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6 tips when searching for the best assisted living community The Ivy at Watertown

6 Tips When Searching for the Best Assisted Living Community

Making the decision to move to an assisted living community is stressful enough. Now you’re tasked with finding an assisted living community that’s close to home, within your budget, and offers the level of care your loved one needs.

“Finding the right assisted living community is a very important and sometimes daunting undertaking,” says Jason Rieger, Executive Director of The Ivy at Watertown.

Not only are there nearly 30,000 assisted living communities in the U.S., but there are huge variations among them. What might be right for your mom might not be right for your aunt, and the best assisted living community for your dad today might not be the best assisted living community for him two years from now.

“To make the best and most informed decision, it’s extremely helpful to know what to look for, what questions to ask, and how to compare one community to another,” says Rieger, who has more than 30 years of experience in senior living.

Here are Rieger’s six tips for finding the best assisted living community for your loved one.

1. Don’t Wait Until There’s a Crisis to Start the Search

You don’t need to wait until your loved one isn’t safe at home alone to start the search for assisted living. In fact, many older adults are choosing to live in assisted living because it offers them more independence than when they were living at home.

“One of the most common feedback comments we hear is, ‘I should have done this so much sooner,’” Rieger says.

This is an important decision, and it can take time to find the right fit. By being proactive in the search for assisted living, you and your family can take your time and make sure you find the assisted living community that will best meet your loved one’s needs.

2. Start with the Location

For many families, one of the most important deciding factors is location. “If being close to loved ones and friends or in a familiar area is vital, it helps to start the search for a quality community beginning with the most desired location and working your way outwards from there,” Rieger says.

3. Think About Current and Future Care Needs

When searching for the right fit for your loved one, it’s important to not only consider their current care needs but also what their future needs might be.

For instance, if your mom is just starting to struggle with memory loss, she probably doesn’t need to move into a specialized memory care environment just yet. But it’s better to choose an assisted living community that also offers a memory care community. That way, if your mom does need to transition to memory care, the move is as seamless and easy as possible — she’s simply moving from one apartment to another within a familiar setting.

“Although most assisted living communities offer similar services, no two are the same,” Rieger says. “Make sure you ask what services and care are provided. As your parent’s health changes, how will their needs be met?”

4. Go for a Visit

An assisted living community might have the fanciest amenities, but it’s the people inside who truly make a difference. That’s why touring is the best way to determine which communities offer the best fit for your loved one.

“Environment and culture cannot be overstated,” Rieger says. “In addition to being an attractive, safe, and tranquil setting, how does the community feel? When you walk through the doors and into the community, what does it feel like? Does it feel friendly, warm, and inviting? Do residents look happy and well cared for? Are staff members friendly? Do they appear to enjoy their work?”

5. Ask for a Price Breakdown

When it comes to finding the right assisted living community, cost is probably one of the biggest deciding factors for families. But asking “How much does it cost?” isn’t always the best way to determine if a community is affordable.

“When it comes to analyzing cost, folks don’t realize how expensive it is to maintain a house, even if it’s paid off,” Rieger says. “There’s still property taxes, insurance, utilities, home and yard maintenance. When you look at the cost of assisted living, it really has amazing value, especially when it eliminates so many of those high-risk chores associated with keeping up a house.”

When you find a community that feels like it has the right fit, ask the community representative to break out the total costs based on your current needs and then some scenarios of potential or future needs. Use these same examples when comparing other communities of interest.

6. Let the Staff Help You

Assisted living staff are a great resource for helping families navigate everything from assisted living costs and affordability to downsizing and selling the house.

“One of our main responsibilities is to walk hand in hand with the residents and their families through this transition,” Rieger says. “We want to help you make the best move for your family member, whether it be The Ivy or not.”

If you have questions about whether The Ivy at Watertown is the best assisted living community for your loved one, request more information or schedule a tour today.

 

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This guide will go over what you need to know before you make a 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.

This guide will answer questions you may have about the costs of assisted living and recommend resources to help you pay for it.


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Often, many adult children avoid bringing it up because it can be a sensitive topic.

This guide will provide you with helpful tips and insight on how to have a productive conversation with your parent and siblings regarding your parent’s future.


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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.

This guide will provide you with skills and knowledge on how to handle difficult behaviors your aging parent may be experiencing.


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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
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This guide will provide answers to questions you may have on this topic.


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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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Yet older adults are among the most vulnerable during a crisis. That’s why it’s critical that seniors, and those who care for them, prepare for emergencies.


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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.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

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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?


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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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.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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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.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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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.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

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.


NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Guide

 

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.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

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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.

NOTE: Your privacy is important to us. We’ll never share your details nor spam your inbox.

Instant Access to Free Cost Comparison guide

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If you do, then this guide is exactly what you need.


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