Today, there are approximately 30,600 assisted living communities across the U.S., with almost 1.2 million licensed beds. As a result, you can find these communities in every state in the country.
However, every community differs, so you must compare your assisted living options before choosing one. You can compare many factors, including:
- Types of communities
- Services offered
- Location
- Quality of staff
Continue reading to learn more about these factors and others to help you select the best community for you or your loved one’s needs.
Assess Your Loved One’s Needs
Assisted living offers two primary things: assistance and independence. Both of these are important to seniors who are looking for senior living options.
As you help your loved one find the right community, keep this in mind. Additionally, assess what your loved one needs the most, which might include:
- Help with daily tasks
- Social engagement activities
- Nutritional assistance
- Medication assistance
Think about your loved one’s current health status and the primary things they need help with daily. You might also consider their future needs and potential health changes.
Choosing assisted living is often the first step seniors take when they need help, but it may be a stepping stone. Therefore, consider these things as you begin assessing your options.
Understand the Types of Assisted Living Communities
It’s also important to realize there are different types of assisted living communities. Some offer more assistance than others, and some provide more independence than others.
There are also various levels of care options for seniors, which is why researching your options is important. Every community provides a different:
- Services for daily assistance
- Benefits of living in assisted living
- Amenities and activities
Some communities also provide senior living arrangements for those who need additional help. For example, some offer memory care units for seniors struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
Consider the Location and Accessibility
Seniors can live in any city or state they choose when picking an assisted living community, but sticking with certain locations is the best choice. Most seniors want to be near their families and close friends.
As a result, help your loved one search for communities within a certain distance from their close family members. For example, if you live near Vineland, NJ, look into Seaton Baker Place.
This community is ideal for seniors with family in New Jersey. Vineland, NJ, is a culturally diverse city with a small-town feel.
Additionally, what features or businesses will your loved one need? Many seniors want to be close to certain types of businesses, hospitals, churches, or organizations.
Before selecting a community, look at the area and consider what it offers.
Review the Services and Amenities
One of the best-assisted living tips when choosing a community is to review its offerings. Assisted living provides seniors a safe community to live independently while providing help and services.
As you compare your options, consider the following services and amenities:
- Personal care assistance
- Meals and dining options
- Social and recreational activities
Personal care assistance helps seniors with normal daily tasks, such as bathing and getting dressed. Your loved one might need minor help right now with these things, but they might need more help in the coming years.
At assisted living, residents can choose which services they need help with and change their requests as needed.
Baker Place provides restaurant-style dining. The chefs use fresh ingredients and offer a variety of different meals every day. Residents can choose from many options, including traditional meal choices.
Socialization is vital for seniors. In fact, many seniors choose assisted living to feel less isolated and lonely. Assisted living communities offer programs and events for this purpose, including:
- Game nights
- Entertainment
- Outings
- Exercise classes
- Bible studies
- Book clubs
You’ll find plenty of events you’ll enjoy and can attend the ones that interest you. You’ll meet people by attending these events, and you’ll feel less lonely.
Determine the Security and Safety Measures
Everyone wants to feel safe where they live, and assisted living communities provide safe environments. You’ll find staff around the clock to assist when you need it.
You’ll have access to emergency services, and your living space provides safety features that help you stay safe. You’ll not only feel safe there, but you’ll also have features that increase your safety while there.
The best way to learn more about a community’s security and safety is by visiting the community. You can tour facilities and ask about this feature to learn more.
Look Into the Staff Qualifications and Ratios
An additional way to judge a community’s safety and services is by looking into its staff qualifications and ratios. You can learn about these things by asking:
- What qualifications do the caregivers have?
- What training do you require?
- What are the staff-to-resident ratios?
Touring the community is also a great way to see first-hand what it offers.
Ask About the Costs and Payment Options
On average, assisted living communities cost around $4,500 monthly. Of course, the amount varies. You may pay more if you need more assistance or want a larger room.
To find out, ask the community about its:
- Monthly fees and what they include
- Additional charges for extra services
- Payment options and financial assistance
Additionally, review the community’s contracts and policies. For example, do they require a lease, and how do they calculate additional fees? Ask about the community’s admission criteria and discharge policies.
Visit and Evaluate Multiple Communities
To choose the best community, you must:
- Consider these factors
- Ask questions
- Compare the services
- Learn about the costs
- Tour several communities
Find out as much as possible before scheduling a tour. Learning about the community first can help you decide if it’s a good option for you, but touring the community is the best way to make your final decision.
Take Your Time When Comparing Assisted Living Options
There are many assisted living options across the country, but they’re all different. Each has unique qualities and services you might like, but you’ll select the right one after researching your options.
Baker Place Assisted Living in Vineland, NJ, offers assisted living options for seniors. We offer several options for seniors who want to live independently with assistance.
Reach out today to learn more about our community.
