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Skip to Article Content- Transitions New to caregiving? We’ve got you covered. Learn the basics right here.
- 7 Caregiver Tips Where to get started and what to consider.
- Safe to Drive? How to support your loved one on and off the road.
- Senior Health Practical care for older adults, from safe surroundings to emotional wellness.
- Long-Term Care Learn about your options and how to choose what's right for your loved one.
- Assisted Living Find out what to look for when comparing facilities.
- Nursing Homes Looking for residential care? Here's what to know before you start your search.
- Simplify Daily Life Make each day easier with these tips and improvements.
- Planning Use these lists to assess your financial, physical, and support needs.
- Physical Care Find out the amount of help needed and how much you can provide.
- Support Systems How to set up a helpful network of people and services.
- Share the Work Ways to schedule and split up your workload.
- Finances What to consider when it comes to money and caregiving.
- Ask Your Doctor Take these questions to your next appointment.
- Resources Take advantage of available support, from care organizations to help with decision making.
- Organizations These groups can offer help and provide resources for care.
- Long-Distance Tips Advice on caring for a loved one who lives far away.
- Seek Help How to get support from other caregivers when you need it.
- Make a Money Plan Lay out your financial strategy for long-term care.
- Legal Issues Plan for decisions you might need to make.
- Caregiver Care Treat yourself well while caring for others. Here's how.
- Manage Stress What you can do to ease the pressure.
- Self-Care Keep yourself healthy as you care for others.
- Avoid Burnout How to spot it and what to do about it.
- Find Strength Caregiving can be demanding. Here are ways to renew your spirit.
- Is It Depression? When it's more than stress, learn about the symptoms and what can help.
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How to Choose Assisted Living for Your Loved One
How Do I Choose the Right Place?
Make an appointment to visit each place you're considering. "Don't be afraid to ask questions," Bersani says. "This is an important decision and can take time to find the right fit."
When you visit, ask these questions:
- What types of training does your staff have?
- What's the staff-to-patient ratio?
- Will you create a written care plan that's tailored to my loved one's needs?
- Will the facility be able to continue to care for my loved one as his needs change?
- Is the group of residents a good match for my loved one?
- Are there shopping centers and other businesses nearby? Are they within walking distance?
- Do you offer fun, social activities? Spiritual ones?
Some things to look for on your visit:
- Visit during mealtimes and sample the food. Check to see if the kitchen is clean and the service is good.
- Find out about safety measures. Are there call buttons? Is there a medical doctor or registered nurse on duty?
- What does the outdoor space look like?
- How does the staff talk to residents?
- Watch how residents interact with each other.
- Talk to residents and their adult children. Ask questions.
- Visit each center more than once. Drop in without notice.
You can review state licensing reports to see if there are any areas of concern and see if anyone has filed complaints about the facility. You can also check with your local Better Business Bureau.
How Expensive Is It?
Assisted living may cost less than $25,000 a year or more than $50,000 a year. It's usually less expensive than a nursing home.
"Different levels of care at any facility have different price points," McVicker says.
Many places charge a base rate. When you add services, you pay more. Avoid surprises by asking what's included in the basic price and how much it costs to get extra care.
The costs are usually paid by the resident or his family. If you or your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy or health insurance policy that includes assisted living care, some of the expense may be covered.