Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for an Assisted Living Community

September 18th, 2019 | For Family Members

Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for an Assisted Living Community

Searching for the best assisted living residence is tough, especially when your parents and loved ones are making the change. Fortunately, there are ways to help them learn how to find and choose an assisted living facility. Most of these come down to the following three steps:

• Determining what they need
• Finding locations that match their needs and signing up for tours
• Utilizing multiple resources to find the right location

We’ll help you focus on finding the right residence to keep your loved one safe, happy, and secure as soon as possible with as little worry as possible. There are a few common mistakes people make when considering an assisted living community.

1. Making the decision based on superficial reasons

Assisted living is about more than a pretty building. Often, adult children choose living establishments they think their parents would enjoy without adequately thinking about their health and wellness needs.

If your mom or dad is unable make the decision, very carefully weigh all the options available before making it. Most of the time, transportation, safety, and comradery with similarly aged adults are exactly what your parent wants. 

2. Being unrealistic about health and memory needs

If your mom or dad has dementia, think about what they need now, rather than what they used to enjoy. Memory issues cause adults to become reclusive, scared, and confused. Aging causes stressors and other worries. Choose a residence that can best protect them, rather than one that is overly fancy.

Many residents come to us because they chose places that didn’t offer the quality of care or level of services that they need. We always recommend adult children seriously consider their parent’s health needs and ask doctors about the support seniors need as they age.

3. Going it alone in the search

It’s usually prudent to get several opinions regarding the best assisted living options. There’s a good chance other family or friends have gone through the same process. You might also consult qualified senior living advisors. 

Legend Senior Living provides advisors to help navigate the process every time we show people our community. Our senior living advisors are generally very helpful when it comes to the process of choosing the right home, even if Legend may not be the right fit for your particular needs.

4. Not knowing what to look for

Start your search online, but make sure to talk to people. When doing your research online, make sure the residence offers the following resources:

• Nutritious prepared meals
• Companion services that provide company, personal assistance, and support
• Life enrichment activities to indulge, learn, and grow
• Wellness and other activities to keep seniors engaged and active

But go to the source, too. Make sure to make time to visit the residences you’re considering. On your visits, we suggest you talk to the people to see exactly how it operates. Speak privately with staff and residents to get their opinions about the level of care and their overall satisfaction. Cheerful residents are always a good sign to look for in an assisted living home.

5.  Choosing the first residence you find

You’ll find that every residence is unique. We recommend visiting at least three homes before you make a decision. This allows you to compare, do your due diligence, and get a clearer picture of standards and options available. Take note of residence standards, their cultures, and how they treat people. Most of all, consider your peace of mind and the safety of your loved ones.

Legend Senior Living Is here to answer your questions and give you a tour

Generally speaking, most questions about assisted living focus on how many members are on staff, how the staff handles maintenance, and activity schedules. Security for aging adults with memory needs is something to consider as well.

At Legend Senior Living, we understand what’s important to you – family, friends, good care, and compassion. We understand the need to live your life and your standards for independence, dignity, and the right to personal choice.

 

 

Call us today to learn more about enhancing your parents or loved ones’ quality of life and ensuring they get the care they deserve.