How To Choose The Best Assisted Living Center
Last Updated on January 18, 2024 by Lori Pace
There may come a time when you have to start looking for a residential facility where your parents can receive the support they need. If this is the case, you’ll need a few pointers to help you choose the best assisted living center that will provide proper care and support.
Why you have to think about this?
Being a single mother is a tough job since you are the only provider and caregiver for the family. And while most of us manage to juggle kids and a career, there comes a time in life when you’ll start feeling like you have too much on your plate.
This usually happens when other family members start to need your care and attention, which might make you ask how much does private home care costs per hour. Your elderly parents (or parents) may not be as sharp as they used to be. This is a very tough pill to swallow, especially if you rely on your parents’ help for childcare and support.
Assisted Living vs. A Nursing Home
To ensure your parents’ current health state doesn’t deteriorate any further and their needs are being met, it’s important to identify the right type of facility for them.
Your main options are:
- A caregiver who can come to your parent’s home as needed
- An assisted living center
- A nursing home
The first option works best if your parents can still move around without much help and only need someone to assist several times a week. However, depending on where you live, it can be quite difficult to find a trustworthy caregiver.
The second and third options require your parents to move from their home into a special residential facility. Assisted living facilities offer supportive services, such as help with activities of daily living, whereas nursing homes provide comprehensive medical care, including 24-hour nursing care and rehabilitation services.
Overall, assisted living facilities are more home-like, and residents are independent, whereas nursing homes are more institutional and provide a higher level of care.
Red Flags To Look Out For When Choosing The Best Assisted Living Center
We’ve all heard horror stories of elderly people being abused or neglected while under so-called specialized care.
So, it’s only natural to worry about your own parents.
But this doesn’t mean you can’t find proper facilities out there where people can leave their golden years peacefully while surrounded by a loving and thriving community. You just need to know how to find these facilities.
So, here are some red flags to keep in mind when looking for assisted living for your parents:
- Poor cleanliness and maintenance
Take note of any strong odors, dirty or stained carpets, and general disrepair of the facility. These could be indicators of poor hygiene and maintenance practices.
- Inadequate staffing
Ensure that the facility has enough staff to meet the needs of all residents. If you notice that staff members seem overworked or are neglecting residents, it may be a sign that the facility is understaffed.
- Limited activity options
Check if the facility has a variety of activities and events to keep residents engaged and active. A lack of options can lead to boredom and social isolation.
- Limited medical services
Check if the facility has access to medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses. If the facility does not have these resources, it may not be able to meet the medical needs of residents.
- Hidden fees or costs
Make sure you understand the costs associated with the facility and what services are included in the base price. Hidden fees or costs can quickly add up and make the facility unaffordable.
What You Can Do
If your mother or father has already been the victim of abuse or neglect, you can (and should) take legal action against the nursing home or assisted living facility.
Abuse or neglect can present as a fall, bruises, confusion, or anything that seems unusual. This is why it’s crucial that you keep communicating with your elderly parents and the care facility once the transfer is complete.
Pay close attention to what your parents are saying and how they are behaving, and make sure they feel better than they would have if they stayed in their own home. It’s also essential to continue looking for reviews and complaints about the facility online or through word-of-mouth.
Wrap Up
Placing your parents in an assisted living program is not a sign you are a bad daughter. However, you must make sure their needs are met and that their quality of life continues to be positive.
