I continue to write on this topic every time it is raised. I will keep saying the following:
1. Work with someone who can assess the needs -physical, emotional and financial, or your loved one. And work with someone who does not take money from the assisted living that gets chosen, as many companies have contracts and then when you choose one of the places they took you, they get paid a month of what you pay to live there as their fee. And they only take you to the ones where they have the contracts.
2. Talk to the other families who are visiting and find out what they have to say.
3. Find out how long the administrator has been there and ask residents and families if they are approachable, accountable, and available.
4. Ask to see the State surveys of the place you have chosen, they will provide you with invaluable information.
5. Find out about staff turnover-if there is high staff turnover, be concerned because they are probably not valued or paid enough to be able to stay there. If you cheap out on staff, you are at risk of losing them because someone else will offer them a better deal after you have trained them.
6. Ask about the food and have a few meals there. Ask residents how they like the food, how flexible meal times are, are there daily specials.
7. How much do they provide entertainment? People get bored. Many assisted livings do not provide much paid entertainment even though it is something residents love.
8. What level of care do they provide and when will they tell you your loved one has to move because they cannot meet their needs?
9. What is included in the base price in regard to care and housekeeping? How much do they charge for levels of care?
10. How often do they increase the rent?
11. How many hours of nursing staff time are there each day and how many days a week?
12. Remember do not think the place is great and worth what they charge because it is graced with elegance. It is the care and caring of the people, not the chandelier in the foyer that counts.
And not all people are best cared for at home. Sure it is great if it works out but there are issues with full time at home care, particularly when there is no family close by. Examples are staff who quit; constant change in staff; isolation of the elder; potential abuse-economic, physical or emotional, when a senior in need is at home alone with a caregiver 24/7; lack of socialization, entertainment, transportation and nursing. And for some people, at home care is a blessing and works great. There is not one answer for everyone.
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