6 Mistakes You Can Avoid When Searching For Senior Care

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CarePatrol of Greater Mobile and Northwest Florida

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Aug 05, 2022

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Alabama - Gulf Coast

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6 Mistakes You Can Avoid When Searching For Senior Care 

The road to finding senior care options for a loved one can be a bumpy one if you don’t have the right resources to help select the assisted living or residential care options that are right for that individual, based on factors like medical requirements, special needs and financial concerns. As a valued referral partner, we know that acting as an advocate for your clients can help make the difference in helping guide them to available options.

What do well meaning families do wrong when searching for senior care options?

One is to only visit one facility. Even if it is incredible and seems too good to be true, having a point of reference is essential. Advising them to tour at least three communities is a wise decision and will help them learn about their options as well as experience what is available for their loved one. 

Another common mistake is to assume that because a facility is perfect for a friend’s parent, it would be a great choice for theirs. Every individual has unique needs and concerns and one facility isn’t necessarily the cookie cutter choice for everyone. They should always seek personal recommendations as well as professional ones, but follow that with a visit and ask questions that are tailored to their loved one’s situation.

During this vulnerable time, families may make decisions based on feelings like guilt or on the pressure that may be used by the marketing or sales staff during a venue visit. As difficult as it may be, it is necessary to look at the big picture and have questions answered rather than being swayed by luxury amenities like a swimming pool or to cave to sales pressure. 


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, We at CarePatrol of Greater Mobile and NW Florida look forward to finding quality care for your clients, absolutely for free!  Call us at 251-317-0183.

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Local Services By This Author

CarePatrol of Greater Mobile and Northwest Florida

Housing Placement & Resource Specialists PO Box 1463, Daphne, Alabama, 36526

WHO WE ARE & WHAT WE DOIs there really a difference in quality of service? At CarePatrol, we think so.We understand that this is probably a decision you never wanted to make. Thats why we will personally meet with you, pick you up, and take you on a guided tour of our recommended communities which are based on the specific individual needs of your loved one.Our services are no cost to you, as we are paid for by over 20,000 preferred providers across the nation.