9 Assisted Living Mistakes to Avoid During Your Senior Care Research
Mar 31, 2021
Are you struggling withfinding the right assisted living communityfor your loved one?
Has your senior care research process been overwhelming and time consuming to the point of frustrating you?
Well, dont give up yet as with theright knowledge and approach, you will find the process easy and fruitful.In this post, I will show you some of the most common assisted living mistakes you may be making and how to avoid them.
1. Visiting only one facility
This is one of the most common mistakes people searching for senior care make. Probably its because they find the search process to be sick and tiring and therefore jump to the first option they come across. You have to avoid this trap.
Visiting several facilities opens your mind and presents you with several options from which you can make a choice. You cannot have a basis for comparison if you only visited oneassisted livingfacility.
It may be that one has some appealing amenities that are within your budget, while another could be having even better amenities that are still within your budget. You can then make the best choice depending on the requirements of your loved one.
One way to avoid this mistake is by taking the time toresearch and visitat least three facilities. You can even search on the internet or make phone calls and visit them in person.
2. Basing decisions on the outward appearance of a facility
No one will dare take their father or mother to a rundown, dilapidated, and unhealthy looking kind of an assisted living facility. Most people tend to incline towards the new, shiny and pretty facilities. This is because the outside appearance says a lot about the facility.
You must, however, not base your decision on the shininess of the buildings. Most people tend to think the newer and shiny, the better, but this is not always the case as luxuries do not determine the quality of life. With assisted living, the aspect of quality living is what matters most, and for your loved one, this can only be through the quality of care he or she receives.
You should, therefore, make your decision based on how caring a facility is. This you can tell by looking at the residents of the facility. What are their faces saying? Do they look happy or sad? What about the staff, are they friendly? Do they handle others loved ones roughly? These, among other things, are the real indicators of the experiences your loved one will have there.
3. Choosing what appeals to you rather than your loved one
The decision to take a loved one to an assisted living facility is often made by the seniors adult children or grandchildren. The decision-maker if not considerate enough, may make a choice based on what they think is good for the senior. This is not always the case.
For instance, you can choose a center because it has a heated pool for its residents or because it has a large backyard. While these are some great and appealing amenities, they would mean nothing to a loved one who cant physically make use of them. For example, what advantage would be a heated pool for a senior who cant leave their bed?
When making your search, ensure you take into consideration the desires of your loved one and not just your own. If possible, have them describe to you their desires and then use that as the basis of your search.
Your loved one may also not manage to tell of their desires. In such a case, then you, together with your family members or close friends, can deliberate on what you think he or she would love.
4. Not including others in the search process
The process of searching for an assisted living facility can be overwhelming. But some people would rather bear the pressure alone than bringing other people on board. While its still possible to do it alone, it would be much better, quicker, and easier if you involved experts and professionals in the industry.
To move a loved one to a senior care facility should not be a cause of embarrassment for you. Instead, you should be glad that he or she will continue to enjoy quality life as they continue to age gracefully.
Talking and consulting with knowledgeable people about your intentions arms you with the right knowledge and attitude. Your mind will be opened to different experiences others have had, and in the process, you will know what to prioritize and what to avoid.
There are organizations and advocates whose main mission is to help people navigate the waters of assisted living for loved ones. They can prove to be very helpful, especially if you have a loved one with special needs. This is because being in the industry, they will help you to make the right choice based on your requirements.
Note, however, that not all people can give you the right direction. For instance, your doctor may be an expert in health matters, but his or her recommendation for a facility for you will be based on what he has heard through word-of-mouth. This is because such people rarely take time to research such matters.
You should, therefore, take it upon yourself to visit and assess each facility recommended to you
5. Failing to read and understand the facilitys policy
Most people fail to fully read the contract or policy of the center they choose. While the contract may not be as detailed as a life insurance policy, you should not breeze through it but instead, read keenly and internalize. Where you dont understand, ask for clarification.
By reading the contract to the last detail, you protect yourself and family members from exploitation or paying for unnecessary fees. It also arms you with knowledge of what your loved one can expect from the facility and what is expected of them by the facility. You can, therefore, ask for an explanation should expectations fail to be met.
Other than that, you can know if it is possible to have food, medical supplies, laundry, etc., done for your loved one at an extra cost or not. This is because some facilities charge for such services as different packages. Your loved one may not require them all, so this saves you money.
To make sure you fully understand what your loved one should expect, ask as many questions as possible.
6. Making short term plans
When it comes to choosing a community for a loved one, most family members make short term decisions only. This includes enrolling their loved one to a community and staying optimistic that he or she will fair better.
While this is not wrong, it is better to think realistically and anticipate changing needs for their loved ones as time goes on. Anticipating their future needs in the present helps them stay prepared not only emotionally but also financially.
For instance, as time progresses, your loved one may require more specialized care. If the community in which he or she lives in right now cannot give that care, then you will have to move them. Moving from one facility to another harms your loved one as their peace gets disrupted. It also unnecessarily burdens the family financially.
To avoid this, make an informed choice from the word go. You can have your seniors doctor help you recognize his or her present and future needs and book them into a facility that will best handle them. If he or she stays in the same facility over a long time, they will develop familiarity, which brings peace of mind and comfort and in the long run, help them lead a better life.
7. Interacting with a single staff only
When you visit a facility, you will probably talk to one person throughout the visit. This person will show you around the facility and will most likely become the only person you interact with within that center.
While this is not bad, you should make contact with other persons in the facility. Through this, you can detect their attitude, which tells a lot about the facility.
Talking to one person only can give you a not so accurate view of the facility. If your point person talks rudely to people, you may dismiss the facility as a place you wouldnt want for your loved one. On the other hand, the point person could be a sweet talker while the rest of the staff are suffering from filthy working conditions.
During your visit, talk with the residents and ask them questions. Observe the other staff, do they seem happy? Do they look tired and overworked? Is the mood upbeat or somber? These are helpful indicators that paint a picture of what the facility will be like for your loved one.
8. Choosing a facility because it worked for someone else
Assisted living facilities are like medicine. Do not take someone elses prescription but rather get your prescription. Many people rush to take their loved ones to a place just because their friends took theirs there
You should note that different people have different needs, just as different facilities offer varied services. The choice you make should only be based on your loved ones unique needs. This is after you have put into consideration their desires, what their doctor says, the future needs you anticipate them to have, your finances, etc.
You should also be careful of marketers who will do anything to make sure you choose their facility. Some will even go to the point of making false statements to impress you. For instance, they may say that their facility has trained staff who can take care of seniors with dementia while, in reality, nothing they dont have such staff.
This means you have to search well and rely on more than one source for information. Do not just their word for it or rush in based on what your friends loved one experienced.
9. Rushing in making decisions
The urgency you have in getting attention for a loved one cannot be overlooked. Caution should, however, not be thrown out, especially as this involves the life of your loved one. Some people tend to hastily settle on any senior care center without minding the needs of their loved ones.
You should know that all facilities are not equal. They charge differently, have different amenities, and offer varied services. The facility your loved one ends up in should be the most optimum otherwise, they will get stressed, and that is not your intention.
During the decision-making process, visit as many assisted living communities as possible and make an observation of how they operate and how the residents live. What you see is what your loved one will come to experience. You should then ask as many questions as possible until your gut feeling is right; otherwise, the place will not be suitable for him or her.
How to prepare for your senior care research
While the search for a suitable senior care facility can quickly get frustrating, this should not always be the case. If you avoid the assisted living mistakes listed here, then the process will be easy for you.
One more thing that will surely save you lots of time to prepare your questions before visiting any facility. How you ask? By identifying the unique needs of your loved one beforehand, you can use them as a basis to prepare a set of questions whose answers seek to address your loved ones needs directly.
Then as you make your facility search, you will come across as someone who knows what they want. The people you talk to will answer you objectively and you will achieve your goal faster. But without such a guideline, then anything can be tossed at you and you will be swayed from here to there leaving you more confused and frustrated.
Other Articles You May Like
When Going Home Isnt the Next Step: Guide for Monmouth & Ocean Cty
When Going Home Isnt the Next Step: A Guide for Monmouth & Ocean County FamiliesWhen an older loved one needs more support, families in Monmouth and Ocean Counties often find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory. A hospital discharge may lead to rehabilitation. A fall may reveal that living alone is no longer safe. Or a family caregiver may realize that managing medications, meals, personal care, and medical appointments has become too much to handle alone.The good news is that senior care isn't one-size-fits-all. Depending on a person's needs, there are options ranging from short-term rehabilitation to assisted living and long-term skilled nursing care.For families across the Jersey Shore, Complete Care provides a continuum of senior care services through multiple communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, including locations in Holmdel, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Wall, Shrewsbury, Toms River, and Brick.Understanding the Right Level of CareOne of the most important steps in choosing senior care is understanding what type of support a loved one actually needs.Post-Acute RehabilitationAfter a hospitalization, surgery, stroke, illness, or injury, an older adult may not be ready to return home immediately. Post-acute rehabilitation provides a bridge between the hospital and home, helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence.Depending on the location and individual needs, Complete Care provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy along with nursing and clinical support.For families in Toms River, Brick, Wall, and surrounding communities, having rehabilitation options nearby can make it easier for family members to remain involved during recovery.Skilled NursingSome individuals need more than therapy. Skilled nursing may be appropriate for people who require ongoing medical monitoring, wound care, medication management, chronic disease management, or other specialized clinical services.Complete Care communities offer a variety of clinical programs, with services differing by location. These may include orthopedic and postsurgical care, cardiac care, wound care, neurological and stroke care, pulmonary care, and memory care.When comparing skilled nursing communities, families should ask specifically about the clinical services available at each location.Assisted LivingAssisted living can be a good option for older adults who need help with daily activities but still want to maintain as much independence as possible.Support may include assistance with bathing, dressing, medications, meals, and other everyday routines, along with opportunities for social engagement and activities.For families in Holmdel, Middletown, Red Bank, Freehold, and neighboring Monmouth County communities, assisted living can offer an alternative to managing increasing care needs at home.Long-Term CareFor some seniors, rehabilitation is only one step in a longer care journey. Chronic illness, cognitive impairment, disability, or increasing difficulty with daily activities may eventually require ongoing nursing support.Long-term care provides assistance around the clock while also addressing the social and emotional needs that contribute to quality of life.A Local Presence MattersFor families choosing senior care, location can be an important consideration.Being close to home makes it easier for spouses, children, grandchildren, and friends to visit regularly and remain involved in care. That's particularly meaningful in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, where families may live in neighboring communities but still want their loved one to remain close to their established support system.Complete Care has a broad local presence, with communities serving residents throughout the region. Its Monmouth County locations include communities in Holmdel, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Wall Township, and Shrewsbury. Ocean County options include multiple communities in Toms River and Brick Township.Because services vary by location, families should contact the individual community to determine which level of care and specialized programs are available.What Should Families Look For?Whether you're looking for assisted living in Monmouth County, skilled nursing in Ocean County, or rehabilitation following a hospital stay, consider more than just the building.Ask: What level of care does my loved one need today? What happens if their needs change? What rehabilitation and therapy services are available? Does the community offer specialized clinical care? How involved can family members be in the care plan? What activities and social opportunities are available? How close is the community to family? And whenever possible, visit in person.Notice how staff interact with residents. Ask questions. Talk with the admissions and care teams. Pay attention to whether residents appear engaged and comfortable.These observations can help families understand what daily life may actually feel like for their loved one.Planning Before a CrisisMany families begin researching senior care only after a crisisa fall, hospitalization, diagnosis, or caregiver burnout.Planning ahead can provide more choices and less pressure.Even if your loved one isn't ready for assisted living or long-term care today, learning about senior care communities in Monmouth and Ocean Counties can help your family understand what resources are available if circumstances change.Having these conversations early also gives older adults an opportunity to participate in decisions about their own future.Complete Care in Monmouth & Ocean CountiesFor families looking for assisted living, post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, or long-term care in Monmouth and Ocean Counties, Complete Care offers multiple local communities and a range of care services.The right choice will depend on your loved one's medical needs, level of independence, preferences, and family circumstances. Taking the time to understand those needsand exploring local options before a crisis occurscan make the process easier for everyone.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat types of care does Complete Care provide?Complete Care offers assisted living, post-acute rehabilitation, skilled nursing, and long-term care. Specific services and clinical programs vary by location.Where does Complete Care serve Monmouth County?Complete Care has communities in areas including Holmdel, Long Branch, Ocean Grove, Wall Township, and Shrewsbury.Where does Complete Care serve Ocean County?Complete Care has multiple communities in Toms River and Brick Township, among other nearby locations.What is post-acute rehabilitation?Post-acute rehabilitation helps individuals recover after hospitalization, surgery, illness, or injury. Therapy and nursing services are designed to help patients regain function and return home safely when possible.If you're researching senior care options in Monmouth or Ocean County, NJ, visit Complete Care's Seniors Blue Book listing for more information about available services and local care options.
Adult Day Care vs. Assisted Living vs. In-Home Care: Which Fits?
When an aging parent or spouse needs more help, families face a confusing set of choices. Should Mom move to assisted living? Should you hire a caregiver to come to the house? Or is adult day care the answer? Each option has real strengths, and the right choice depends on your loved one's needs, your family's schedule, and your budget.Here's a straightforward comparison to help you think it through.In-Home CareIn-home care brings a paid caregiver into your loved one's home for a set number of hours to help with bathing, meals, companionship, and household tasks.Best for: Seniors who need one-on-one help and do best in their own home, or who have difficulty leaving the house.Keep in mind: Costs rise quickly as hours increase, and one-on-one care at home doesn't always solve loneliness or provide much social stimulation.Assisted Living and Memory CareAssisted living and memory care communities are residential. Your loved one moves in and receives meals, care, and activities around the clock.Best for: Seniors who need support at night or around the clock, or whose care needs have outgrown what the family can safely provide at home.Keep in mind: It's the most significant life change of the three and usually the most expensive. Many seniors, especially those with dementia, find leaving home very difficult.Adult Day CareAdult day care provides supervision, activities, meals, and health support during the day at a center. Your loved one comes home each evening.Best for: Seniors who shouldn't be alone during the day, including those with dementia, who still live at home with family, and caregivers who work or need regular breaks.Keep in mind: It covers daytime hours only, so families still provide evening and overnight care.Why Many Families Start with Adult Day CareFor many families, adult day care is the middle path. It keeps a loved one in familiar surroundings at night while giving them structure, friendship, and professional support during the day. It also gives caregivers the break they need to keep going, which often allows families to delay or avoid a move to residential care.Adult day care and in-home care can also work together. Some families use adult day care three days a week and a few hours of in-home help on the other days.A Different Kind of Adult Day CareSome families picture adult day care as a room with a TV and a few board games. Town Square University Parkway in Sarasota is designed to change that picture. The center is a nostalgic, mid-century town square with 15 themed storefronts, and its daily rate includes meals, snacks, activities, medication management, and nursing oversight.Members can also access primary care, psychiatric care, therapy, lab work, mobile x-rays, showering, and grooming services on-site, which brings many of the benefits people look for in assisted living into a day program, while your loved one still sleeps in their own bed.Questions to Help You DecideIs your loved one safe alone at night? If not, residential care may be needed.Is loneliness or lack of stimulation part of the problem? Adult day care offers built-in social connection.Do you, the caregiver, need predictable time for work or rest?What does your budget allow over the next year or more?Talk It ThroughYou don't have to decide alone. Town Square University Parkway offers free assessments that can help clarify your loved one's needs, whatever you ultimately choose. Families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and across Manatee County are welcome to call or schedule a tour.About Town Square University ParkwayTown Square University Parkway is an adult day center serving families in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and throughout Manatee County. It offers a nostalgic setting, purposeful programming, nursing oversight, on-site medical services, and free caregiver support. Call today to schedule a tour or a free assessment.Town Square University Parkway8450 Lockwood Ridge Road, Unit 55, Sarasota, FL 34243Phone: 941-277-5048Web: seniorsbluebook.com/senior-resources/town-square-university-parkway
Senior Relocation in Monmouth & Ocean: More Than Finding a House
Senior Relocation in Monmouth & Ocean Counties: Why Moving Is About More Than Finding a HousePicture two homes.The first has the perfect number of bedrooms, a beautiful kitchen and a price that fits the budget.The second is slightly smaller but is closer to family, restaurants, healthcare, shopping and the activities the homeowner enjoys.Which one is actually the better home?For a senior relocation, the answer often depends on what happens outside the front door.That is why choosing a new home later in life should be about more than bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.It should be about lifestyle.A Home Is Part of a Larger CommunityFor many older adults, the neighborhood becomes increasingly important.A senior may want to be close to a favorite restaurant in Red Bank, family in Middletown, the beaches along the Jersey Shore, golf courses, shopping or community activities.Someone else may want a quiet neighborhood where they can spend more time at home.The right choice is personal.Monica Reddin's professional background and local market experience give her an understanding of the communities that make up Monmouth and Ocean Counties and the surrounding Central Jersey area.Think About the Next Five to Ten YearsA common mistake is choosing a home based exclusively on what works today.Instead, consider what may matter several years from now.That does not mean assuming something will go wrong.It means choosing flexibility.Ask: Is there a first-floor bedroom? Are the bathrooms convenient? Is there excessive maintenance? Are there stairs? Is the home easy to enter and exit? Is shopping nearby? Is family reasonably close? Is there access to transportation? Can the homeowner remain socially connected? These considerations can make a home more adaptable.The Importance of Right-SizingSome homeowners do not need a dramatically smaller house.They simply need a better-fitting house.That is the idea behind right-sizing.Maybe the homeowner wants: A smaller yard Fewer stairs Less exterior maintenance A garage A first-floor primary suite A manageable condominium An active-adult community A home closer to family A home closer to healthcare and shopping The goal is to match the property to the lifestyle.Why Local Knowledge MattersOnline real-estate searches can show properties, but they do not always explain what daily life feels like in a particular location.Local expertise matters.A REALTOR who works across Monmouth and Ocean Counties can help buyers understand differences among communities and neighborhoods.For example, a buyer considering Middletown may have very different priorities from someone looking in Toms River or Howell.Even neighboring communities can have different housing stock, commuting patterns, amenities and lifestyle characteristics.Moving to a New Community Can Be ExcitingRelocation is sometimes portrayed only as a difficult transition.But a move can also open the door to new experiences.A smaller home can mean less maintenance.A 55+ community can provide new social opportunities.Moving closer to family can mean more spontaneous dinners and visits with grandchildren.Relocating near the Shore can make it easier to enjoy favorite Jersey Shore destinations.A move can also provide an opportunity to finally choose a location based on how you want to live rather than where you needed to live decades earlier.What Should Buyers Look For During a Home Tour?Don't simply walk through the rooms.Imagine living there.Stand in the kitchen and picture making breakfast.Walk from the bedroom to the bathroom.Consider where groceries would be unloaded.Look at the stairs.Open cabinets.Check lighting.Think about where guests would sit.Then step outside.How easy is it to get to the car?How busy is the street?What is nearby?Would you feel comfortable walking?This type of practical evaluation can reveal things that photographs never show.Make the Move About the PersonSenior relocation works best when the older adult remains at the center of the process.Family members may have opinions.Adult children may have concerns.Professionals may provide advice.But the senior's goals should remain an important part of the conversation whenever possible.Monica's approach emphasizes that personal dimension.Family and community mean everything to me, and I bring that same care to real estate.What Makes a Senior Relocation Specialist Different?A senior-focused REALTOR understands that the transaction may involve more than buying or selling property.It can involve: Downsizing Decluttering Timing the sale and purchase Relocating closer to family Comparing 55+ communities Planning for lower maintenance Coordinating with other professionals Transitioning from a longtime home Evaluating a new community Monica holds the Seniors Real Estate Specialist designation, reflecting specialized education focused on the needs of older adults in real estate.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is senior relocation?Senior relocation is the process of helping an older adult transition from one home or community to another while considering real-estate, lifestyle, timing and practical needs.Why should seniors work with a senior-focused REALTOR?A senior-focused REALTOR can bring specialized knowledge to situations involving downsizing, 55+ communities, relocation closer to family and later-life housing transitions.What areas does Monica Reddin serve?Monica's professional profiles identify Monmouth and Ocean Counties along with other Central Jersey communities.Is moving to a 55+ community the only option for seniors?No. Seniors may choose a condominium, townhouse, smaller single-family home, active-adult community or another housing option depending on their goals.What should I do first if I am considering a senior move?Start with a conversation about lifestyle. Identify what is working, what is becoming difficult and what you want the next chapter to look like before focusing on individual properties.Learn MorePlanning a senior relocation in Monmouth, Ocean or surrounding Central Jersey communities? Visit Monica Reddin's Seniors Blue Book Listing: Homepage - MonicaReddin