Choosing the Right Care Facility: How to Make the Best Decision for Your Loved Ones
Making the decision to move a loved one into a care facility is one of the most stressful and emotionally taxing decisions there is. You know that you are no longer able to care for your loved one at home and need some assistance, but finding the perfect fit is tougher than it sounds. Out of the thousands of care facilities, which one is the right fit for your family?
If you’re concerned about making the right choice, you’re not alone. Here are a few tips that can help you get started in your search:
Get Recommendations and Consider All of Your Options
No matter where you live in the United States, there are dozens – if not hundreds – of care facilities in your state. This gives you plenty of options to choose from, but how do you know which ones are the best? Ask the people around you!
If you’re searching for a care facility for a loved one, chances are that you have friends or family around you who have done the same thing. Don’t be afraid to ask them what care facility they chose and why. You might have friends or family in assisted living. They may be able to share helpful tips.
Don’t be afraid to consult professional resources either. Next time you see your doctor, ask if they know any good care homes nearby. Search the internet for care facilities in your area and consult the ratings and reviews. Use companies like the Better Business Bureau or AARP to broaden your search. You never know what kind of hidden gems you may find from simply asking around!
Ask Plenty of Questions
When you begin touring care facilities, make sure to ask plenty of questions. No amount of questions is too many when you’re searching for the best options for your loved ones. The staff members giving you a tour are more than happy to help answer all of your questions.
Some questions to consider asking are:
- Are there personalized care plans for each resident?
- What kind of medical services do they have on-site?
- What are the meal services like, and how often do residents receive meals or snacks?
- Are residents allowed pets?
- What does the facility include in its base cost?
When you’re touring facilities, ask as many questions as it takes to make yourself feel comfortable in your decision. The more information you have, the more you can put your mind at ease.
Consider All of the Costs and Fees
It’s an unfortunate truth that care facilities come with high price tags. It’s another unfortunate truth that Medicare doesn’t cover the costs of assisted living facilities, and many families pay these fees out of pocket.
Before making any final decisions, discuss options with the facility itself as well. The staff can talk about payment plans. They can also help with extra financial support or connect you to local programs.
Location, Location, Location
Before you begin your search, make sure that you know where you’d like the care facility to be located. While your loved one may be happy in one state and feel comfortable there, it may not be the most practical. If you live far from your loved one, think about finding a care home near you. It will be easier to visit and help if something happens.
If your loved one is still cognitively able to participate in the discussion, don’t make this decision without them. Include them in the planning process. Ask them where they’d like to be, but talk to them about the benefits and downsides to living so far apart when they’re moving into a care facility. However, ensure that you’re always taking their opinion into consideration. At the end of the day – they’re the one who will be living there.
Contact Us
While moving a loved one into a care facility may be the right move, it doesn’t mean that it’s an easy one. It’s a heavy burden to carry when you want to ensure you’re doing the best for someone you love.
Before you start walking down that path, consider making a Relational Estate Plan. Make your wishes clear. This way, if your loved ones need to choose a facility for you, they’ll know what you want. It’s a way to help ease the burden of finding somewhere perfect for someone they love so dearly.
If you’re interested in working with our team to craft your Relational Estate Plan, contact us today!
Disclaimer: The information you obtain in this post is not, nor is intended to be, legal advice. This blog shares general best practices when navigating Virginia or West Virginia law, but you should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.