How to Choose a Senior Care Facility: 3 Tips from the Pros

When choosing a senior care facility for a loved one, you need to consider many factors. How much do you know about the different types of long-term care? What kind of services does the potential facility offer? Will your loved one have a say in the decision? And finally, how close should the facility be to home?

This blog post provides tips from experts on making the best possible decision for your family.

1. Know the Kind of Long-Term Care the Senior Needs

Long-term care facilities come in various types or categories. One of the most popular is the nursing home. This facility is usually for seniors who need assistance with daily living activities, like bathing or dressing. They also need more intensive medical care than assisted living facilities can provide.

Assisted living facilities are another popular choice because they offer a broad range of services and activities while providing a safe environment that still allows the resident to maintain their independence as much as possible.

These communities are ideal for those who don’t require constant medical monitoring but could use some help with personal care tasks and other day-to-day activities such as cooking meals or doing laundry.

Another option is a retirement home. These facilities are usually for people ages 55 and up and offer a wide variety of social activities and on-site services like meals, housekeeping, and laundry.

Know which type of long-term care is best for your loved one before you begin searching for a senior care facility. Work with their doctors if necessary.

2. Work with a Senior Placement Consultant

Many people find the process of choosing a senior care facility daunting and with good reason. You have to think about the types of services offered and the costs.

That’s why it might be helpful to work with senior placement advisors. These professionals have expertise in all aspects of long-term care and can help you determine what your loved one needs and then match them with the best possible facility.

They’ll also keep track of any changes in your loved one’s condition or preferences. This way, you don’t have to worry about anything while they’re settling into their new home.

Working with a senior placement consultant can save time and money and give you peace of mind. They know the ins and outs of long-term care facilities, so they can answer any questions that come up during your search process.

They also offer their services at no charge to families. They are paid by participating communities in exchange for referring residents who meet specific criteria (such as being over 65 years old).

3. Determine the Services They Offer

Not all senior care facilities offer the same services. Some may have a broader range of activities than others, while others specialize in providing medical care.

Determine the facility’s services and then compare them to your loved one’s needs. This way, you won’t have any surprises down the road.

Some common services that facilities offer include:

• Dining options (including special diets)
• Housekeeping and laundry
• Transportation
• Social activities
• Medical care

Ask about additional fees for things like parking, transportation, or extra meals. You don’t want any hidden expenses popping up after your loved one has already moved in.

Also, find out if the facility offers respite care. This is an excellent option for families who need to take a break every once in a while but don’t want to leave their loved ones at home alone.

Respite care can range from a few hours per day to several weeks and provides an opportunity for the resident to get to know the staff and other residents at the facility.

Inquire about visiting policies. Some facilities only allow family members to visit during certain hours or days. Make sure the hours of operation fit your schedule. If you work during the day, the facility needs to be open at night.

You should also ask about the staff-to-resident ratio to give you an idea of how much attention your loved one will receive. The best way to get all this information is by visiting the facilities in person. Schedule a tour and talk to the staff about what services they offer.

Prioritize your loved one’s needs. It’s more important to choose a facility based on what they need than the most convenient location or price point.

Choosing the right senior care facility for your loved one can be a difficult task, but it’s vital to do your research and ask lots of questions. By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to finding the perfect home for them.