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Often an adult child will call and tell us that a parent needs to move to Assisted Living and they want some help on the choice. The first question from me is, “Is mom in agreement with this need?” The second question is always, “What have you done to try to keep her in her home?”
Once I am clear that the need is real and the family has tried all the community support systems and mom is either ready for a move or at risk to continue to live alone, I begin the journey of working with a family in selecting the right “Assisted Living” community for mom.
Families should:
1) Project what type of care mom might need in the future. A professional Geriatric Care Manager can help with that, depending on diagnosis and family history.
2) Take an inventory of what has given Mom’s life value and meaning so the new community can continue to be a place where she feels valued.
3) Realize that apartments are small – know how much space she will really need and ask, will she be able to have her most treasured piece of furniture or art with her?
4) Ask: Is the new community close to medical providers, friends and you?
5) Ask: Will this community be able to meet mom’s changing needs?
6) Ask good questions when you tour the communities, such as rate increases, level of care increases, care conferences and finally, have a meal there. Then go a second time, without an appointment, and see if you can talk to residents that live in the community to get their opinion.
7) Check with the State Department of Licensing to be sure this isn’t an AL that has problems.
8) Ask how long it has been under the current ownership and if the community is up for sale.
9) Ask about guests, pets, emergency plans and transportation.
Having the guidance of a professional who doesn’t take referral fees for helping you with this choice could save you lots of time and dollars in making a wrong choice. But, if you do, we can work with you on the second go around. Geriatric Care Managers guide and support families in making choices based on “reality” of needs and “values” of the client. The goal is Peace of Mind for everyone in the family.