As you advance in age, you may have difficulties in carrying out simple daily chores like taking a bath or your medicines on time. Relocating to an establishment that has facilities to cater to the needs of elderly people without having to compromise on your independence may turn out to be a viable option for you. After all, you do not want to be a burden on your near and dear ones even if they are willing to go the extra mile you help you out. Rick Casper of California says experts in the healthcare sector refer to this form of accommodation for senior citizens as assisted living.
He goes on to explain that before opting to move to an establishment that offer such facilities for the elderly, you need keep in mind the following:
- Reflect on what you cherish most in life
You need to consider the effect on your decision on the people who are very close to you in life. Is the assisted living establishment you are opting to relocate to within the vicinity of the medical healthcare center you often go to, your place of worship and where your children stay? It is important for you to choose a facility where you can easily visit the doctors who currently treating you, your church, your family and your club. It is vital for your mental health to maintain your present social network.
- Consider your present and future requirements
Rick Casper further clarifies that if you are suffering from a chronic medical disorder, then you need to search for an accommodation with the necessary facilities. This is because you never know when as your condition is likely to deteriorate. You need to know what kind of medical facilities you will receive when you relocate to such an assisted living establishment and how long can you remain a resident there.
- Visit the establishment frequently before relocating
Before moving to a particular assisted living establishment, you should visit the place a number of times with your family members to see firsthand the facilities that are available there. Experts say you should go to the place when the people managing it do not expect you to see especially in the evenings. This will give you an idea of how observant the night staff are to the needs of the residents.
- Have a conversation with the residents of the establishment
Having a conversation with the residents of the establishment during your on-site visit will give you an account their experiences. You also get an idea of the quality standard of the meals these residents get, the behavior of the staff and whether there have been incidences of theft.
Rick Casper further says apart from the above important considerations, you should try to get referrals from a reliable source about establishment’s reputation in the market. You also need to take into account the monetary aspect of relocating to such a place and whether you will be on a waiting list. Again, never forget to show your lawyer the copy of the written agreement you get to ensure it is in order.
