As your loved ones grow older, there may come a time when they could benefit from an assisted living community.  It can be overwhelming to face such a big decision, so it’s important to take the time to consider your loved one’s needs and research the best options. Here are a few factors to consider when transitioning a senior into assisted living.

Moving a Loved One to an Assisted Living Community

1. Evaluate Their Needs

Determine if your loved one is in need of short-term or long-term care, and if they require help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and medication administration. Knowing the level of care needed is important for finding the right assisted living community, particularly if they may benefit from more intensive care or assistance. Assisted living communities can differ in levels of care provided, including memory care services. Assisted living communities can range from pure social models (similar to Independent Living) to medical models; it is important to understand the services available so you can find a good fit for your loved one.

2. Research Assisted Living Communities and Visit

Ask friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors to recommend providers and research assisted living communities in your area. Take the time to visit each of the communities on your list and ask questions relevant to your loved one’s needs. Make sure to consider the quality of care, cleanliness of the community, building layout, amenities offered, and whether or not the community is a Medicaid Waiver provider (in case your loved one spends down their funds, they do not want to have to move due to finances).

3. Consider the Cost

Assisted Living can be costly and isn’t covered by health/medical insurance. Make sure to research the different financial options available, such as long-term care insurance or the Assisted Living Medicaid Waiver program, or veterans’ aid and attendance benefits. Compare community pricing structures; some have all-inclusive tiered pricing and others have a more ala carte pricing structure. It is important to know in advance how much the total monthly costs will be so that you can plan financially.  

4. Inquire about Additional Services

Most assisted living communities have additional services available on-site through third-party providers, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, short-term skilled nursing, and nurse practitioner services. If needed, make sure to fully understand the services provided and costs associated with any special programs, such as memory care or dementia care.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.