Tips for Choosing the Right Assisted Living Community

July 17, 2023 | CC Young General

by CC Young Senior Living

Like many families, ours was unprepared for the day my father, Richard, fell in our family home. It was Christmas dinner, a time of joy and laughter. Unfortunately, due to a knee replacement and Parkinson’s, Dad struggled to maintain his balance and he tumbled. My mother, Sarah, tried to help him up, but the task was beyond her and 911 was called again. Sitting in the ER waiting to see the doctor, we decided this situation could not be sustained any longer, and we needed to explore assisted living options for Dad and Mom. We knew this was not going to be an easy decision, but necessary. We needed to learn what support was available for our parents.

What exactly is “Assisted Living?”

Assisted living communities provide a spectrum of services designed to help seniors who need assistance with daily activities. However, it’s not just about the practicalities; it’s also about creating a living environment that encourages independence, social interaction, and continued personal growth.

Too often, the transition to assisted living comes as a result of a crisis. In our case, it was my father’s falling. The ideal candidate for assisted living is someone who values their independence but needs some assistance with daily living activities. Let’s take a moment to step into the shoes of a person living in an assisted living community.

A Day in the Life

Assisted living communities offer a dynamic and supportive environment for older adults who need a little assistance with daily living activities. It’s not about giving up your lifestyle, it’s about adapting it to continue to live successfully and safely. For example, Dad, despite his physical challenges, can still enjoy a full day. He starts with a hearty breakfast, attends physical therapy sessions, and even participates in social programs. Meanwhile Mom, an avid cyclist, continues enjoys her daily bike rides and stays active on the community campus.

An important benefit of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) like the one we chose is its flexibility in accommodating the needs at the present time and in the future. Even if one partner requires more care than the other, they can still live together, maintain their routine, and enjoy their retirement years.

When Mom wants to go for a bike ride or have lunch with friends, she can do so without worrying about our father. There are team members available to help him if needed. This setup keeps them independent for as long as possible while meeting their needs.

Evaluating Your Needs and Preferences and Asking the Right Questions

Finding the right community begins with understanding your own needs and preferences and knowing the questions to ask. For couples like my parents, this meant finding a place that could cater to their different needs at different times in their lives. It’s also crucial to think about the future, not just the present. A good CCRC will provide care for every stage of senior living.

When touring a potential community, a few questions to ask yourself: Is this the environment I envision for myself or a family member? Is it a warm and welcoming environment? What is the quality of care? It’s important to make this decision based on your wants and needs ahead of time.

Research and Compare Assisted Living Communities

There are many resources available for researching communities. Consider factors such as the quality of care, the available services and amenities, the cost, and differences between a non-profit versus a for-profit when comparing options. Make a list of questions to ask during tours and trust your gut instinct. Ask to visit with current residents. This will also help you assess and evaluate the different communities you visit and what community is best for you.

Review the Community’s Services and Amenities

Assisted living communities typically offer a wide range of services and amenities. The quality of these can make a significant difference to your quality of life. It’s important to understand all that is available to you at the various levels of care to choose a community that meets your needs, both now and in the future.

Consider the Team and Caregiving Quality

The quality of the team and caregivers is paramount. Look for communities where team members have relevant training and experience, where management is stable, and where the approach to care is resident-focused. For example, at CC Young, where my parents live, all senior executives have been with the community for at least 15 years, providing continuity and consistency in care and leadership.

Review the Community’s Cost and Payment Options

Assisted living costs can vary widely, so it’s important to understand what is included and what payment options are available. It’s also crucial to assess whether a community’s costs are reasonable and affordable, given your budget.

Choosing the right assisted living community is an important decision for you as residents and your family, and requires a thoughtful and thorough research process. I hope that by sharing our family’s journey, I have provided some insights that will help others navigate this path with confidence and clarity.

Wrapping Up

Finding the right community for assisted living is a pivotal decision for you and your loved ones. At CC Young, it is our number one priority to provide the highest quality of care, services, and lifestyle to enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Our community is filled with people who are passionate about enriching the lives of seniors. Our leadership, along with a diverse team of professionals, is deeply involved in fostering a premier environment where every life at every stage is valued and enriched.

Are you ready to explore the CC Young difference? We invite you to schedule a tour of our beautiful 20-acre community today and meet the individuals dedicated to providing the best care and experiences for you and our residents.

Contact us at (214) 258-4000 or click here to contact us online today.

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