There comes a time in our lives when we want to enjoy every day without the stresses of taking care of family and home that we once had. Cleaning an empty house is a chore we don’t want to deal with, and we’d rather focus on our hobbies and things we love.
This becomes possible through elder care providers that offer independent senior living facilities. You can have the freedom and flexibility you want to live your life on your terms without the responsibilities you would rather avoid.
If you’d rather spend your life enjoying each day rather than tackling mundane chores and simply getting through the day, or if you have a loved one who could benefit from extra care that you can’t provide, you may find with a little research that finding a senior living facility with a personal assistant is right for you.
For most of us, though, this is a new experience and we aren’t exactly sure what to expect, much less what to ask. To guide you through this new journey, we have compiled these 10 questions that you should always ask before you settle on an elder care provider and living facility.
Don’t Choose an Elder Care Provider Without Asking These 10 Questions
For those who need extra care, an assisted living facility provides the support they require to get their activities of daily living taken care of every day.
Living in an independent living facility or using an assisted care facility with an elder care provider gives you the peace of mind of knowing you are living life on your terms, but you have someone nearby in case you need assistance.
There are facilities that offer both independent and assisted living. To find out more about these types of facilities and what they offer, call Pegasus Senior Living.
It’s a big decision to make, and one you shouldn’t make lightly.
As you make your final decision, take the time to research and ask these 10 questions before you choose:
1. Who will be taking care of you and what are their qualifications? Some facilities have a rotating staff so you may have to meet multiple caregivers that will attend to you. This is important. You need to know who you can turn to for help when you need it.
Once you meet them, it’s okay to ask questions. Find out what their qualifications are, how long they have been working there, and go with your gut instinct. Watch how they interact with other residents and, more importantly, how those residents interact with them.
2. Is there a lot of turnover in the facility? This is especially important if you are turning over the care of your loved one to the facility. Those who have been taken out of their environment often need stability in their new one.
Occasional turnover is understandable and happens everywhere, but if you never know who is going to be taking care of your loved one or who to go to for answers and concerns, that’s a red flag.
3. What is the ratio of staff to resident care? If you are living independently, you still need to know how accessible your personal assistant is to you. Ask if the caregivers are live-in or rotate in shifts. How many residents are assigned to each staff member?
4. What kind of security do they provide in their facilities? Starting with asking about visiting hours, you’ll need to know how residents are being protected. If visitors come and go at any time, are the doors secured from the inside to prevent residents from leaving? Are residents protected in their hallways from anyone who comes in?
5. What kind of activities are provided? It is important to keep both the mind and body stimulated and occupied to prevent depression. Lack of stimulation can also send a person with the beginnings of dementia into a further spiral.
An elder care provider should offer activities that cater to their residents’ preferences. Puzzles, music, games, art, and more are commonly used to keep each person interacting with others and using their mind and body daily.
6. Who handles the medical care? Will you have to provide transportation to and from doctors and pick up medications, or are those taken care of by the staff? If the staff handles all medication and physician concerns for your loved one, how do they communicate with you so you are always in the loop?
If you prefer to take care of you and your loved one’s medical care yourself, be sure this is allowed by the elder care provider you choose.
7. How will the care be paid for? Finances are a big determining factor in many elderly care situations. Not all insurances cover independent senior or assisted living facilities. You want to ensure that you are happy where you are and that your loved one is getting the best care possible, but it also has to be reasonable for the budget you are working with.
Be sure you know what you will be responsible for, if anything, out of your pocket.
8. What kind of amenities are available? Are there “field trips” to the movies, transportation for shopping and hair appointments, or dinners out? Are there any on-site offerings, like a restaurant or barber shop?
The amenities in the facility you choose can make your daily life run smoother and let you have more time for things you enjoy. This is especially important if you are giving up your car as part of your newfound freedom from responsibilities or your loved one is no longer able to drive.
9. How is individual money handled? When you are living in an independent facility, you may simply be responsible for your own funds yourself. But in an assisted living facility, personal money is handled differently by the staff. How will this work with the provider you choose?
10. What services are provided to you? Assisted living services will be different than independent living. Be sure you know what you will be getting when you choose your provider and your new home.
You Have Options
Whether you need a little extra time for yourself to relax and have fun, or you or a loved one need extra care and support, you have options. Don’t wait to enjoy your golden years another day. Choose an independent or assisted living facility today.
Tags: Old Age, Elder Care, Old is gold
