Got Your Eye on a Certain Assisted Living Community?

Finding the right assisted living community for you or a loved one should be a process. Experts suggest before you even begin the search you consider not only the person’s immediate needs but what type of care they may require over the next several years. This reduces the chance of having to move into a another community setting in a few years when the home you decided on was not up to the care now needed. Other things to take into account are location, cost, size of the community and amenities and services.

The Internet is a great tool to begin the search for the ideal home. Most senior living communities have lots of information on their websites including FAQs, pictures and virtual tours, reviews from families, the management team, and the company’s history and philosophy. Due to COVID, senior living communities had to stop the practice of offering tours of their home but check to see if they have started them up again.

In the meantime, the home’s staff will be glad to answer any questions you have so think about what you want to know and write it down as you may forget. A Place for Mom offers a whole check-sheet on questions to ask of the home such as staff-to-resident ratio and the type of training caregivers receive.

Another thing you will want to know is how the monthly fee is determined. Many assisted living communities based costs on the type and location of the apartment and the level of care the person requires. Ask about the process for creating a care plan and how it is updated. Does the home offer 24/7 caregivers and is a nurse on staff and/or on call 24/7. If mom or dad is having trouble keeping track of their medications, does the home offer medication management.

Ask about any additional move-in fees or contractual obligations when you move out. If there is a waiting list, what is the typical period before an apartment becomes available?

As one of the area’s finest senior living facilities in Billings, MT, MorningStar of Billings offers a range of options for independent living and assisted living. For senior suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, we provide compassionate, professional memory care. Located in the west end of the city within a country setting, our community is located near shopping centers and medical facilities. Please visit our extensive website to learn more. We look forward to hearing from you.

Source: aplaceformom.com/planning-and-advice/articles/pet-friendly-assisted-living