Do You Need to Find an Assisted-Living or Independent-Living Community for Aging Parents?

According to data published by SaintSimeons.org, approximately 1,000,000 Americans now live in some sort of senior living community. Factors like the large number of baby boomers who are reaching retirement age and Americans’ increasing longevity contribute to Saint Simeon’s estimate that the number is likely to jump to 2,000,000 within the next 10 years. Other sources estimate that 7 of 10 people now reaching retirement age will need some form of long-term care during their lifetime. 

The task can be daunting.

Finding a safe location that will meet the needs of your parents or another loved one can be challenging.  This is true whether they are still healthy and physically active, or physically limited and in need of assistance with their daily care and routine. 

Certainly, locating a community or facility that meets your loved ones’ physical and emotional needs is critical. However, you also need to consider the quality of care, lifestyle options, proximity, and cost of all the available options. 

What factors should you consider when searching for an independent-living community? 

• What medical care is readily available near the community? Do folks recommend the general practitioners located close to the community? Are there specialists nearby who treat the conditions your loved one has? 
• Does the community’s level of activity and recreational options fit your loved ones? Are they interested in the types of activities that are scheduled?
• How much control do you or your loved one have over lifestyle choices? Can they host family members overnight? Is there a limit to the number of vehicles allowed in the driveway? Can they plant a small garden? Use a barbecue grill? Hang a string of Coca-Cola lights on the back patio?
• What level of home and yard maintenance is required? Who is responsible to provide it?
• If they are pet-lovers, does the community allow the type of pet(s) they have? Does the neighborhood provide pet-friendly recreation areas and activities?
• Does the cost of this community fit your loved one’s budget? 

What questions should you ask when searching for an assisted living facility?

• What do the actual living spaces look like? Are they roomy enough to accommodate the items your loved one will feel lost without?  
• What is the attitude and demeanor of the staff? Would you enjoy seeing and being helped by these folks every day?
• What daily care services are provided? If your parent’s care needs increase, can the facility provide additional quality support?  What will be the cost ramifications if extra medical care or physical assistance is required?
• What are the dining arrangements and facilities? Would you be apt to enjoy the meals residents are eating?
• What social events are regularly scheduled? Is your parent likely to enjoy most of the regular activities?
• Is this facility affordable to your parent or loved one? Cost shouldn’t be the primary factor, but it must be considered.

Where can you find support to help you make a wise decision?

If you’re not sure what assisted living communities are available in your area, you might begin the process by accessing the federal government’s Eldercare Locator.  In many communities, the local Area Agency on Aging or the Council on Aging is also a good starting point.

If you find those prospects daunting, and would prefer to trust someone with experience and local knowledge, then LifeCycle Transitions is an excellent resource to help you find an assisted living or independent living community for aging parents. 

Our knowledgeable staff can help you locate the active-living or assisted-living community that best fits your parent. First, we assess your loved one’s needs and preferences by asking lots of questions. Then, we base our recommendations on the information that you’ve provided. Next, we search our database of recommended and vetted communities to find 3 that provide what you need. We then accompany you on tours of these 3 facilities.

Once you determine which facility suits you best and are ready to relocate your loved one, you can count on LifeCycle Transitions to assist you.

Afterward, if you need assistance to prepare your parents’ property for sale, LifeCycle Transitions can help with that, too. We offer programs to assist with everything from hoarding clean-up to property rehab. If the thought of dealing with a major rehab of your home is daunting, then our Property Rescue and Relocation Program me be the perfect solution for you. If you have questions about how to find an assisted-living or independent-living community for aging parents, or about any of our other services, please contact us at (877) 273-7810 or at lifecycletransitions.com for a free consultation.