When deciding to put your parent or loved one in a retirement-based community where they can receive constant medical care, get help with daily activities or socialize with other people, it’s not an easy choice to make. You can’t be there 24/7 to see the kind of care they’re receiving and if they’re happy and content with the environment. Everyone has seen news stories where long-term care residents ended up with injuries such as bruising, broken bones or a lapse in addressing their needs. As you begin the search in looking for a forever home for an aging loved one, the more research you put in beforehand, the better off you and your loved one will be in the long run. Here are two questions you should ask as you search.
1. What’s the facility like?
This is so important to address because it determines the environment your loved ones will be spending their livelihood in. You have to scour the internet for reviews, testimonials and third-party resources for how the facility is maintained and how happy the residents are. In addition, word of mouth – good or bad – goes a long way. It’s also a must to see the space for yourself. If your loved one is able, you could even bring them along, so they could have a say in where they’re to live. Seeing the space with your own eyes will also let you decide if it’s an environment you would want to live in and shows you the day-to-day maintenance. The more in-depth analysis you can do about each and every aspect of the facility, the better off you and your loved one will feel calling a new place home.
2. What does a senior living advisor think?
When looking for extended living options for your aging loved one, you don’t have to go about the process alone. There are third-party representatives who are unaffiliated with housing facilities you can talk with and ask questions. They can provide expertise and answer any and all concerns or thoughts you have about what your current situation is and what you’re thinking about. In addition, this is an important step to take because they will be able to look at all the variables as an unbiased resource. They’re not working directly for the facilities you’re looking into and aren’t obliged to “sell” their facility as the best option. They’re just there to give you the honest truth and help you make the best decision. Do you research when looking for an advisor; some require payment, but some provide services for free.
Aging is a wonderful part of life. It lets your loved one start looking back on everything that’s been done while also opening up space for a slower-paced life that’s well deserved. However, the joys of growing old can be taken away with daily stressors if your loved one isn’t living somewhere well suited for them. Finding a perfect home environment is key to maintaining joy, fulfillment and better health in life’s beautiful chapter of old age.
