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Starting a senior living search becomes essential when you notice your aging parents requiring more care. This realization often strikes when observing them struggle with everyday tasks. Difficulty in maintaining their home, managing daily chores, preparing consistent healthy meals, or dealing with increased isolation and loneliness are key indicators.
As individuals age, the likelihood of requiring assistance with daily living activities increases significantly. In fact, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that about 70% of people over the age of 65 will require some form of long-term care services during their lifetime. Given these realities, it becomes imperative to have a conversation about securing suitable senior living options to ensure the continued quality of life for your loved ones.
How to Start Your Assisted Living Search
Starting the search for assisted living for a loved one can seem daunting. Here are some steps to start the process:
Determine the level of care needed
Assessing the level of care your loved one requires is a critical first step in the search for an appropriate assisted living community. This evaluation helps in understanding their current lifestyle and anticipates future needs, ensuring that the selected community can provide support both now and as their needs evolve. To guide you in this assessment, consider the following aspects, organized in bullet points for clarity:
- Independence Level
- Can they manage daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming independently?
- Are they able to move around safely without assistance?
- How do they handle medication management?
- Health Status
- Do they have any chronic medical conditions that require ongoing care or monitoring?
- Are they experiencing any cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness or confusion?
- How often do they need to visit healthcare professionals?
- Future Health Concerns
- Are there any hereditary or age-related health issues that might arise?
- How might their current health conditions progress over time?
- What level of medical or personal care might they need in the future?
- Social and Emotional Needs
- Do they currently experience feelings of loneliness or isolation?
- How important is social interaction to their overall well-being?
- What are their hobbies and interests, and how can these be accommodated?
- Lifestyle Preferences
- What type of living environment do they prefer (e.g., quiet and private, or social and community-oriented)?
- Are there specific amenities or activities they would enjoy in an assisted living community?
- How much importance do they place on having independence and autonomy?
Explore virtual and in-person visits
While many assisted living facilities welcome visitors, some may offer virtual options. During your search, consider:
- Pre-recorded tours: These may include interviews with staff, residents, or their family members, showcasing accommodations, grounds, meals, and activities.
- Virtual meetings: Communities might arrange virtual meetings to understand the senior’s needs better, allowing deeper connections between the family and the facility.
- Live tours via digital platforms: Sales managers may offer live tours using platforms like Zoom, providing an interactive experience as if you were there in person.
The senior care industry strives to support families in finding the best options for their elderly loved ones. Assisted Living Locators, for example, is a resource you can turn to. Local advisors, well-versed in the industry, maintain contact with professionals who offer current solutions tailored to each family’s unique situation to help start a senior living search.
