Collaborative Post
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 1 in 10 people age 65 or older is abused, neglected, or exploited. And while the majority of elderly abuse victims are women, men can and do experience elder abuse too.
Consumer complaints about elder abuse and neglect in nursing homes have risen by over 45% in the last decade. In some cases, the abuse is physical or sexual. But in most cases, the person being mistreated is mentally ill or developmentally disabled.
So when it comes to deciding where to place your parents, how do you know where to start? Several red flags can help you avoid scams, find a quality facility, and choose a good roommate for your parents.
Understanding Their Needs and Wants
Before you do anything, you need to understand your parents’ needs. And their desires. If your parents are still in good health and need some companionship and help with everyday things, a retirement community may be a good fit for them. Retirement communities often have common areas that seniors can enjoy and socialize with other residents. They also have people on staff who can help with various day-to-day tasks such as meal preparation, medication management, and transportation to appointments.
On the other hand, if your parents need more medical care, a nursing home might be better. Nursing homes are designed specifically to care for the elderly under constant medical supervision. As they age, many people require more assistance with daily tasks that they once could handle independently. A nursing home provides round-the-clock care that allows seniors to avoid being an additional stressor on family members and caregivers.
Exploring different lifestyle options for seniors can help families choose a community that aligns with their loved ones’ interests, activity levels, and personal preferences.
Determine Your Budget
The next thing you will need to do is determine your budget. There are various housing options available that vary in price and comfort level, so it is important to figure out what you can afford when it comes to your parent’s living arrangements. Once you know this, you can determine what exactly a “senior living facility” means to you and your family.
For example, some assisted living facilities may provide all the amenities your parents need in one location and at a very affordable price. If you have a limited budget but want to keep your parents in one place, this may be the best option. Other senior living facilities may offer fewer services but allow seniors to live independently in their apartments or homes. This type of living arrangement could save you money on housing costs and cost you more in transportation and healthcare.
Photo by Visual Stories || Micheile on Unsplash
Talk to Family and Friends
Before choosing a senior living facility, talking to family and friends is important. First, you should understand their overall experience with the facility and whether they have any recommendations. It’s common for friends or family members of current residents of a facility to be able to make introductions on behalf of your parents.
The most useful information you can gather is whether or not the facility is suitable for your parents’ needs. Therefore, it’s essential to not only speak with friends or family members but also seniors who live at the facility.
Do your research.
Senior living is a broad term that encompasses many types of facilities and services. While many options are available, some of the more popular senior living communities include apartments, assisted-living facilities, and nursing homes. Before deciding on a senior living facility, it’s important to do your research to determine what kind of community will best suit your parents’ needs.
- Research local facilities.
If you have family members in your area already living in a senior living community, they can provide you with key information about choosing a facility. In addition, they should be able to tell you about their experiences with the staff, amenities, and other residents.
Even if no family is nearby, you should still be able to find information about local facilities online. Local websites or blogs are great places to begin your search for senior living communities in your area. These resources list local businesses and provide details about amenities, prices, and reviews from past residents.
Conduct your interviews.
Whether your parents are retiring or you are helping a loved one find a facility, the most important thing to do is conduct interviews and tours. You want to make sure you are comfortable with the process and the environment they will be in and that they won’t be just another number. Research the organization, find out how long they have been in business, get a sense of their philosophy, and find out what they think makes their facility unique. Pay close attention to:
- Safety
Safety may be the most important thing you weigh when determining the best place for your parents. First, assess the availability of staff and visitors. If your parents live in a facility with a staff member on duty during the nights and weekends, it would be a safe choice.
- Check The House Rules For Your Parents
A senior living facility has its own set of house rules that have to be abided by the residents. Make sure your parents are okay with these rules, and they will not create any problems while staying at that facility. Also, pay attention to the medication policies of that facility.
Consider proximity.
When deciding on a senior living facility, the top priority for most parents is location. Still, you don’t want to be so close that you can’t give them their much-needed space, so try to find a somewhat close facility and not in your backyard. Ask yourself if you would feel comfortable going there for a visit or if you would feel like you were intruding. This may seem like common sense, but many people get wrapped up in the image of the facility and forget about the actual feel of the place.
Wrapping up
In the end, you’ll want to choose a caregiver or senior living facility that your parents will be able to feel at home in. Then, sleep well, knowing you made the best decision for them by taking a systematic approach to finding the perfect match.