6 Mistakes You Can Avoid When Searching For Senior Care
When a loved one is faced with senior care needs, there are so many options that they and their families can feel overwhelmed. Taking into account special needs, medical requirements and financial concerns, it is hard to know where to start. That’s when rushed decisions can be made based on receiving misinformation or by not searching for the requirements that your loved one needs. Before you start the process of finding residential care or assisted living options, here are some tips that will make the experience more effective:
1. Visit multiple facilities. Don’t fall in love with the first assisted living establishment that you tour and call it a wrap. If it is truly perfect, you’ll feel that way after you see some others. A good rule of thumb is to see at least three communities so you have a point of reference when making your final decision.
2. Don’t compare parents to parents. Getting word of mouth recommendations is a powerful thing to consider but the requirements that your best friend’s mom has are probably not the same as your dad’s needs. So a facility that may be a perfect fit for a friend’s loved one isn’t necessarily going to be the best one for yours. Instead, look at the facility but ask questions that are relevant to your loved one to gauge if it might be a viable choice.
3. Resist pressure. Don’t get caught up in the sales pitch that you will hear during the tour. Pressure can be a fierce motivator but during this challenging time, take the opportunity to speak to your siblings about options, tour multiple locations and make the choice that feels right.
4. Do your research. Read reviews online. If your loved one has special needs like memory or dementia issues, ask how the operators handle these situations, the resources they have to offer clients and if they are working with clients who currently have these challenges. Read their marketing material and ask as many follow up questions as you need to ensure that they can care for someone with these concerns and that they have a track record of doing so.
5. Maintain a critical eye and don’t be swayed by aesthetics. Well manicured grounds and well appointed furnishings are wonderful but looks can be deceiving. It is surprising how frequently expensive facilities that look appealing are cited for violating regulations. CarePatrol is proud to review the care and violation history of every community we align with.
6. Don’t give in to guilt. Family members searching for senior care for loved ones are in a vulnerable position and often operate from a deep sense of guilt. Making a decision to select a facility because it has a swimming pool on site may not matter to your loved one. Don’t make choices out of a sense of feeling bad and wanting to give your loved one things they may not have an interest in. Pick the place that will be the right option for your loved one.
At CarePatrol, we know how daunting this situation can be. That’s why we are here to partner with you, absolutely for free. Because finding the right care is everything, Visit CarePatrol.com to make a safe and informed choice.