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5 Common Mistakes When Researching Assisted Living

With more than 32,000 assisted living communities in the U.S., according to the National Center for Assisted Living, finding the right one for your aging loved one can be a daunting task. You know that you’ll need to make some calls and schedule some tours, but what are the mistakes families make when searching for assisted living, and how can you avoid them? If you want to feel confident that your loved one ends up in a place where their quality of life improves, here are five most common types of mistakes people make when researching and choosing assisted living for loved ones.

  1. Choosing a Community Based on Current Needs

If you’re just getting started researching assisted living communities, you might not know the difference between independent living and assisted living. In independent living communities, residents live in separate dwelling spaces, and there aren’t full-time staff dedicated to providing medical or nursing care. In assisted living communities, residents typically live in apartments, and they need some assistance with activities such as bathing, doing laundry and keeping track of their prescription medications. Staff members, including some kind of medical professional, are on call 24 hours a day.

When determining the best living situation for an elderly loved, be realistic about their current care needs as well as their anticipated needs. It’s better to choose an assisted living community that can handle those future needs rather than having to move your parent independent living to assisted living in the near future.

  1. Overplaying Location Over Services

Having your parents in an assisted living community right down the road might be incredibly convenient, but it might not always offer the care your loved one needs. Instead of prioritizing proximity, put an emphasis on the health care services and community offerings. Although you might intend to visit your parent every day, that’s likely an unrealistic expectation. Plus, if they’re in an assisted living facility a little farther away but it offers activities your loved one enjoys, they’ll be engaged in the community. Go with the best fit for your parent, not you.

  1. Not Doing the Proper Research

Fancy furniture and beautiful landscaping are enticing, but they’re not indicators of high-quality care. When you go for a tour, pay close attention to how you feel and what is going on around you. Is the community clean? Are the stairs and hallways well-lit? Are there enough common areas, such as dens and living rooms? Are the residents groomed and dressed appropriately? Spend time with the staff and residents. Ask them what they like and dislike about the place.

How is the care? Is the staff attentive without being intrusive? Are the doctors and nurses helpful and accommodating? Is there anything missing? There are many questions to be considered when trying to choose an assisted living community for your loved one.

But don’t stop there. Also look into the official backgrounds of the communities that you are exploring. Verify each assisted living community’s safety regulations and operating licenses, and check to see if there have been complaints filed against the community. Before committing to a long-term contract, ask if you can arrange a temporary respite stay to confirm the atmosphere is as positive as it was during your tours.

  1. Making a Decision Too Quickly

Choosing an assisted living facility can be overwhelming, but don’t let it stress you out so much that you rush into making a decision. Start your research early so you have the time you need to make the right decision with your parents. You should plan on visiting at least three assisted living communities at least twice before making a decision.

On the other hand, don’t put off making a decision until it’s too late, either. Many families don’t start exploring their options until they are overwhelmed by care responsibilities or there is a crisis. Then, they’re stuck with wherever a bed is available — whether it’s the right fit for their loved one or not. You want them to be happy and safe, so take your time and make sure you find the assisted living community that will best meet their needs.

  1. Ignoring the Fine Print

If you think you’ve found the right community, spend some time reading through all the documentation carefully before signing on the dotted line. Make sure you understand the discharge policy, the monthly rate for housing and care, and what services that rate includes. Some assisted living communities offer all-inclusive pricing, which includes a private residence, three meals per day plus assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing, and medication management and administration if needed. But many communities offer tiered pricing or a levels-of-care agreement. Not paying attention to the fine print can lead to unexpected fees or pricing structures for which you weren’t properly prepared.

To avoid the most common mistakes when researching assisted living communities, remember that your parents’ needs override your own, do your research early, anticipate their future needs and take the time you need to make the right decision.

 

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Assisted Living Costs and AffordabilityAre you considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one but are hesitant about the cost? Assisted living costs, services and amenities vary greatly among the last and most expensive communities, and costs are higher in some states than others.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Having “The Talk” With Your Parent: It’s Time for Assisted Living
Talking to your aging parent about moving to an assisted living community isn’t easy.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-The Challenges of Aging: How to Handle Your Aging Parent’s Difficult BehaviorsDifficult behaviors in elderly adults are very common. They may be an expression of frustration your loved one feels or a symptom of early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Becoming a Family Caregiver: What You Need to Know Before Deciding to Take Care of a Loved One
Becoming a family caregiver can be a rewarding experience. It also has its challenges.

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Helping Your Parent Manage DepressionIs your parent or loved one depressed, or just in a bad mood?

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The Arbors Assisted Living-Guide-Is It Depression? A Guide to Identifying and Addressing Depression in Aging AdultsHas your aging parent recently lost interest in activities they used to enjoy? Have you noticed a change in their mood and behavior?

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No one ever plans to be sick or disabled, and disasters, man-made or natural, can happen at any time, anywhere.

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Guide-Guide to Making the Move to Assisted Living
Moving to assisted living is a life-changing event.

This guide provides tips and ideas on downsizing, what to pack and how to make the transition smooth for your senior parent.


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Guide-Solutions to Common Caregiving ChallengesIn this eBook, you’ll learn how to talk with family and friends about caregiving challenges, how to deal with a parent who is resistant to help, how to get more caregiving help from your siblings, and how to keep your job while caregiving.


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How Moving My Loved One to The Arbors Eliminated My Caregiving ChallengesHave you had to cut back your hours at work to care for your mom? Are you worried about administering medications or injections?

Have you stopped getting together with friends, either because you don’t have the time or you’re too exhausted? Are you becoming the invisible second patient?


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Guide-When is the Right Time for Memory Care?In this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, including the early symptoms of dementia; the seven stages of dementia and the symptoms that typically accompany each one; and the signs it’s time to start exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-What to Look for in a Memory Care CommunityIn this guide, you’ll learn about the difference between assisted living and memory care, how healthcare professionals are trained in dementia care, common features of a memory care community, and questions you should ask when exploring your memory care options.


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Guide-Brothers and Sisters
Navigating adult sibling relationships can be a challenge, but coming together for the sake of your parent is important.

In this guide, you’ll learn about common sibling conflicts that arise when caring for parents, strategies for getting siblings on board, and where to turn to for help.


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Guide-The StandoffAssisted living can be a touchy subject. No matter how you approach it, your parent is likely to have objections to something.

As you help them transition to a new stage of life, it helps to be prepared with answers to their questions and concerns.


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Guide-11 Most Common Caregiving Challenges
A Guide to the Most Common Family Caregiver Challenges Associated with Caring for an Aging Parent.

You’ll learn about the true costs of being a family caregiver, common family conflicts that can occur when caring for parents, and some of the unexpected challenges of caregiving.


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Guide-Checklist_ Questions to Ask When Touring an Assisted Living Community
This checklist will help to make sure you are getting the most out of your visit to The Arbors.

The list details what important questions to ask during your visit so you are able to make an enlightened choice and find the best assisted living community for your needs.

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Guide-What is Assisted Living Really LikeIf you’re unsure what Assisted Living looks like in real life, whether there is a difference with nursing homes or a desire to see how community life unfolds, then this guide is exactly what you need.

A guide to discover the Care Team and a Typical Day in Assisted Living.

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