| Selecting an assisted living facility for a senior family | | | | they come to the facility? Are you or your parent |
| member or loved one can be a very tricky task. You | | | | loved one comfortable with their style and |
| should do as much research as possible by reading | | | | credentials? |
| reviews and articles by knowledgeable health care | | | | 4. Don't go for the lowest price. Add up the needs |
| professionals and other trusted sources. | | | | present and likely future care needs of the resident |
| CareGrade interviewed professional care manager | | | | and compare prices that way. |
| Michael Newell, RN, MSN and found out what he looks | | | | 5. Sit in a common area for an hour or so and see |
| for in assisted living facilitates. His insight gives a | | | | how people interact with each other. Is this a setting |
| professional's viewpoint and offers advice to | | | | that you or your loved one would feel comfortable in |
| consumers looking for these types of services. As a | | | | for the long haul? |
| professional geriatric care manager, he earns his living | | | | 6. Ask your local care manager what the reputation is |
| advocating for seniors and is extremely | | | | of the facility. A care management consultation will |
| knowledgeable about what seniors and their families | | | | be money well spent. |
| should look for when choosing a facility. According to | | | | While researching these facilities may seem like a |
| Michael, the following list contains key elements a | | | | chore for you, keep in mind it is a life altering event |
| family should consider when looking into an assisted | | | | for the senior you are helping. They will often be |
| living facility | | | | leaving a home they have had for many years, along |
| | | | with many of their possessions and memories. You |
| 1. Identify your goals. What do you want the facility | | | | should go about selecting an assisted living facility the |
| to do? E.g., Some have offer more skilled care than | | | | same way you would look for a new home, as that |
| others, some have a nicer setting, some may be | | | | is what it will become. It is more than just a building, |
| nearer to friends and family | | | | or a room. Each location has its own personality, so |
| 2. What hospital would the resident be taken to if he | | | | look beyond the grand entrance and pretty wall |
| she got acutely ill? Is it one that you would want to | | | | paper and take the time to really get to know the |
| see them in? | | | | facility before you make any decisions. |
| 3. Who will be doing the primary medical care? Do | | | | |