Mistakes to Avoid When Searching for a Senior Living Community
Looking for a new place for your senior loved one to live can feel quite overwhelming. You don’t know who to ask for help, the terms and language may be confusing, and you aren’t sure what they need. When it comes to making the right selection, here is a list of things you may be doing wrong, and what you can do to successfully find the right fit.
Things You May Be Doing Wrong
- Starting the Search Without Knowing Proper Terminology – When you’re searching for a place to live, but you’re not sure about what all of the terms and definitions mean, it can be challenging to make a correct decision. There are a variety of different types of senior communities depending on your needs, so be sure to learn what kind will suit you now and going forward.
- Looking at The Wrong Type of Care – Many people are more familiar with the term “nursing home” than “senior living community,” so they begin their search there. Generally, a nursing home is for people who require a high level of medical care on a long-term basis or those who are staying briefly for rehabilitation purposes. Determining the correct type of care you need is important before you start your search.
- Only Searching the Internet – The internet is an excellent place to start your search, but it shouldn’t be where your search ends. Take time to visit the communities you’ve selected online and get a feel for them. Ask questions and try to stay for a meal with the residents if possible to chat with them and get their opinions on the facility.
- Neglecting to Meet the Staff Before Choosing – Once you’ve decided to visit the communities, take time to meet some of the staff members and see if your senior loved one can perhaps attend some activities that day to get to know some of the group leaders and residents. It will help make the transition smoother if they already know some people and have made a few friends before they arrive.
- Following Referral Sites – There are many sites online that direct you to specific care facilities, and in exchange they receive a profit from each referral. These facilities may cost more or may not always be in the best interest of your loved one, and the referral is purely designed for the site to receive a large commission. Be sure to do your research on the community and the website that is recommending it.
At The Holiday Retirement, we offer a nutritional meal selection three times a day to encourage healthy living. There are frequent activities occurring throughout the facility, including games, crafts, and classes allowing seniors to enjoy themselves and socialize with other residents. We take care of each one of our residents like they are our own family.
Call us at 860-233-8208 to learn more about the services and amenities we provide at our retirement communities in Rhode Island and West Hartford, Connecticut. Fill out this online form if you would like to book a tour.
Also Read:
- What to Look for in a Senior Living Community
- The Right Time to Move Your Loved Ones to a Senior Home
- Independent Living For Seniors