Sorting through the types of senior living options for a loved one is a tedious task, to say the least. There are more living options for caregivers to look through than ever before.
And the search itself is often accompanied by deep emotion and the guilt of no longer being able to take care of the loved one’s needs. However, this does not mean that you cannot find a community that will support their life and takes it to the next level.
In this article, we will cover how you can stop sorting through the types of senior living and simply prepare for the community that will fit them best.
So keep reading to learn more.
Plan the Finances As Early As Possible
The best senior living community is the one that matches your loved one’s needs, and consequently the budgets for many years to come. Planning your finances early on will ensure that you find a community that your loved one can identify as their home in the future.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover senior living types, but there are several other forms of assistance that might be available for you. For instance, state-run Medicaid offers several levels of living benefits, and veterans are eligible for more assistance via the VA.
Most senior residents make use of proceeds from their home sale, savings, and government benefits to cover the costs of assisted living. Figure out how much you can afford to spend each month, and don’t forget that inflation is a thing.
Financial security is among the most important concerns for seniors, therefore the right living option can provide them the financial peace of mind that will ease the anxiety that they have toward senior living.
People First, Amenities Second
You will quite commonly find that senior living communities have various amenities for their residents to enjoy, and although these are a great addition, the people are what makes a community special.
When searching for a community, focus on the staff that will be engaging and interacting with your loved one on a daily basis. Speak to those who will have direct contact, and ask yourself:
- Do they seem rushed? Are they enthused to speak with you?
- Are they interested in learning about your loved one? Their needs? Their concerns?
- Do they have great social interactions with other residents demonstration strong bonds?
It’s also critical that you pay attention to the residents themselves, as they will be your loved one’s neighbors and friends. You can learn a lot about the community by speaking to residents. Ask yourself this:
- Are they content and happy?
- Do they enjoy the company of other residents?
- Do they engage in social events, hobbies, and groups that would appeal to your loved one?
- Do you think your loved one will get along with them?
In order to find a living community that’s right for you and your loved one, people are the most important facility. Find a community that fits the lifestyle and personality of your loved one, as that will make the transition easier and ensure long-term health benefits.
Involve Your Loved One
After all, you’re looking for a senior living community for your loved one, not for yourself. The more engaged they are in the process, the more likely you are to find the most optimal option that accommodates their needs.
It can be difficult to speak with your loved one about transitioning into senior living, but it doesn’t make it any easier if you keep it a secret. In speaking with them about their priorities, their feelings, and concerns, you can better gauge what they need.
Emphasize their concerns, don’t dismiss or diminish them. Be prepared to explain the various options and dispel the misconceptions they might have. Don’t have the discussion all at once, make it a daily effort. Express your own hopes and views for their future. Speak about budgets and finances.
By involving your loved one in the conversation, you can finally break down all of the unnecessary opposition that they might have towards the transition, and it will also ensure that you find an option that matches their priorities and preferences.
Types of Senior Living: Cognitive Focus
Assisted living gets confusing when you realize that your loved one might need supervision because of their cognitive issues, rather than their physical need for care.
It’s important to find a facility that encourages memory care and works towards improving their overall cognition. Senior living is much more pleasant than a nursing home, so you often have specially-developed programs that focus on the cognitive needs of your loved one.
To narrow your search through the types of senior living, look for facilities that accommodate these needs, and encourage your loved one not to give up on life. But on the contrary, take it by the full force and lead it the way they want to.
Good luck with choosing a retirement home.
Senior Living for Your Loved One
Now that you know how to sort through the various types of senior living, you are well on your way to ensure that your loved one gets to reside in an environment that they enjoy. As long as you put their needs and preferences first, you will ensure that they spend time in a facility that they enjoy.
After all, it’s about them, and not just about you.
If you’re interested in having a tour at our senior living community, get in touch with us and we will happily show you around.
