As our loved ones ages, it’s one of the biggest decisions we need to make—whether or not to help them move into a care home. Often, medical issues mean that the best place for them to be is in an assisted living facility, where caring staff and nurses can help them each day.
But if you’re thinking of nursing homes, how can you choose the right care home for your loved one? It helps to be patient and do plenty of research.
To learn more, keep reading to find our guide to selecting a care home for a family member.
Speak to Your Loved Ones About Their Preferences
When it comes to elderly care, the first step is speaking to your loved ones about the process. How do they feel about moving into care and what are their biggest concerns or issues about the process?
The task of moving into a nursing home should be a joint decision that everyone in the family is ok with, as no one wants to feel like they’re being forced into something they don’t want. Being open, honest, and respectful of each family member’s opinion is the best way to be.
Consider Your Finances
Unfortunately, a care home can be a huge expense for many families. It’s estimated that the average cost of an assisted living facility is $4,000 per month, more than many mortgages.
Before you start looking for facilities, work out how much you can afford to spend each month and take a close look at your assets, as sometimes selling stocks or property can bring in cash quickly, if needed.
However, the good news is that you hopefully won’t need to pay for everything completely out of pocket. Aged care facilities may be covered under your health insurance, Medicare, or veteran benefits, so be sure to understand all of your funding options before deciding on a facility.
While your budget is a major consideration, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when selecting a care home.
Start Visiting Local Care Homes
Next, it’s time to start visiting care homes for site visits. Websites like findcontinuingcare.com can help you find high-quality retirement homes that are convenient to you, so it can be a good starting point.
When visiting facilities, make sure they provide the type of care your loved one needs both now and in the future, as their needs may change over time.
Also, take time to talk to both the staff and other residents, helping you get a feel for the place. Inspect the facility in detail, checking out the dining rooms, common areas, bedrooms, and medical facilities.
Find the Best Care Home for Your Family
Although it can be a lengthy process, you’re sure to find the best care home for your loved one if you take your time and consider all of your options.
Sometimes, the safest and healthiest place for a loved one is in a care facility, where they can receive daily care to help them enjoy life to the fullest. Start researching care homes and before you know it, you’ll be helping your loved one move into their new, caring home.
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Use the infographic below for tips on how to care for your elderly loved ones before they need to be transferred to a care home.
Infographic provided by TargetLeads, your Medicare lead mailers
