The happiness and quality of life of your loved one can significantly alter depending on the assisted care home you choose. Location, amenities, and affordability are crucial factors when selecting a facility. When choosing a facility, it’s essential to consider location, amenities, and cost.

Find out what activities are offered — from book clubs to shuffleboard — and how often they occur. And look for a hair and nail salon or barbershop on-site, too.

Cost

A critical factor in determining whether assisted living is the right choice for your loved one is how much it will cost.

Many assisted living facilities break down costs into payment tiers, with the amount of care services needed dictating how much is paid each month. It is essential to take the time to tour several facilities and ask as many questions as possible. Divide and conquer by enlisting family members to visit the same facilities and compare notes.

Long-term care insurance (LTCI) can also help cover assisted living expenses, but coverage varies by policy and the amount of assistance required to qualify for benefits. Bridge loans can also cover assisted living expenses while your loved one sells their home, applies for veterans’ benefits, or takes other steps to free up money.

Amenities

Depending on your loved one’s needs and preferences, many different amenities at Orlando Senior Care may be available. This can search feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. By following a systematic approach, you can narrow down your options. Start by doing online and phone research, then tour to see what the facility feels like in person.

During your tours, pay attention to how clean the facility is. A layer of dust and unpleasant smells can indicate poor management. Also, look at the personal living spaces to determine if they’re well-appointed and whether furniture is included or extra. Lastly, find out what medical services are provided and the plan for when your loved ones’ needs change. This information can help you decide whether an assisted living facility is suitable.

Caregiver-to-Resident Ratio

The caregiver-to-resident ratio is among the most important factors to consider as you tour assisted living communities. This number indicates how many residents each staff member is responsible for at any given time, and it can directly influence the quality of care your loved one receives.

While the exact ratio varies among facilities, the goal is that each resident can access sufficient staff members to ensure they can be helped throughout the day. Some caregivers might only be on-site sometimes, so other staff members, such as cooks or activities directors, may step in to perform their duties.

Socialization

A significant advantage of assisted living is that it provides opportunities for socialization. Whether joining a group, attending events, or visiting with friends, these social connections help keep seniors happy and engaged.

As you tour each facility, observe how residents and staff interact. 

Once you have narrowed your search to a few options, visit each residence multiple times during different times of day. This will give you a more realistic sense of what it’s like to live there. It’s also a good idea to include your loved one in the decision-making so they feel invested in their new home.