There comes a time in every person’s life when he needs to think seriously about the future of his parents.
While some elderly people live with their adult children, over one million people currently reside in a senior living community.
With almost 29,000 senior care centers in the country, it’s safe to say you have a wide array of options to chose from.
Here’s a quick guide to choosing an assisted living center that will give your loved ones a happy place to live.
Consider Types of Communities
It’s easy to use terms like “senior living community” and “assisted living center” interchangeably. However, there are some key differences to keep in mind as you search for elderly care.
There are continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), assisted living communities, age-restricted communities, memory care, and nursing homes.
Each type of elderly care caters to the specific needs and abilities of its residents.
To look for the best adult care center near you, visit FindContinuingCare.com.
Think Long Term
Remember that the senior living community you chose will be your parents’ new living space. You may think it’ll meet their needs, but don’t forget to ask key questions.
Which floor will your parents live on? What will their diet look like? Are there people their age they can connect with? What kind of activities are there?
If you wouldn’t feel comfortable living there, odds are your parents won’t, either.
Check Local Happenings
Part of thinking long-term meaning choosing a senior living community that has access to events in the area. After all, very few people like being confined to one place for very long.
What kind of restaurants are nearby? How about movie theaters, book stores, or bowling alleys?
Don’t undermine the importance of proximity to fun activities. It will not only enrich their new senior lifestyle but keep morale high.
Compare the Quality
Every senior care center will fall into one of two camps: non-profit and for-profit. A majority of senior living communities are private and for-profit.
While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, non-profits usually provide better food and recruit more staff members. Additionally, residents are less likely to be hospitalized or take antipsychotic drugs in non-profit facilities.
Knowing there may be a difference in quality between for-profit and non-profit, it’s vital to pay attention as you tour each adult care center.
Mind Your Finances
This is probably the biggest issue weighing on our minds when we think about moving our loved ones into a senior care center. It’s helpful to determine ahead of time how much you’d like to set aside for your budget.
Once that’s finished, it’s time to explore the different avenues that will help you pay for the costs. These include life insurance, local government programs, veteran benefits, and more.
Chose the Best Senior Living Community Today
As we’ve discussed, there’s a lot that goes into choosing the best senior living community for your parents or loved ones.
Once you determine the features you need and settle on a price point, you can be confident in whichever senior living community you chose.
For more lifestyle tips, keep exploring our site.