Placing a loved one in an assisted living home, retirement home, or convalescence home can be a very daunting task. You want nothing but the utmost care and comfort for them, but there are so many different retirement homes and assisted living facilities out there, how are you to know which one is best? Below is a list of steps to take when looking for the right place.
- Consider – What aspect of assisted living care is most important to you and your loved one? Nursing care, meals, physical therapy, proximity, hospice care, etc.
- Ask – Talk to friends, relatives, social workers, and religious groups to find out if they have any recommendations. Also ask healthcare providers which facilities they think are reliable. Put together a list of possibilities from these suggestions.
- Call – Get in touch with each place on your list, and get some general information. Find out about costs and waiting lists.
- Visit – Meet with the director and nursing director. Take a tour of the premises. Also keep an eye out for a Medicare or Medicaid certification, handicap access, residents who look well-cared-for, and a warm interaction between staff and residents.
- Talk – Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask about anything that seems amiss, ask how long the heads of staff have been in place, ask anything you might be wondering about, because it’s better to find out the answers now, rather than when its too late.
- Understand – Once you select an assisted living home, read over the contract carefully. Ask for clarification if you need it, and don’t sign anything if there is anything about it you don’t understand.
Moving a loved one into a nursing home or assisted living home can be a difficult and emotional time for the entire family, but knowing that you have done your research, and found a facility where your loved one will be happiest, will come as a big comfort. More like this: heritageofcare.com
