Assisted living communities are a popular choice for families looking to provide care and peace of mind for their aging parents. Finding the right senior living community for your parents is not an easy task. It requires that you match their needs with their lifestyle and budget. It is easier and more successful when everyone involved is prepared, asks the right questions and engages in honest, open discussions.
When an elderly person requires more assistance than a caregiver, the search for assisted living begins. There are options if you notice signs that your parents may need assistance. These six steps will help you learn more about assisted living in Myrtle Beach, and to find the right fit for them.
Things To Do When Deciding If Assisted Living Is The Right Choice
1. Talk to your family
Your parents must have a part in deciding whether or not they should move to an assisted living facility. The better the end result, the sooner everyone can get on the same page.
You must be honest about your ability to care for others. Recognize your needs and communicate them with others. Caring for someone with dementia is a difficult job that should not be done alone.
All disagreements should be resolved. It’s a good idea for other family members to be involved in the decision to move your parents to a community. Family members can be supportive and help ease the transition. You might also be able to come up with ideas that you didn’t know existed by asking your family members.
You can’t make your parents listen to you. If your parents seem to be in denial about the need for care, take a moment to share your thoughts, concerns, and feelings. Write down your parents’ fears and preferences.
Use a professional mediator. Elder mediators are able to help relatives and seniors come to an understanding of each other’s concerns. Their goal is for everyone to have a voice in a constructive and safe environment.
2. Learn how assisted living can benefit you
Assess the needs of your loved one. Begin by evaluating their daily activities, or ADLs. Are they able to bathe, dress and move around easily? What kind of assistance do they need?
Learn more about assisted living communities. Assisted living is a broad term that covers many different areas than most people realize. It’s not the same thing as memory care or nursing homes. These two types of communities offer more involvement and specialized care than assisted living.
Think about the potential benefits. As technology advances, assisted living communities are adapting to the times. Many communities offer a wide range of activities and amenities, while still providing the highest level of care to ensure your loved one is safe and comfortable.
3. Plan how you will pay for your care
When you are looking at senior living options, the first step is to determine the type of care you may need. Next, assess your family’s monthly budget. Look for assisted living communities that fit your budget. While some people have long-term or savings insurance, others must look into other options to pay for senior living.
Talk to your parents about finances. Open, supportive conversations about key aspects of the move are essential to creating the best transition plan. To avoid stress and surprises, it is important to discuss finances as soon as possible due to the high cost of senior living. Learn about the costs of assisted living. However, costs can vary depending on where you live.
Be aware of your options when it comes to paying for care. Private funds are the most common way for families to pay for senior care. However, private health insurance, Medicare and VA benefits can also be used to help.
4. Take a virtual tour of a senior living community or visit it in person
A visit to an assisted living community is better than the time spent reading through brochures, floor plans, and reviews. At least three communities should be on your short list. We recommend the following:
You and your parent should schedule visits and make sure to visit the community during mealtimes. You can make the best choice by getting to know the staff and allowing them to sample the food.
To get a better understanding of the culture and environment in the area, take a broad-ranging tour. Take part in an activity, visit the lodging options and take a look around the grounds.
You can schedule follow-up visits, and you can use our community touring checklist for key questions and detailed notes. If possible, we recommend visiting or virtual touring promising communities more than once.
5. To find the best assisted living community, you can consult a variety of sources
Talk to others who are knowledgeable about the subject to get as much information as possible before making a decision. Read reviews about senior living communities in your area to help you make an informed decision.
Call Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest now if you’re looking for the best care possible for your aging parents.
Reflections Assisted Living at Carolina Forest
219 Middleburg Dr
Myrtle Beach, SC 29579
(843) 903-0700
https://www.reflectionsassistedliving.com/