While some families are able to accommodate their elderly parents in their own home, that option isn’t always feasible for everyone. When you accept that your parents are no longer able to live by themselves, the next step is finding suitable living arrangements for your senior family members.
It can be a stressful transition for older adults to make the move to senior living. Luckily, many assisted living communities are shifting their focus to sustaining residents’ independence and providing a personalized level of care – one that mimics the comforts of home without the added maintenance for your loved ones.
Your parents deserve the same kind of love and security they provided you as a child, so return the favor. And when you are ready to start searching for a new home for your parents, consider these tips to find the perfect place.
Figure Out Your Budget
Finances will play a major role in determining what kind of home you place your parents in. The average cost of adult care facilities varies. The daily price for adult daycare could be between $25 to $100. The average daily cost of a nursing home in the United States is $245, reaching up to $400 in Hawaii and $963 in Alaska. Depending on where you live, you could be spending between $7,350 to more than $28,000 per month.
Decide what is the best fit for your parents’ needs. If you do need to spend more, perhaps consider pooling resources together from the adult children and other relatives so your parents get the proper care.
Involve Your Parents In The Decision
Talk to your parents about the kind of home they want. What kind of location are they interested in? Are social and recreational activities important to them? Or do they want something more solitary and independent? What about being a part of a faith-based community?
You can do most of the work securing a place, but factor in their preferences as well. When it comes time to make a decision, make sure your parents feel included. Discuss the pros and cons of each place with them and their concerns and feelings about the move. The last thing you want is to feel like you are forcing them to move somewhere they are uncomfortable in.
Hire A Senior Living Advisor
Once you understand how much you can afford and what your parents’ needs and desires are, consider hiring a senior living advisor to help you find the ideal home. These advisors can draft a list of facilities that fit your budget and needs.
Before hiring an individual, conduct a background check using Go Look Up, a free online information database containing arrest records, mugshots, and other vital information so you feel safe. You want to make sure you can trust the person you are working with and that he or she is a reputable individual.
If you need any other help, then you might want to consider involving a professional in your day-to-day life. For instance, if you’re acting as a carer, then senior care services could offer respite care that allows you to take care of your own needs while making sure that your parent’s essentials are taken care of. You’re not just moving into a new home, you’re moving into a new phase of living together, which may involve some changes.
Check Out The Home First
Before committing to a home for your parents, do your own inspection of it. Schedule a few visits at each of your shortlisted homes. The best time for a tour is during mealtime at the healthcare center in Cromwell, CT when the residents are up and about and you or your parents can try the food and interact with the people. And drop in unannounced to see what the place is like without a marketing coordinator or other representative guiding you.
Compare and contrast the homes and take notes, but also go with your gut. If a place doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t. Once you narrowed down your search to your top favorites, do another follow-up visit at each site before making your final decision.
Read The Contract
Make sure to read the fine print! Review the contract carefully before signing anything. It is recommended to have an attorney or accountant also review it. You do not want to miss any financial responsibilities or legal surprises that may come later.
Taylor Wright says
I like how you mentioned factoring in the parent’s preferences when choosing a home. My parents are getting older and are more consistently needing more help that my siblings and I can’t always handle. We’ll be sure to keep these tips in mind as we search for a good home that suits their needs.