will be comfortable with the assisted living facility's activities, food, and social life. Remember that each resident is different, so it's essential to tour various facilities and find out which one will meet your loved one's needs.

No. 4

Costs and Insurance

Assisted living facilities are not free, and you have a variety of costs to consider when choosing a facility for your loved one. Firstly, you will have to pay a room and board fee. Secondly, you must pay for your loved one's healthcare costs. Thirdly, you must pay for the care your loved one receives from the facility. Each fee is different, so compare apples to apples before deciding on a facility for your parent or loved one.

No. 5

Availability of services

In some cases, assisted living facilities can be short-staffed once they are full. Ask about staffing levels and how many people are on call in case of an emergency.

No. 6

Safety

Assisted living facilities are not meant to be a substitute for nursing homes. However, they aim to provide the same level of service as nursing homes while helping your loved one adjust better to their situation. Still, if your loved one is prone to wander or has physical limitations that are difficult to accommodate in an assisted living facility, try to find a nursing home before deciding to place them in an assisted living facility.

Takeaways

Although your decision about an assisted living facility is very personal, you should decide with the help of your loved ones and healthcare providers. By being prepared for the decision ahead, you will be able to know what to look out for and what to do to ensure that you are making the right arrangements for your loved one’s particular situation.