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How Should I Go about Researching Assisted Living Facilities?

Your aging mom is finding it harder to do the laundry or cook dinner. Dad is more forgetful, and he really shouldn’t be raking the leaves out in the front yard anymore. The time is coming when your parents are going to need help with daily living. That means you need to start looking for the right place for them to live.

research assisted living facilitiesThis can be a daunting task because there are so many different types of facilities to care for aging seniors. Each type has different services and accepts different payment sources. US News & World Report’s recent article entitled “What Is the Best Way to Research Assisted Living Facilities?” says that there are plenty of resources to help you in your search.

Begin Early. The sooner you begin the process, the better. Doing research before you need it is crucial. The decision is frequently made in a crisis situation, which can be dangerous. That is why preparing for these situations sooner is vital.

Create a List. The first step is to make a list of assisted living facilities in your area that you might want to tour. AARP recommends the following sources:

  • Your local or state agency on aging. To locate one near you, use the federal government’s Eldercare Locator website or call 1-800-677-1116.
  • LeadingAge, an association of aging-related organizations. They have an online Aging Services Directory to search for facilities in your area.
  • Argentum is a trade association for senior living communities that also has an online directory to search by ZIP code.
  • Ask relatives, friends, neighbors, and your loved one’s doctors about recommendations.
  • S. News also has details of services and patient and family reviews to help you find the best assisted living choice.

Employ a geriatric care manager. This professional can assist help with your aging loved one’s needs. They will take you to facilities they know and suggest specialty facilities, such as a memory care facility for a senior with dementia.

Review the facility’s licensure and accreditation. Make certain the place is licensed and, if needed, has enhanced special needs certification to provide specialized health care for complex conditions and dementia. You should also ask about staff tenure because a high turnover rate is a red flag that the facility is poorly run. It also means your loved one will be meeting new people constantly, which can be stressful. See if residents are able to actively participate in the things that affect their lives, such as what they eat and what activities are available.

Talk to an elder law attorney.  You should also visit with an elder care attorney, also known as an elder law attorney, to make sure you are preparing properly for the future.  Elder law planning goes beyond mere estate planning and will factor in issues that are faced with aging, whether it be asset protection planning, advance directives, family agreements, caregiver agreements, powers of attorney, and more.  It’s advisable to speak with a Certified Elder Law Attorney, as this attorney has demonstrated their expertise in this planning area.

Reference: US News & World Report (Nov. 10, 2020) “What Is the Best Way to Research Assisted Living Facilities?”

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