By Deborah Bass, President of Bass Eldercare Resources
basseldercare.com
Everyone wants their parents, grandparents and loved ones to live somewhere safe, comfortable, and affordable, where a high quality of life and enjoyable community come standard. Finding a setting that allows your elder to enjoy a high quality of life while preserving their independence and dignity is essential. Unfortunately, it's also easier said than done. New senior housing facilities open every day, in a dizzying array: assisted living facilities, memory care, nursing homes, senior housing. What does it all mean, and what's right for your loved one? Begin your research process by asking these six critical questions.
What Are My Elder's Needs?
The first step in finding the appropriate senior housing is determining what your elder's needs are. This means looking at their physical condition, their ability to care for themselves, and their emotional and spiritual health. Be objective as possible when answering this question: considering your mother's ability to move around unassisted may be difficult, but it's imperative that you find a facility that's prepared to meet both current and emerging needs. Does your elder need care dealing with a chronic health issue, such as diabetes? Are they experiencing confusion or showing the signs of dementia? Would they prefer to live in a community of people who share their philosophical outlook or faith? All of these questions help determine what your elder's needs are.
What Degree of Staff Support is Desirable?
Preserving independence and autonomy is a goal of many elders. Not every senior needs continual support and monitoring. It's a good idea to identify how much support your elder will realistically need, as well as what level of support the different facilities you're considering offer. There's a wide range of options, from senior housing facilities that offer little help beyond building maintenance - meaning your dad never has to snowblow the driveway - to intensive skilled nursing care for those elders with significant medical needs. Assisted living facilities are a popular choice, as they offer assistance with the majority of daily living needs together with opportunities for socialization. Support for basic health care needs is generally available, and you may be able to contract for more intensive care if needed.
What Happens If Needs Change?
An elder who is healthy, strong, and almost completely independent one day can, just like the rest of us, undergo circumstances that totally change their needs in the blink of an eye. A stroke, heart attack, car accident, or the onset of Alzheimer's or other degenerative disease can mean that what was once a perfectly suitable living situation is no longer appropriate. Continuous care facilities are designed with change in mind: residents are provided only with the level of support that's desired and appropriate at the time, but should circumstances change, more assistance is available. Ask how the facility you're considering handles changing elder needs: you don't want to have to move your loved one abruptly - especially when they're facing declining health or physical challenges.
What Type of Community Does My Elder Want to Live In?
Consider the people your parents, grandparents, or loved ones will be sharing space with. Most of us enjoy living around those who share our values and ideals; that's why we're seeing the emergence of 'themed' senior living options. Some facilities are faith based, others are catering specifically to a given ethnic group or community. Matching your loved one to a community where they'll feel welcomed and valued is important.
Is This Facility Conveniently Located?
Entering senior housing does not mean withdrawing from the world. Ideal housing will allow your elder to continue critical relationships - with friends, family members, faith communities, doctors, and others that they've been living alongside for years. It's also important to consider the convenience of family members, particularly for elders who are near the end of life or need a great deal of care.
What's the Real Picture Here?
While you certainly want to interview the staff at any senior living facility, that's not where the research ends. Go online, talk to local senior welfare agencies, and consult with those in the know about the facility you're considering. Do they have a good reputation? How do they perform on state inspections? Have there been complaints or allegations of abuse? Talk to your insurance company: have they worked with this facility before? Do they pay for the services provided? You don't want to be blindsided - objective information is critical in making an informed, appropriate decision.
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As the founder and CEO of Bass Eldercare Resources Deborah Bass brings expertise, experience, and compassion to families in need of eldercare resources and guidance. Every elder has their own unique vision of the future, and Bass Eldercare works to make that vision real. From finding appropriate housing, securing in home care, and everyday life activities such as eating, bathing, and dressing are all handled through tax planning, elder law issues, and more, the Bass Eldercare team has the knowledge, resources, and access to get the job done.
For more information about Bass Eldercare, please visit http://www.basseldercare.com/
