4 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Looking for Senior Care
As your loved ones age, you may be responsible for finding the right senior care for them. This can be overwhelming, especially if you lack the right resources to guide you. Despite the best intentions, there are some mistakes family members make when weighing their options. By being aware of these mistakes, you can take steps to avoid them and ensure your loved one receives the best senior care possible.
Taking community operators at their word
Never assume that everything community operators say is true without verifying it. Keep in mind that many senior care community operators and marketers are running a business and under a lot of pressure to deliver.
As such, they are prone to exaggerating their capacities and facilities just to fill their space rather than providing the care your loved one needs. For example, they may give you assurances about having the facilities and staff to care for Alzheimer's patients. In reality, they may lack such facilities or expertise.
Making a choice because it was favorable for another person
Your decision to choose a particular community for your loved one shouldn’t be influenced by how well someone thrives there. Every senior has specific and individual needs, and no two individuals have the exact needs. For example, the family members of a loved one may have chosen a facility because of its proximity to their home. Therefore, choose communities based on the specific needs of your loved ones and the kind of care they require.
Choosing a facility solely because it looks good
As important as aesthetics are, they shouldn’t be the criteria for choosing a senior care community. In other words, choosing the ideal senior living community shouldn’t be based on appearance alone.
Many of the communities that focus more on how their buildings and equipment look often lack the skilled staff to provide the care your loved one needs. Additionally, these communities are often guilty of violating regulations. Focus more on their staff, expertise, experience in doing their jobs, and the facility's reputation.
Rather than focusing on the outer beauty, ask yourself, "How well can this community care for my loved one?"
Taking the advice of experts in other fields
Your lawyer, financial advisor, or doctor may be undoubtedly good at what they do. But it is important to know that they may have zero to little knowledge of senior communities to give you. They may even have little time to do adequate research.
If you choose to listen to their opinion, you can further inquire about the source of their knowledge, whether they've been there and if they are familiar with their state survey records. Always opt for the advice and guidance of certified senior advisors, as they are trained and experienced in the field of senior living communities.
Finding the perfect senior living community can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to go it alone.
It can be challenging to find a facility where your loved one can get the care and attention they need and deserve. When you are feeling overwhelmed or finding it difficult to make the right decision, you can turn to us at CarePatrol.
We’ll speak with you and your loved one, ask the right questions, consider their needs and wants, and find a facility that’s perfect for them. Don’t go it all alone. CarePatrol is here to help.