How To Choose the Best Senior Living Facility

Choosing the Best Senior Living Facility

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best senior living facility. First, what is best for the individual can vary from person to person. There is no single best option for everyone. Choosing the right facility means balancing your needs with the services provided. Fortunately, there are many care options to choose from.

Determine Your Needs

The first thing to determine is what you need or want in a senior living facility. Consider making a checklist for assisted living, independent living, or skilled nursing. Determine what factors are most important to you, like being close to family or part of a faith-based community.

The level of care you need or anticipate needing in the future also plays a role. If you are independent now but anticipate needing more care as you get older, you may want to consider a continuing care retirement community.

Another consideration to include in your checklist is whether the facility can accommodate any special needs you may have. These may include dietary restrictions or the desire to have a pet.

Evaluate the Costs And Insurance Coverage

Cost is another key factor for many people. Generally, the higher the level of care needed, the higher the costs.

The median national cost for independent living is around $3,100/month, while skilled nursing facilities have a median national cost of more than $9,000/month for a private room.Medical insurance may cover part of the cost of skilled nursing care but generally doesn’t cover independent or assisted living.

Do Your Research

Community boards and recommendations from others in your community may help you determine which facility will best meet your needs. There are many different websites available to check ratings and reviews.

Visit the Facility

Once you’ve decided what factors are important to you, consider scheduling visits with facilities in your area. Meet with the directors of the facility or nursing team and talk with staff. The National Institute of Aging also recommends looking for:

• Medicare and Medicaid certification
• State licensing
• Disability accessibility
• Warm interactions between staff and residents
• The cleanliness and comfort of the facility
• Residents who appear clean and cared for

Ask questions about the activities, food, and other factors that are important to you. Consider asking about things like staff-to-resident ratios and staff turnover.

What Are Senior Living Facilities?

Senior living facilities are communities that offer a range of services depending on the level of care and the needs of the residents. They generally promote social interaction through activities, and most provide communal dining opportunities. Senior living facilities offer a lower-maintenance lifestyle for people who no longer want to or can no longer live in their own homes.

Types of Senior Living Facilities

Several types of senior living facilities are available; their services range from independent living to fully skilled nursing.

Independent Living Facilities

Independent living facilities are for seniors who need a little help and don’t want to manage a whole household on their own. An independent living community usually provides meals, social activities, light housekeeping, and sometimes transportation.

Independent living facilities don’t usually provide medication management or help with activities of daily living such as bathing, but these services may be available through independent contractors.

Assisted Living Facilities

Assisted living facilities are for people who need some help with their daily care but don’t require full nursing services. Assisted living facilities usually provide care with medications, laundry, and personal care such as bathing.

With assisted living, you generally have your own apartment, but the staff can provide more support and assistance than they would in an independent living facility.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Skilled nursing facilities, also known as nursing homes, are for people who need more medical care. Care may range from rehabilitation services for someone recovering from an illness or injury to full care for someone who is debilitated. Skilled nursing facilities generally have a registered nurse (RN) on site 24/7 to help with care.

Memory Care Facilities

Memory care facilities are geared toward people with dementia. Some skilled nursing facilities have memory care units, while others may be entirely dedicated to memory care. Not all memory care units will have skilled nursing, but many do.

Most memory care facilities will have secure entrances and exits to prevent residents from wandering away when they are confused.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

Continuing care retirement communities offer various levels of service. These communities can allow you or your loved one to stay on the same campus if the care needs change over time. The level of service may range from independent living to skilled nursing, depending on the community.

What Services And Activities Are Available in Senior Living Facilities?

The services available in a senior living facility will vary based on the type of facility. A skilled nursing facility will provide more medical services than an independent living facility, which is more community focused.

• Senior living facilities typically provide meals that can be served either in the apartment or in a community dining hall.
• Most facilities provide housekeeping and maintenance.
• Depending on the facility, help with medication or personal care may be available.

Many communities offer social activities and outings. Social activities can provide a sense of connectedness and help prevent loneliness. Loneliness and social isolation can negatively impact memory and brain health, so this social stimulation is important.

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Independent Living?

The primary difference between assisted living and independent living is that assisted living offers slightly more care intervention than independent living. Seniors in assisted living may require more help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. They may also need additional assistance managing their medications.

When Should an Older Adult Enter Senior Living?

Timing for entering senior living depends on the person, their needs, and their priorities. A 2021 study in the International Journal of Hospitality Management evaluated factors influencing seniors’ decision to move into senior living facilities. They found that seniors considered relocating based on health, social, housing, and facility-related factors, while family-related factors, economic factors, socio-psychological, and information barriers were things that negatively impacted their thoughts on relocation.

If you’re trying to decide when an elderly loved one needs more help, there are several signs that professional assistance could be beneficial, including:

• Changes in their personal appearance, such as poor hygiene or weight loss
• Changes in their home, such as an unkept lawn
• Frequent falls
• Unexplained injuries such as bruises or cuts
• Changes in memory or mental health
• Social isolation
• Mismanaged finances or unpaid bills
• Changes in sleep patterns

If you’re trying to decide whether a loved one needs more assistance, the first step is to ask them. However, not everyone is willing or able to ask for help. Watching for subtle changes can help you determine when to have a more serious conversation about your loved one’s care needs.

Making the Best Decision for Your Needs

Choosing the best living option is always challenging, and it doesn’t get any easier as you age.

When choosing a senior living facility, you’ll want to consider your unique needs and preferences. Planning and knowing what is important to you is the best way to ensure you spend your golden years in a facility that meets your needs and wishes for the years to come.