Assisted Living in Niagara Falls: Avoid These 5 Mistakes!
Picking the right assisted living facility in Niagara Falls for an aging parent or other loved one is a life-changing decision.
However, it can be difficult to narrow down your options. Some children and families postpone making definite plans as they fear making the wrong choice. This is why it’s necessary for caregivers of seniors to know what common mistakes others have made when looking for and selecting an assisted living community.
Discover some of the most common mistakes and how to successfully avoid them.
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an Assisted Living Community in the Niagara Region
Take a look at some frequent mistakes you should avoid when picking out an assisted living community in Niagara Falls for an aging loved one.
1. Not Involving Your Loved One in the Process
When looking at assisted living communities in Niagara Falls, consider how you would feel living there. It’s even more necessary to consider how your aging loved one may feel and how easily they will adjust to their surroundings. That’s why it’s necessary to involve them in the decision-making process.
When you don’t involve them, you take away their choice and make assumptions based on your preferences. This can lead to frustrations and unnecessary headaches for both of you. But by including them in the process from the start, they will feel more comfortable and confident about the move.
2. Only Focusing on Aesthetics
Many assisted living communities market themselves to residents with ‘resort-style’ and ’luxury’ amenities. While it may be easy to get carried away by how a facility looks and feels, this shouldn’t be the sole deciding factor. A reputable facility will make it easy for seniors to segue from their home life into residential care. Such places tend to feel more like home instead of a resort to ensure seniors remain comfortable for as long as they stay.
3. Not Taking Finances Into Account
Assisted living in Niagara Falls can be expensive, so make sure you know what you can afford before committing to any specific community. You don’t want your aging loved one moving in and out of multiple facilities in a short span of time because you cannot afford to pay for their care costs. Also, it will be easier on them to remain in one place.
Furthermore, many assisted living facilities provide financing options. So, it may be helpful to reach out to the assisted living community in Niagara Falls to understand whether they provide what you need.
4. Overemphasizing Proximity
While you may want to choose a community close to your home or work, so you can visit frequently, it’s more important to choose an appropriate community. Pick the option that fits their needs, as this will keep them happier over the long run.
5. Only Deciding During a Crisis
Make sure you research and visit assisted living facilities in Niagara Falls before there is an urgent need to find a suitable place.
It’s never a good idea to settle on your choice. Rushing to make a decision in a crisis can lead to unnecessary stress and put your loved one at risk.
So, make sure you visit multiple communities and observe the residents and staff to understand how they feel living and working within the community. Also, make sure to discuss the activities, amenities, and care facilities (i.e. respite care, independent living, assisted living, et cetera) they provide.
Choosing the right assisted living community in Niagara Falls is a big decision, so it’s important to avoid these common mistakes. By doing so, you will be able to narrow down potential options. Prioritize the level of care and support that your loved one will receive before choosing a facility, and keep your finances in mind to ensure you make the right decision.