As the population nationwide continues to age, more adult children than ever before are facing the challenge of how to care for aging parents. Each year, many begin the search for the right assisted living facility where their parents can relocate to live more safe and productive lives.
One of the biggest obstacles to finding the right assisted living facility is simply the learning curve involved. If you are beginning this process yourself, you probably have so many questions. In this post, learn the basics of what to look for when you are evaluating different assisted living options for your parents.
The Definition of “Assisted Living”
An assisted living facility is one option among many for senior adults who may require some assistance in maintaining a semi-independent daily life. While different assisted living facilities may offer different menus of services, there are some basic services that are generally associated with a decision to move into an assisted living facility.
Here is a list of those services:
- Daily dining options.
- Housekeeping and laundry services.
- On-site security.
- Transportation to medical appointments.
- Options for exercise.
- Social programs.
- Access to some medical services.
It can be helpful to think of “assisted living” in terms of a receiving assistance with a basic set of daily life activities. These activities typically include eating, bathing, dressing, toilet assistance, shopping, going to medical appointments, tending to health, exercising, and socializing.
Comparing Different Assisted Living Facilities
Once you know the basic menu of services that most assisted living facilities provide, you are better equipped to decide if assisted living will provide your parents with sufficient support. If the answer is yes, it is time to begin comparing different facilities to pick the best option.
The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) provides this helpful checklist for evaluating each assisted living facility. You may find the checklist helpful as an organizational tool when comparing one facility to another.
What You Need to Look For in an Assisted Living Facility
Here are the major questions you need to ask when selecting the right assisted living facility for your parents.
- What can you afford to pay monthly on a long-term basis?
Because assisted living isn’t cheap, and Medicare doesn’t cover it, it is important to have a plan in place to pay. The average stay in an assisted living facility is 36 months (3 years), and costs can run from $50 to $300 per day. Setting your budget first will go a long way towards simplifying the selection process. - What do your parents need in terms of care?
Because no two assisted living facilities are likely to have precisely the same menu of services, you will first want to make a list of the specific types of assistance your parents need so you can compare that list to what each facility offers. This is particularly important when it comes to medical care. Not all facilities will have on-site medical staff, and in those that do, it may cost extra for those services. - Is the facility not-for-profit?
In some cases, a not-for-profit model can result in more economical assisted living costs. This is because there isn’t the same drive to turn a profit for shareholders in a nonprofit facility. - What is the facility itself like?
There is simply no substitute for a personal visit to the facility. An unannounced visit can be a good way to assess how well the admissions brochure information matches up to the actual experience of the residents. You will want to look for all the basics first, such as the cleanliness of the facility itself, cheerful staff, visible security staff, food that looks appealing, a nice array of social and exercise activities, etc. Then you will want to schedule a tour and talk to admissions staff, other staff, and (if possible) residents to find out what life is like there. - What is actually included in the per-day price?
Just because an assisted living facility offers a menu of services does not necessarily mean all services are included in the per day cost. You will want to sit down with admissions staff and talk through what your parents need, what they will get under the basic per-day fee, and what services cost extra. - What is the facility’s track record?
By contacting the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center, you can learn if the facility has any outstanding or resolved complaints. You should also do your own independent online research.
By understanding what to ask and what to look for when evaluating assisted living options, you can feel confident about selecting the right facility for your aging parents.