As we get older, we lose some independence and it’s perfectly normal to start needing a bit of assistance. As a wise lion once said, that’s the circle of life.
Of course, it’s always a bit worrying to see an older relative in that situation. But among the 19,000 senior living units there are in the US, you won’t have a hard time finding the ones that can take great care of your loved one and make sure they live a great life until their last day.
Keep reading and learn how to find the best senior living communities!
Table of Contents
Which Types of Senior Care Can You Choose From?
The first step in the hunt for the perfect senior living facility for your loved one is to understand exactly what their needs are.
This is important because there are different levels of care, appropriate for different lifestyles, health conditions and, of course, budgets. Some of the most common ones are:
- Assisted living, where seniors live mostly independently but get some assistance with daily tasks.
- Temporary care, where elders spend parts of the day in the facility.
- Skilled nursing, for elders who need assistance 24 hours a day.
- Independent living, where seniors who don’t need assistance live in a community for social reasons or convenience.
- Palliative care, where seniors will severe illnesses get the help and relief they need.
3 Tips to Find the Best Senior Living Communities
Once you understand the type of assistance your loved one requires (as well as the budget you can allocate to this), it’s time to get to the action and start looking for the best facility.
The main thing to look for is a place where your loved one will be safe.
But there are other tips that can be useful in the search for a good elderly community:
1. Schedule a Tour
You wouldn’t move to a new house without visiting first, right? Well, the same should apply to senior communities.
Many offer free tours where you can learn a lot more than you could online or over the phone, so take advantage of those.
During your tour, try and speak to some of the staff members and don’t forget to ask about security policies.
2. Carefully Check What’s Included in Each Plan
Before you pick a care plan, make sure to check everything that it includes, so that you can rest assured that your loved one will have everything they need to live a quality life.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call the facility.
Pro tip: Check for any hidden fees there might be (such as laundry or telephone use), as they can make a considerable difference in the price.
3. Speak with Current Residents
If the people who already live there are happy, chances are that your loved one will be too.
Not only will this give you peace of mind about the quality of the assistance, but you’ll also have a better idea of the environment your relative will live in and the people they’ll be hanging out with. The happier, the better!
Your Loved One Will Thank You Forever
Finding the best senior living communities really doesn’t have to be a lot of work and it’ll make the world of a difference in the quality of life of your loved one.
If you’d like to read more about senior living, make sure to keep exploring my blog. I have some other articles you might find useful!
