You may be in the market and shopping around for a senior living facility, perhaps for a parent, grandparent or another relative. Before you begin choosing an assisted living home there’s a lot you need to know.
One of the first things to consider is price.
There’s a pretty wide range of prices one might find when looking into senior living facilities, depending on factors like size and quality of care. In America, the average cost for a private room in an assisted living facility is currently $3,750. That might seem like a lot, but you really get what you pay for. Most people wouldn’t want their mom or dad living in an “average” home. A reputable facility with quality care and amenities costs closer to $6,000 a month. Some of the bigger facilities start at around $8,000 and month and the cost goes up from there with services being charged a la carte style.
Another thing to really consider is location.
A key to finding a great home for you is to find a facility that not only fits your care needs but is also conveniently located for you. The facility should be easy to get to, not hard to find from the main road and have ample parking. Also, think about the surrounding area. A prime facility will be located in a nice area or a well established neighborhood rather than one that is in need of serious repair or development. It should also be close to your home or work. You’re the one who’s going to come for a visit so make that easy on yourself! You’ll also need to find out what the facility is actually like on the inside. Don’t just rely on a facility’s website or brochure. A good senior living facility will be clean and inviting, no funky odors or grime. Check out the physical space. Examine the private and public areas. Find out if the rooms are private or semi-private, and how big they are. Ask if the rooms have private bathrooms or are there only shared ones available. You’ll also want to check out the food that is offered. You’ll want to make sure the dining space is an appealing one. Some places do buffet style dining, others have a cook prepare a hot lunch and dinner, while some upscale facilities have a private chef on staff. Another thing to inquire about while assessing a facility is what amenities and activities they offer, if any. Activities should happen regularly and be engaging, like senior yoga, bingo, book club, music or crafts. Those are just the basics, but there’s a whole lot more to consider – like reasonable visiting hours, the caregiver to resident ratio and room size legalities. At the Residential Assisted Living Academy, we have everything you need to know to choose the best senior living facility. We are knowledgeable about every step of the process and we offer exclusive educational materials and friendly help so you can be confident you’ll make the right choice for your loved one.
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