With over 30,000 assisted living communities in the United States, choosing the right one can be challenging. It’s impossible to contact all these communities to find out more about their services.
You hope to find a community where your aging parents can get some assistance with daily activities like cleaning. You, however, fear selecting the wrong community where your loved one will have a terrible experience.
So, what can you do to overcome this challenge? Read on to discover factors to consider when selecting assisted living for seniors.
Location and Proximity to Family
Prefer communities that are close to where your family resides. The plan is to make it easy for them to visit the seniors whenever they like to check on them and provide emotional support.
Consider the roads to the community and research the traffic, especially during the holidays. If you’re searching for the best assisted living in Oklahoma City, use Google Maps to find its exact location. If possible, drive to the community with your family to evaluate the roads.
Once there, find out more about the alternative routes you can use. Remember to check the area’s security to ensure it’s safe and secure.
Size of Assisted Living for Seniors
Large communities often provide a broad range of amenities and recreational activities. Most of them have fitness and wellness centers, libraries, swimming pools, and computer stations, among others.
Unfortunately, residents don’t receive immediate personalized attention in some larger settings. Staff are usually overwhelmed by the many residents, so they take longer to respond to calls and provide assistance.
Smaller senior living communities are ideal for individuals seeking timely and personalized care. Their small size makes it easy for the staff to attend to residents quickly and efficiently. They provide a home-like environment that can enhance your loved one’s well-being.
Evaluate your loved one’s personality and social preferences to decide between a large and small community. If they’re outgoing and enjoy social interactions, consider large assisted living for seniors. Consider a smaller community if they prefer quieter spaces and individualized assistance.
Services and Level of Care Offered
Find an assisted living community that meets both the current and future needs of your senior parent. Some seniors only require assistance with bathing, dressing, and medical management. Others need more advanced services like specialized memory care and special diet counseling.
Also, check the wellness programs different communities near you offer. These include occupational therapy, physical therapy, and mental health support. Look for a community that offers services to certain groups, like military veterans.
Finally, look for a community that can adjust its care to meet your loved one’s evolving needs. The idea is to allow them to stay in the same community despite their health conditions changing. They’ll avoid the hassles of moving to a new environment, which can be terrifying as they might struggle to adapt.
Cost and Affordability
The cost of an assisted living community can be high, with fees differing based on location, level of care, and available amenities. Some communities offer advanced services at a higher cost. Others only provide basic assistance and accommodation at a lower price.
When considering the cost, check out the pricing model that a given senior housing community adopts. Some have all-inclusive pricing, which covers room, meals, housekeeping, and personal care. Others charge separately for certain services.
So, find out about these potential extra fees to avoid unexpected expenses.
Checking the cost, while important, should not be the only factor you consider when comparing elder care options. You should prioritize the quality of care the communities offer. Some of them, while cheap, may offer unreliable care.
Resident Reviews and Testimonials
You can simplify comparing senior housing solutions by hearing from current and former residents. These people can provide firsthand experience of living in a given community. They can shed light on what to expect after moving to the community.
However, you may wonder how you can reach these people. You can do this by reading online reviews and testimonials. Find out what people say about staff responsiveness, cleanliness, amenities, and level of care in a given community. Find out how the community responds to negative reviews and criticism.
Also, search for senior living communities that offer tours to potential residents and their families. Visit them and interact with current residents to get their insights and opinions. Pay attention to how the staff treat and interact with the residents.
Transition Process and Move-In Support
Most seniors are reluctant to move into retirement homes and assisted living communities. They fear the change will be overwhelming and that they’ll struggle to adapt. Some may even claim they don’t need assistance.
Sadly, they’re likely making excuses to avoid going to an assisted living community. You need to objectively monitor their health and welfare to decide the best course of action.
Watch out for signs like difficulty walking and difficulty managing daily activities. If you notice these things, persuade them of the benefits of moving to an assisted living community.
Also, when comparing senior living communities, check their move-in process. Check out the resources they offer to help new residents adapt.
Consider communities that have comprehensive orientation programs. These programs help new residents familiarize themselves with staff and daily routines.
Also, consider a community that provides timely and accurate updates to the families of the residents. You want to have the option to call and find out how your senior parent is faring.
Choose the Right Assisted Living for Seniors
Deciding to move a loved one to an assisted living for seniors is a tough and emotional decision. Avoid going wrong by relying on the above factors to find the right community.
Looking for an assisted living community for your aged parent? If you live in Oklahoma City, consider Morada Lake Hefner. We are the best assisted living community in Oklahoma City. Our staff are highly trained and professional.
We’re compassionate about helping seniors without infringing on their independence. Contact us today to discover how we can assist your loved one.
