OPINION — There is so much to consider when choosing an assisted living facility, starting with whether it offers the appropriate level of care for a loved one’s needs.
Not all long-term care facilities are created equal. Does your loved one need assistance with activities of daily living or are they independent? Maybe they just need help with transportation or medication administration and on-site staff checking in to be sure they are safe? Perhaps they need a higher level of care and a skilled nursing environment. Maybe they’ve recently had a fall or stroke and would benefit from rehabilitation before moving to assisted living, or an assisted living environment that also has an on-site gym where residents can receive rehabilitation services like physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech therapy.
Touring facilities can be overwhelming. Considering a move to assisted living can be a big adjustment, and it often comes at a time when families are overwhelmed by a recent decline in health, a hospitalization or significant behavioral changes that make it no longer safe for a loved one to live at home.
