Top 7 Tips for Finding the Best Assisted Living Facility

Come 2030, all baby boomers will be over the age of 65. As the years go by, more and more seniors will be moving to assisted living facilities.

For your elderly parent, you don’t want just any home. You want the best assisted living facility you can find.

Some facilities have amazing amenities, staff, and services. Others are less ideal. It’s your job to seek out the safest, healthiest, and most enjoyable homes for your parent.

Not sure where to start? Keep reading below to find assisted living facilities your elderly parent will love.

1. Confirm Your Priorities

Each assisted living facility has different benefits and perks. If your elderly parent has specific hobbies they enjoy, find a facility that caters to them.

For example, some assisted living facilities are on golf courses. Your loved one could golf to their heart’s desire.

You must decide what’s a priority for your family. Perhaps you don’t need a home with a golf course. But, fantastic meals are a must.

Some other priorities might be social gatherings, a sense of community, or plenty of quiet time. Help your loved one decide what their deal-breakers are for moving into a seniors’ home.

2. Set Your Budget

Costs range for assisted living facilities from cheap to overpriced. It depends on the location, the services provided, and the quality of care.

Of course, your parent’s housing is not something to pinch pennies on. You need to ensure they’re safe, comfortable and well taken care of.

Do some initial research on the homes available in your city. Then, set the maximum amount you’re willing to spend.

Sometimes, elderly parents are too frugal with their own money. It’s best to meet with a financial advisor to confirm what they can comfortably spend on housing. It might be more or less than you thought.

3. How Far Is Too Far?

The most amazing assisted living facility could be in the next state over. But, is proximity to the rest of the family on the priorities list?

Consider the times you want to spend the afternoon with your parent. Or, the times you randomly stop by to say hello.

The further away they are, the harder it is to do this.

Remember all the people that your parent enjoys spending time with. You may not want them to be too far away, no matter how nice the rooms are.

4. Ask for Recommendations

Never choose senior care based only on marketing materials. You must find out what past and current tenants think about the company.

Start by asking for recommendations of facilities from people you trust. It could be friends, family members, or colleagues at work. See which places they recommend and which they warn you about.

Then, read the reviews online. There are plenty of review sites that allow you to read about others' experiences.

Pay attention to when the reviews are from and the severity of the negative claims. Remember, most people only leave reviews when they experience something negative.

5. Book Lots of Tours

Once you have a list of facilities that meet your criteria, book tours at each one. A member of the home’s team will guide you through the property.

There are a handful of things to notice when on an assisted living facility tour. Some include:

• The cleanliness of public areas, bathrooms, and tenants’ rooms

• How the staff interact with you and with tenants

• The level of security when entering and leaving

Sample one of the meals if you can. And, inquire about personal care services they offer.

Later, stop by unexpectedly during the daytime and during the evening. Without knowing you’ll be there, do they treat the tenants differently? As always, follow your instincts and go with your gut when viewing assisted living homes.

6. Interview Facility Managers

You can learn a lot about a facility by talking to the managers and employees. If employees love working there, they show it with their dedication and care.

When people don’t enjoy working somewhere, they don’t give good service.

Ask the manager questions about different protocols. What do they do in the case of an emergency? Are they prepared to handle different situations?

Inquire about the finance options for your parent to live there. Do they accept the insurance your parent has?

If you can, talk to a couple of the staff. Gauge how they feel about working there. If they’re treated well, the tenants likely are as well.

7. Plan for the Future

It’s normal to develop different age-related diseases in our senior years. Your loved one may move to an assisted living facility in great health. But, in ten years, what happens if their health declines?

Consider looking for a facility that provides services to those with mobility issues. And, services for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Some of the most common things seniors need in their homes are grab bars. When the time comes, will the facility allow them to get installed?

If they don’t, you might have to plan another move in the future. But, if they do, your loved one can remain in the same place they’re comfortable with.

Ready to Find the Best Assisted Living Facility for Your Loved One?

When it comes time for your elderly loved one to move into an assisted living facility, research is key. You want to ensure they’re in a home that provides safety, support, health, and entertainment.

Some facilities are better than others. Through deciding what your parent’s priorities are, you can narrow down the results. Keep in mind their budget, location preferences, and their future.

Follow the tips above to find the best assisted living facility for your loved one. Then, check out the other blogs in our Health section.