Senior Living Retirement Communities: Avoid 5 Common Mistakes
Are you searching for an assisted living or senior independent living facility for an aging loved one? It’s important enough thought into their accommodation for their health, happiness, and safety.
But this choice is not easy. Where do you start? What are their needs? And what does the facility really offer? You want to feel confident in your decision to improve their living situation and overall quality of life.
The key to choosing the right senior living retirement community is to arm yourself with knowledge. That includes avoiding common mistakes to find the perfect place for your loved one.
Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for a Senior Living Retirement Community
Consider these common mistakes when searching for the perfect senior living retirement community for an aging loved one.
1. Not Thinking About Current and Future Needs
It’s important to understand your aging loved one’s present and future care requirements. That means speaking to a medical professional to determine their general overall health and the progress of any ailments. This will give you a better understanding of the level of care they will need. You should be able to make the necessary arrangements to ensure they are well looked after.
It’s best to find a community that will be able to manage their evolving needs, rather than having to move them to a new facility. This is a trying experience for both of you, and it may be difficult for them to adjust to new surroundings and people.
2. Making Hasty Decisions
Even if your loved one requires assisted living quickly, you still need to be thorough with your research. That means considering all the options; not settling.
In many instances, families choose a retirement community with a vacancy. However, this doesn’t necessarily leave your senior in an environment that is the best fit for their needs. So, take your time and find out as much as you can about your options to make an informed decision.
3. Failing to Tour the Facility
It’s never a good idea to make a decision based solely on a facility’s website. It’s vital to visit them to get a better idea of their actual accommodations.
When touring any community, look at its cleanliness and general upkeep. For instance, common areas should both smell and look clean and housekeeping staff should be available. Ask how frequently furniture and surfaces are wiped down and rooms cleaned.
Even the best-looking facilities may lack care. Be attentive to the residents and general activity in the facility, as well as the responsiveness of staff. For instance, if you notice that the residents look friendly, happy, and willing to talk, that is indicative of a vibrant, safe and secure space. On the other hand, if the mood seems sombre and makes you uncomfortable, keep looking.
4. Not Reading the Contract Properly
While contracts prepared by senior living retirement communities are generally straightforward, they may contain some confusing or complicated terms or language. Failing to understand the fine print may result in you missing out on certain key aspects, such as price or fee increases. This will result in you facing unexpected expenses.
Since every retirement community has different pricing for its services and facilities, make sure you have a clear idea of what you are (or will be) paying for.
5. Not Considering Healthcare Services
Many families focus on a facility’s location, cleanliness, and amenities more than their healthcare support services. But the latter plays a vital role in ensuring that your loved one is well looked after. So be sure to ask about the kind of healthcare support offered.
Finding the perfect senior living retirement community requires time and careful thought. But with a little planning and effort, you will be able to find a facility that is the right fit. Avoid these common mistakes to get that fit your loved one’s lifestyle and budget.