5 Factors to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

Do you have an older relative who is having difficulty doing things they used to do on their own? Or maybe they’re just getting too isolated and would enjoy having others around more?

Then perhaps an assisted living facility would be right for them. Assisted living facilities can offer help with daily activities, like cooking or housekeeping, and offer a place to socialize with other people.

If you are interested in an assisted living facility for a loved one, here are 5 things to consider in selecting one that’s right for you.

1. Types of Assisted Living Facilities

Some facilities are strictly a community for older residents. They offer activities and perhaps even a restaurant or meal service.

Others are a part of a larger continuing care community. They provide a tiered level of service that allows residents to move to a skilled nursing care facility when the time comes.

2. Location of Senior Living

One of the more important considerations is to be where there are family and friends nearby. While the facilities offer many possibilities for socializing with others, nothing beats having loved ones visit on a regular basis.

Whether you live near or far to your loved ones, you can send gifts to supplement their stay in a senior care facility.

However, it could be important to consider local laws. Some states have limits on how much medical assistance a residence can offer. So if there is a need for medical care to any degree, look into local laws and what will be allowed there.

3. Cost of Assisted Living Facilities

One of the biggest considerations, of course, is how much does the facility cost? The more options a facility has, the more it will probably cost.

This is an important consideration for someone dependent on Medicaid. Assisted living isn’t always considered a necessity by Medicaid and may not be covered. In these cases, you may want to research Medicaid or VA-assisted living facilities.

This is less of a concern for others who have a variety of resources to pull from, such as savings or long-term care insurance. If the need for an assisted living facility is still a few years away, it may be worth looking into a long-term care policy to help defray those costs in the future.

4. Size and Staffing at an Assisted Living Facility

How big or small of a facility you want to live in is a matter of personal preference. The average size of an assisted living facility is 33 licensed beds. In the U.S., the smallest facility has only four beds while the largest has almost 500 beds.

In addition to the number of residents, you should consider the staff-to-resident ration. Is there sufficient staff to take care of their residents? And do they have proper accreditations and training?

5. Assisted Living Facility Amenities and Culture

A typical facility might offer a variety of services, including a restaurant or dining area, housekeeping, and exercise facilities. Many also offer wellness programs, bathing or dressing assistance, and medication management.

They may have art and music therapy or access to computers and online services. Many also have entertainment coordinators who arrange a variety of outings, events, and activities in the local community.

Choosing the Best Assisted Living Facility

Whether you’re looking for a Medicaid-assisted living facility or privately financed one, there are many different options open to you. Everyone has different preferences, so make sure to evaluate a facility based on the lifestyle choices that are right for you.

Explore our site for more family care ideas and inspiration!