If you're searching for an assisted living facility that'll welcome you as a resident, it's a good idea to approach the process in a thoughtful and structured manner. There will be questions about how well your needs match the services that are offered at the location, but you need to account for other considerations, too. Let's explore three of the most important ones folks often overlook.
Location, Location, Location
Some people have needs that are severe enough that specialized care ends up being the key factor. For most residents, though, there's some room to make a trade-off between location and services. If a particular facility is situated where it can make travel for you and family members easier, you do at least want to factor that into your process. Don't allow it to override any sort of critical care you require, but be willing to consider it if you're in a good enough position health-wise to do so.
Staff Means More than Medical Help
While the concept of assisted living implies a degree of help with medical and day-to-day needs, you're going to end up dealing with a lot more staff members than just those immediate helpers. When you have a complaint, for example, you'll end up talking with the location's director. There will also be front desk staff that you, your family members and visiting friends will have to interact with.
Schedule a tour and take note of how the staff treats. Deviate a bit from the tour and take the time to say hello to folks who aren't "in" on providing the best experience, such as the cleaning staff. If they make an effort to be friendly and professional when you tour the facility, there's a good chance everyone there cares enough to keep doing the job the right way for the foreseeable future.
Dealing with Costs
The relationship between the assisted living facility and whoever will be paying for your time there is important. Whether you're talking about private insurance, Medicare, VA, or even out-of-pocket payments, you want to be confident that bills will be handled competently and quickly. Take the time to contact your insurance provider and ask them about their previous experiences dealing with billing at the particular site you're interested in. It's also a good idea to study up on what the company's policy is if a resident ends up in a financially difficult situation.
For more information, contact a company such as Fox Hollow.
There are many different types of assisted living facilities, and choosing one can be confusing. You want your loved one to be safe, happy and cared for, but how do you know which facility will best meet your needs? My name is Meghan, and I have helped my family place our loved ones in various assisted living homes. I'd like to give you a checklist and questions to ask yourself when you choose an assisted living facility for someone you love; you don't have to be overwhelmed. I can help you find the best place for your elderly loved one.