How to Find an Assisted Living Facility for a Senior

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Understand the differences in types of facilities There is a big difference between a nursing home

   The services provided and costs incurred vary depending on the type of facility you choose.
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   Step 2: which provides around-the-clock skilled nursing care

   Determine what you can afford so you can decide if prospective facilities fit into your budget. , Make a list of the most important services, including medication assistance, incontinence care, dressing, meal help and physical therapy and exercise, so you can keep them in mind when reviewing facilities. , Find out what credentials the facility requires for staff to be employed and how many staff members care for residents. , Give them a tour of the bedrooms, activities areas and grounds so they can offer their opinions. , A quality facility will have these records readily available to prospective residents.
   
   Review them carefully and note how frequently the facility is inspected and whether there have been any emergency inspections or complaints against the facility. , Ask if they are happy, if there are fun activities, if they feel well cared for and if they are satisfied with the quality of care they receive.
   
   Some facilities provide welcoming committees for new residents that should be able to answer your questions. , Staff should be able to tell you how medical issues are handled for residents.
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   Step 3: and an assisted living facility

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   Step 4: which offers assistance with daily tasks while still allowing seniors to retain some independence.

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   Step 5: Calculate what you can afford While health insurance and government agencies may provide some financial help with paying for a senior assisted living facility

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   Step 6: most of the expenses will be left to the seniors and their families.

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   Step 7: Determine what services are needed It's important to know what help or services your senior loved one will need when choosing a senior citizen living facility.

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   Step 8: Meet the staff Meet with nurses and staff members that interact with facility residents to get a feeling for the atmosphere of the facility.

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   Step 9: Take your senior loved one with you It's important that your senior loved one feel safe and content at the assisted living facility you choose for them

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    Step 10: so take them with you when you visit potential facilities.

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    Step 11: Check out standards and reviews Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are held to state and federal regulations of sanitation and resident care.

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    Step 12: Talk to current residents Meet with some of the facility's residents and ask them what they think of the facility.

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    Step 13: Ask about medical procedures Find out what guidelines are in place for staff to follow in case of emergency medical situations

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    Step 14: or for routine medical issues such as incontinence or high blood pressure readings.

Detailed Guide

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