moving your loved one into a nursing home

moving your loved one into a nursing home

3 Mistakes To Avoid When Searching For An Assisted Living Facility

Alisa Mantyla

When families must make the decision to place their loved one in an independent or assisted living facility, it can be a difficult time. Many will postpone making the decision simply because they're afraid that they'll make the wrong one. However, if you take the time to learn more about senior living and senior care, you will be able to make a well-informed decision that will be a good fit for your loved one. Here are three mistakes that many families make that you will want to avoid when you go on the hunt for an assisted living facility for your loved one:

1. Judging a Book Only by Its Cover.

One of the worst things that you can do is take a look at the exterior of a facility and assume it is right or wrong. For example, some families see lavish features and a high price as a key indicators that the facility is a good place for their loved one to live. However, they find out later that the service that is offered isn't nearly as fancy and beautiful as everything else. So while everything looks good from the outside, make sure that there is a good atmosphere and quality service as well. Schedule a visit to the facility and take your time while there. See if you can speak to the residents and their families, watch how caregivers interact with residents and pay attention to the cheerfulness of the residents (or lack of).

2. Failing to Be Realistic About Needs – Now and in the Future.

It's great to be optimistic. However, it is crucial that you are realistic at the same time. Take a close look at the needs of your loved one right now and try to anticipate your loved one's future needs with the help of his or her health care provider. This will help you find a facility that can take care of your loved one now as well as months or even years down the road, which will prevent the need of having to pick up and move your loved one when his or her needs change. Remember, moving isn't just a hassle for you, as it is both physically and emotionally draining for your elderly loved one as well. If you feel your loved one needs round-the-clock care, focus on retirement homes. If your loved one needs less attention and is perhaps just looking for more socialization and a sense of community, consider an independent living center like the Mayfair Village Retirement Community.

3. Making a Final Decision Too Fast.

It was mentioned earlier that some families postpone selecting a facility because of how overwhelming the process can be. Well, for some, the overwhelming feeling causes them to make a choice far too quickly. This often turns out to be the wrong decision. Try to visit a few communities so that you have a clear picture of what is available to your loved one. Make a list of the pros and cons and how the facilities are different from one another. Write down a couple of things that make each facility unique from the others. Afterward, you can sit down with your loved one to discuss what you've experienced and then make a decision together.


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moving your loved one into a nursing home

Sometimes things don't work out as we have planned them to. Instead of being able to take care of your aging parent in your home for several years, it may prove to be more difficult than you first thought. I brought my mother to live with my family hoping to enjoy her final years with her, but it didn't work out well for any of us. I wasn't able to care for her the way that she deserved to be cared for. Our blog will provide you with information about making the decision to move your loved one into a nursing home.

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