7 Factors of the Best Assisted Living Communities
Whether you’re looking to move your aging parent into an assisted living community, or you’re planning to move into one yourself as an adult, here are seven things that can make or break whether or not a community is right for you. Assisted living communities can provide help with daily living activities, such as dressing and bathing, but don’t offer round-the-clock nursing care or medical assistance. Here are seven factors that will have the biggest impact on your decision of which one to choose:
1. Activities for Seniors
As you consider the best facilities for your aging loved ones, be sure to find a community that can keep them active and engaged. Activities help seniors stay engaged and maintain a positive outlook on life. After all, as they say, an idle mind is a terrible thing to waste! Whether it’s bingo or a community field trip, regular activities will improve one’s quality of life.
2. Affordable Rates
When considering assisted living, don’t think of it as a last resort. Assisted living is an alternative to dealing with your loved one’s increasing need for help on a day-to-day basis. Depending on your situation, there are many reasons you might choose to use assisted living services, and one of them is the affordable rates for care. While the average cost of assisted living differs wherever you go, some facilities offer better amenities or more comprehensive care than others. As you search for an assisted living community, be sure to compare their monthly rates as well as their amenities.
3. Accommodations for Family Visits
Family support is a major factor in a senior’s happiness and overall health. Family members living in a different area than their loved ones will need to coordinate their visits at the assisted living facility. In addition to the facility’s willingness to accommodate family visits, the right facility will also help seniors communicate with their loved ones by video chat or other technological means.
4. Pet-Friendly Facilities
As more and more pet owners reach retirement age, many are considering whether or not to include their pets in their future living arrangements. Though many are concerned about finding good care for their pets after they’re gone, pet owners should also think about how much it costs to provide extra care for their pets now. Many assisted living facilities now welcome cats and dogs, making it much easier for elders to stick by their pet’s side as they age together.
If your loved one has pets, make sure the facility you are considering is pet-friendly. Keep in mind that not all communities allow animals, no matter how much their owners love them. Likewise, some communities don’t allow certain breeds of dogs, regardless of whether or not they have ever acted aggressively toward humans.
5. Safety
Accidents, balance issues, falls, and memory loss are all a part of aging. That’s why safety is one of the biggest factors to consider in your search for an assisted living facility. Not all assisted living communities are equally safe, so do some research before handing over custody of your elderly family member.
6. Private Rooms
Do you want your loved one to have their own room or do you prefer they share with someone else? What about having a roommate of their choosing or one chosen by your family? These are all things to consider when deciding on assisted living facilities.
Having your loved one stay in a private room can offer them space and privacy. However, one disadvantage of this arrangement is that it may be more expensive than sharing with someone else or choosing their roommate.
7. Emergency Response Systems
One of the best ways to keep your loved ones safe is by ensuring that they have a way to call for help in an emergency. Most assisted living communities have some sort of medical alert system for your convenience. This way, you can feel comfortable leaving your friends or family there knowing that they’ll be taken care of if an emergency arises.
If you’re looking into assisted living facilities, you know that there are many factors to consider when making your decision. Keep this guide in mind as you navigate the ins and outs of finding the right facility.
