When looking for an assisted living facility, it can be challenging to determine the exact right place for your loved one. Of course, you want them in a place that is clean, with professional staff, and you need to choose somewhere that fits your budget. It’s also important to get a feel for the community and what it is like, not what the advertising is trying to tell you.
The process does not have to be overwhelming, however. We’ll offer you some easy tips for narrowing down your options to find the perfect destination for your family member. You can do all the research by phone and online to get the initial information. Then you will want to tour the facilities you are considering at that point.
The first thing you will want to do is look on the Internet for facilities located near your loved one. Often you can start your search at the state’s Departments of Health and Human Services. After you have found a list of facilities, some of these questions can narrow down your options.
- Is this facility near doctors, pharmacies, shops, and other relevant places?
- Will it be convenient for friends and families who visit?
- Is the neighborhood safe?
- Is there information about the assisted living facility on the Better Business Bureau?
After narrowing down your options online, you will want to move to phone research. The first thing to ask is whether the facility is accepting new residents and, if not, what the waiting list looks like. You can also ask about prices to see if it’s within your budget. Here are some other questions to consider:
- Are there programs to help with costs?
- What types of payments are accepted?
- If you find negative online reviews, ask for an explanation.
- Do they offer tours and how long are they?
- What do you have access to during the tour?
At this point, any facilities you are still considering should be toured. This will give you a lot of information about a facility and its environment. Talk to people. Pay attention to what you see, hear, smell, and feels. This can give you an idea of whether the place is right for your loved one.
Chelsea Senior Living in New York has two communities for those you love. You’ll find 24/7 staff, scheduled activities, well-stocked libraries, and much more.
