Tips for choosing an assisted living or skilled nursing community

There are many really good senior options available when seniors need more care. However, making the decision to place your loved one in the hands of a long term care community is a tough one. I have seen many families struggle with fear, guilt, and regret in trying to make this very important decision. To that end, I would like to offer 3 quick tips to help in your decision making process.

1. Use a placement service- These agencies are free of charge to families but offer a valuable service. After letting the agency know your price range, location, and what is important to you in a community they make recommendations based on their knowledge of the long term care market. The really good agencies will also set appointments for you and tour communities with you.
2. Surprise Visits- Every community operates best during the work week when most of the managers are on site. However, this is only 8-10 hours out of a 24 hour day. If you really want a true picture of life in a community, you need to visit after hours and on weekends.
3. Look beyond the Décor- The long term care homes of today are a far cry from where they were 10-20 years ago. The concept of offering a home-like environment is standard practice today. Unfortunately a beautiful setting does not equate to quality care. Look beyond the décor and look at the residents them selves. The care of seniors is all about human contact you must critically examine the interactions between the staff and residents as well as interactions between the residents themselves.

I hope these tips help. And please feel free to leave a comment or ask a question. For more tips  please subscribe to the infoseniorliving blog.

Vernon Roberson MA, LNHA

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4 Comments

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  By Tenee, October 3, 2009 @ 6:16 am

  Neat Blog!
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  By Dawn Houghtaling, November 24, 2009 @ 1:12 pm

  excellent tips!..if I may add..as to
  1..placement agencies.Time is of an essence, always, but please take the time to confer with at least two in the area. Some placement agencies recieve a referal fee.
  2..suprise visits are nessessary! If needed, create a team of people that can show up at completely random hours, often. Also, keep a log of shared experiences.
  3..as a prospective renter, you have a right to ask that elevators, escalators, emergancy exits,kitchens, and all other public areas are properly and regularly inspected by the appropriate authorities on a regular basis. A reputable facility should be happy to share these inspection results.
  Consider At Home Care…Suprisingly rewarding. Cost effective…A few moments with a respected elder is rewarded for a lifetime. Ask anyone whose taken the time.
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  By QFDaniel, January 11, 2010 @ 8:10 am

  Actually,good post. thx
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  By matt, January 19, 2010 @ 7:55 pm

  this is a really nice site, thanks for the great info. I am going to keep reading more of your stuff

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