Moving your loved one into an assisted living facility can be a tremendously emotional experience for all involved. The move can represent a significant lifestyle shift from total independence to long-term care. This change can be fraught with emotion for someone who is used to their home as a sanctuary and place of rest and security. How do you make sure the transition is a smooth as possible? How do you help someone you love to make the shift without downplaying or ignoring their emotional needs? A Mother’s Touch Movers specializes in moving seniors into assisted living faculties throughout Melbourne, FL and Brevard County. We know this is a complex time and want to help you make the right choice for your family. Whether you are a senior currently looking into future possibilities for yourself or you’re investigating options for someone you care about, here are some great tips when it comes to finding the perfect assisted living facility.
- Know Your Needs
Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of services. Before you select your match, you need to be sure that the place you are considering has the capability to provide the care you or your loved one needs both now and in the future. You need to make an honest assessment of what these needs are and determine whether or not the facility is a good match. Remember to think long-term here. If you or a family member knows that future care will look different than what is currently needed, this must be taken into consideration.
- Choose the Right Location
It is tempting to choose a facility that is closest to family and understandably so. However, proximity does not equate to best care so keep this in mind. The best community for you or a loved one may not be the one closest by. Many caregivers make this mistake because they want to be close to their elderly loved one. While we can absolutely relate to this, you have to remember that you need to choose a community that will best suit the needs of the person you are trying to serve.
- Cater to the Person
This one is particularly for caregivers searching for a facility for a loved one. It is easy to pick a healthcare community based on who your parent or loved one used to be. Sure, they used to love social clubs or tennis and you’ve found a great place that caters to both. But, do they love those things now? Remember that when you choose a facility you are catering to the present person, not who they used to be.
- Seek Support
Finding a community that suits your needs is hard; there is no doubt about it. You do not have to make this quest on your own. Ask questions! There are resources you can check out as well. AARP suggests looking into the following:
Assisted Living Federation of America
