There’s no question that finding an assisted living facility for a loved one is a life-changing decision. Should you make the wrong choice, it will likely spell trouble for the entire family. Granted, we understand how intimidating this process can be. You want to find a place that’s warm, welcoming, nurturing, and probably even close in proximity to other family members. Then there’s verifying the experience and certification of the staff. Above all else, though, is how your loved one feels about the assisted living housing. With so much to consider, it’s easy to make a mistake. Here are the five common mistakes that families make when searching for a senior assisted living center:
- Not being realistic about needs – It’s imperative that the facility you choose is capable of offering the level of services required for your loved one. Now, maybe they’re currently doing well and can get around on their own for the most part. But remember to account for their anticipated needs. Will they need help getting dressed or assistance with medication? Keep in mind that it’s better to go with a facility that can handle those future needs as opposed to moving your loved one somewhere else in a few years.
- Choosing a place to match your tastes – It’s easy to get caught up in a place that you like. Just don’t forget that this is where your loved one will be living, not you. At The Oaks of Old Winter Park, we encourage children to involve their parents as much as possible during the selection process. Ultimately, you want to consider their personality and preferences.
- Making a decision too quickly – This is a stressful process. In addition to researching assisted living facilities, you’re probably getting your loved one’s current home ready for selling. Our advice here is to visit at least three communities before making a final decision. This gives you and your family enough time to see what’s available and what makes the most sense for your loved one.
- Failing to read the fine print – You don’t want to be caught surprised by hidden fees or price increases. It’s important to know that assisted living homes have different types of pricing structures. For example, you might find one that charges individually for services and another that provides “all inclusive” pricing. If you’re at all concerned about the financial details, don’t hesitate to get in touch with an attorney.
- Doing it all yourself – Maybe you’re accustomed to doing things completely on your own. However, when it comes to making sense of senior living options, it’s a good idea to gather multiple perspectives. Who knows? Maybe an assisted living housing advocate will bring some much-needed clarity to things.
Why Choose Our Assisted Living Community?
The staff at The Oaks of Old Winter Park has provided exceptional senior care for more than three decades. But what exactly makes us different from just another nursing home? For one thing, our smaller environment promotes a family-like atmosphere where staff and residents create a close bond. Then there’s the setup of our communities. Reminiscent of a southern bed and breakfast, our community is nestled among the estate homes in beautiful central Florida.
Let us guide you through the assisted living facility selection process. Schedule a tour today.
