Deciding to place a loved one in assisted living is never easy. You want to ensure that they receive the best possible care, but you also don’t want to break the bank. How can you be sure that you are making the right decision? Read on for some tips on how to determine the level of care your loved one will need.
1. Determine Their Needs
The first step in determining the level of care your loved one will need is to take a good look at what they are currently needing. Do they have any specific medical needs that require constant attention? Do they need help with things like bathing and dressing? Are they struggling to manage their medication? Take their specific needs into account.
2. Research What Is Available
Once you have a good idea of your loved one’s needs, it will be easier to determine what type of assisted living facilities are available in your area. You may find that the options vary widely. Some facilities offer higher levels of care but at a higher price, while others will focus more on helping those with lower needs.
3. Determine Which Level Is Right for Your Loved One
Be honest about the level of care that they truly need. If you find yourself struggling to decide which level best suits them, it may be a good idea to speak with other members of your family or their primary physician to help you reach a decision. Here is a breakdown of the different levels of care.
Independent Living: This is the level most people think of when they hear “assisted living.” These facilities offer a higher degree of independence and do not require any care beyond what your loved ones can provide for themselves.
Basic Care: Residents at these facilities may need some help with things like bathing, dressing, and taking medication. Often, they can continue living on their own even while needing these extra services.
Memory Care: These facilities are specifically designed for those with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. They provide a comfortable space where residents can retain some degree of autonomy and offer constant supervision and care when needed. There is a greater focus on memory care than on basic care.
4. Meet With a Facility Representative
Once you have determined the appropriate level of care for your loved one, it is time to speak with representatives from various assisted living facilities in your area. Ask them about their services, pricing options, and what they offer above different levels of care. This will help ensure that your loved one receives exactly what they need.
5. Keep Reevaluating
The level of care that your loved one receives may change throughout the years. As they age, their needs may shift and require more attention than originally thought. For example, it is estimated that after 22 months, an assisted living resident is likely to move to a nursing facility for a greater degree of care.
Determining the level of care your loved one needs can feel like a difficult task. But by following this guide, you will be able to find an assisted living facility that provides exactly what your loved one requires. To learn more, contact DeSoto Palms Assisted Living Community today.