Page 22 - Demo

Considering a move to a senior living community requires an understanding of what you are looking for compared with what is available. Prepare by determining your needs, evaluating your finances, and developing a checklist of questions to ask when you start your search.While you are looking, consider your current needs and how those needs may change in the future. Work with family to set priorities for what is most important to you in a facility or community, and determine what you can afford. When looking at a housing transition it is good idea to visit as many places of interest as possible. Be sure to include in your search the independent living community, adult foster care home, home for the aged, unlicensed assisted living, or even skilled nursing facilities. Today, many facilities can be visited virtually before venturing out in person making it easier for family living outside of the area to participate and help to narrow your selections. This list can also be viewed online so all family members can participate in the discussions from afar. Read the list through. Then read it again. Identify those questions that are most important to you. Add questions that might arise as a result of your current or future needs. Turn to the housing listings starting on page 16 to help prioritize your initial facility search. When you have narrowed down your choices, schedule a tour. Ask questions. Drop in. Ask more questions. To get a better idea of what life at the facility is like, talk with residents and get their impressions. You may even want to schedule a stay-cation and visit for a week to a month. It will allow you to experience how life at the facility fits into your goals for care, but also may give family a break to recharge or take a vacation of their own. If the facility is licensed you can ask to see the latest state inspection report. Review the report with the admissions person or administrator. Ask for clarification of any citation that impacts those things important to you. Even if a housing change decision is thrust upon you or a loved one you can use this checklist to help narrow your search. Options might be more limited, but they still remain. Even with a transfer directly from the hospital, you do not have to choose the first option presented. You can request another that better fits your needs if it is available. Getting a head start on determining what services are needed might be one of the best decisions you make going forward for the health and well-being of you or your loved one. Consider the following when you are ready to start looking. Mark those that are most important to you.Location %u2022 Location %u2022 Location%u274d Is the facility close or convenient to family and friends?%u274d Is the facility close to community services and resources that you use (e.g., doctor offices, shopping mall, movie theater, church)? Quality of Life %u274d Do residents appear happy, relaxed, and comfortable? Prepare for Your Needs %u2013 Develop Your Housing ChecklistGetting a head start on determining what services are needed might be one of the best decisions you make going forward for your health and well-being or for a loved one.SENIOR HOUSING DIRECTORY | 202622