Tips for Choosing an Assisted Living Community

A move to Assisted or Independent Living can provide peace of mind and access to supportive services that will allow a person to age in place. Assisted living and Independent living can provide a thoughtfully appointed apartment, including meals and housekeeping. You also have the added benefit of access to professional nursing care when needed as well as to activities and social events- like live musical entertainment within the community.

There are many different types of assisted living facilities available depending on your needs as well as your budget. Assisted living communities generally offer help with daily tasks such as preparing meals, showering, and dressing or assistance with medications and activities in addition to providing 24-hour support for those who need it. Some assisted living communities are pet friendly and offer free parking while others do not. Some assisted living communities are set up so that you may receive extra services like physical therapy or occupational therapy onsite and others may not.  Be sure to make a list and ask questions regarding their policies before choosing that particular facility.

It might be difficult to determine which type of care is best for you or your loved one. Doing your research ahead of requesting an onsite visit can be very beneficial to those having to make the difficult decision to transition to assisted living. There are a number of actions that may help you evaluate assisted living facilities and select the best option for yourself.

If possible make an appointment and visit the Assisted Living facility. If you cannot do this in person, call and set up a time to talk with the Assisted living community manager over the phone or via video conference so that you can get an idea of how it feels.

You should ask lots of questions such as:

• How long has assisted living been around?
• What type of activities are offered at Assisted Living communities?
• Does Assisted Living provide transportation?
• Is there any extra charge for these services if they need them?
• How close is the nearest market, church, medical facility?
• Will I be able to bring my pet into Assisted living (if applicable)?
• Is there a generator?
• How many elevators are in the building?
• How many apartments in total?
• Is there current availability? A waiting list?
• How often can family members visit?
• Can we decorate our apartment with pictures or other items that make us feel more at home?

Assisted living communities will vary greatly in price. You should determine your budget before looking for Assisted Living Communities and then try to find one in balance with your income and resources. It can be helpful to do a cost comparison worksheet to compare your current living expenses vs what is included in assisted living.

A transition to assisted living is a personal choice. It needs to feel right to the person who will be living there and also to the family members. We suggest you avoid choosing an Assisted Living Community because someone else recommends it over another Assisted Living facility nearby unless they have first-hand experience in the community or know something specific about its services, rules, and regulations as well as how staff members interact with each resident that makes them believe this is a good place for you or your loved one–not just because a friend of a friend says so! When choosing an assisted living community, arrange to visit on-site several times to help you make a good decision. Then you can feel really good about which Assisted Living Community is right for you.

Most importantly, Take a tour of the facility.

Check out the rooms to see if they are tidy and well-maintained. Make sure that residents have unrestricted access to decorate their rooms. Look for sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers, among other things, to ensure safety and security. Also, find out if there are any security measures in place for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. Go outside and check the grounds for space to move about. Are the outside spaces well maintained? Notice the employees in action to see how they interact with residents.

Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes; when choosing an assisted living community it is important to consider what is important to you or your loved one. By being thoughtful about what you want from an assisted living community and asking questions, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you or your loved one! You must first understand your physical, financial, and daily living requirements before selecting a suitable facility. In an assisted living residence, what will be essential to you? Divide “must-haves” from “wants,” placing a higher value on the former. It aids in making a decision when you know exactly what you want.

For a personal VIP tour of the Briarcliffe Preserve Assisted and Supportive, Independent Living Residence or  Briarcliffe Gardens Memory Care Assisted Living please contact us and we will be more than delighted to talk with you about all of your requirements and answer any questions you may have!