As your parents age, you might see that living at home isn’t safe or easy for them. After talking with doctors and friends and looking at choices, you think about the senior living community. Before planning, recognize the mixed emotions you and your parents might feel. As you prepare to face what’s coming, you might be unsure where to begin. How can you find the right senior living place that fits your parent’s needs? The great news is that help is available when searching for a good place for your loved one to live that offers the support they need. We’ve gathered essential tips to help you find the best senior living option for them.
Tips for Choosing the Right Senior Living for Your Parent
Senior living communities vary greatly, and each one is unique. It’s crucial to choose the right one for your parents. Consider these key factors to find the best community that meets their needs.
1. Find the perfect place.
Talk to your parent about where the best place for their senior living is, thinking about:
- Do you both want to be close to each other?
- Do your parents want to stay near where they live now?
- Would your parents like to live in a new place they love?
This will help you figure out where to start looking.
2. Think about the type of community
To find the right community for your loved one, learn about the different types. Each one caters to specific care needs.
Assisted Living
Assisted living offers different kinds of help depending on what each person needs. It’s suitable for people who need help, like getting dressed, and those who always need care. The staff helps with showering and dressing but lets residents live independently and have fun with social activities and special programs. Sometimes, residents can also get medical care from trained nurses for things like shots and wound care.
Independent Living
Independent living is excellent for seniors who can care for themselves but want a smaller home without giving up their way of life. It’s for those who don’t need help with daily tasks. These places have activities like exercise classes and concerts to keep life fun and take away the hassle of housework.
Memory Care
Memory care communities help people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s hard to know when it’s time for this care. If your parents aren’t safe at home because of memory problems, memory care can help both of you. These communities create routines that match what each person needs and likes. The care changes based on whether someone is in the early, middle, or late stage of dementia. This means everyone gets the right kind of help.
3. Figure out your family’s money matters
Money is a big concern when thinking about senior living for your parents. But it doesn’t have to be too expensive. First, add up all your parent’s current costs like home payments, bills for utilities, yard work, and groceries. Then, see how this compares to the price of a senior living place. Remember, this cost usually includes food and bills and might cover extras like a gym and events. Check with your parent’s insurance and see if VA benefits can help with the costs. Also, talking to a financial advisor can give you sound advice on choosing senior living.
4. Choose the amenities that matter to your parent
Before visiting a senior living community, chat with your parents about what they want in their new home. Ask about their hobbies. For example, if they love walks, look for a place with lovely outdoor areas. Do they want to try new activities? Choose a place with lots of events and social opportunities. Find out their perfect community and talk about these things when you visit.
5. Plan your move
To ensure a smooth transition to your parent’s new senior living community, follow these simplified steps:
- Start planning the move early to avoid last-minute stress.
- Help your parents downsize by deciding what to keep and what to give away since they might need to reduce their belongings.
- Use a moving company that has experience with seniors for a smoother transition.
- Keep important documents like medical records and legal stuff organized and easily accessible.
- Set up the new living space with familiar items to make it feel like home before moving day.
- Make the moving day more accessible for your parents by having them spend it away from the chaos.
- Support your parents as they get used to their new home and encourage them to join in community activities.
In wrapping up, finding the right senior living spot for your parents involves a mix of emotions and careful planning. From deciding it’s time for a move and picking the right place to actually moving, we’ve covered essential steps to make things smoother. The aim is to ensure your parents are happy, safe and well-cared for in a community that fits their needs. It’s all about taking it one step at a time, discussing things, and ensuring they feel at home in their new place. This significant change can lead to a positive new chapter for your parents with the right approach.
