Holidays are approaching and you are trying to navigate the road with aging parents. Maybe it is time to think about assisted living and what can you do to make the next chapter of living comfortable, affordable and beneficial for everyone. What exactly does assisted living look like today? Let us help you with the process! 

5 Steps to Assisted Living

1. Figure out the locations of assisted living facilities that are workable for you. You want something that you can easily access and visit your loved one. Also you want a care facility that fits the needs of your aging parent or spouse without breaking the bank. However, if you are managing from afar, you need to make sure this location is readily accessible if you must undertake extensive travel. For example, find a facility that is a reasonable distance from the airport (with ample ground transportation available) if you are out of state. Check “off hours” for availability and costs for common ride-share services. Outside of major metropolitan areas, such services may not exist or have severely restricted hours or options. 

Just like in real estate, location is the prime concern. If you plan to visit often, you need a location that works with your comfort level in travel. If you live out of town or state, you want a location that you can get to easily by plane or other means that work for you. 

2. Cost is the next big factor in choosing an assisted living location. According to the U.S. Health and Human Services, most adults at some point (especially over the age of 65 years) will need some type of assisted living or long term care. You want to be able to afford the best care at that time so the planning should start early. You can start by checking with the Affordable Assisted Living Facilities near you to get an idea what is offered to help your aging parent or loved one, and what is the cost. This is a tedious job; however, well worth it in the end when your loved one is in a facility that offers the care they need at a price you can afford. Remember costs differ tremendously from state to state and city to city. Do your homework.

3. Start the investigation of what you need and what each facility offers in terms of care. You can start looking at style, amenities, and healthcare services offered. The range is huge from a basic facility to very posh facilities with many amenities for aging adults. You need to have the discussion with your aging parents, their doctor and insurance carrier to decide what is the best fit for them. You may think it is not that hard but finding the perfect fit can be tricky unless you do your homework.

4. Understanding how the facility fee structure works is a must. The cost can include the following:  All inclusive with a monthly fee, Tiered with the cost being based on the care needed by your loved one, or a la carte which has a basic fee with additional services at additional fees. You need to go through all of the fee structures for each facility you are considering to make sure you are getting the best care for the best service required by your loved one. Remember some facilities require an upfront payment or deposit that can be negotiable and always talk to an administrator before making any final decisions on an assisted living or long term care facility.

5.  Negotiate Fees if possible with the facility you select. The most effective way to lower your cost at a facility is to plan early. However, most people don’t start planning until something happens and they need the services immediately. You can also get an expert to help you with the process and help you with all the ins and outs of choosing an assisted living facility.

Finally, this is a quick list of tips for you when selecting an assisted living facility for your mom, dad or loved one. It is not easy, and there are so many questions to ask and consider in the process. Having an advocate that can help with selecting and eliminating several choices in the beginning is highly recommended and valued. Senior Living Options is ready and willing to help you drive this road with ease. Our staff is knowledgeable and knows the ropes of the selection process in our area. Contact Ann Jamison today and she will be happy to guide you through the process.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.