The thought of moving to assisted living is fraught with conflicting emotions. Under these circumstances, many families tend to leave the decision till the last minute. Unfortunately, when you’re rushed into making a decision, you’re more likely to make mistakes. Choosing the right assisted living is crucial to the health and happiness for your aging loved ones.
Here are 5 mistakes to avoid when looking for assisted living Palos Verdes.
Not Doing Your Research
There are several different types of senior living facilities. Each one is completely different from the others in terms of their location, the facilities they offer, the type of residences and even the cost.
It takes time and research to explore the different types of assisted living in Palos Verdes in order to find one that’s best suited to your loved ones as well as your budget.
The best way to get started is to make a list of what you want and then look for a community that ticks all the boxes. That way you won’t get overwhelmed by the options out there nor will you be swayed by something that sounds great but which your loved one doesn’t really need.
Not Touring The Community
The beautiful website photographs reveal just one aspect of an assisted living community. But you cannot make decisions based just on photographs. There’s so much more that makes a place feel like home. The only way to get this insight is by touring the community and getting a look at what photographs can’t show.
While touring a community, make note of the cleanliness, interaction between the staff and residents, amenities in the room, safety features, dining room, and recreational facilities. All of these put together will give you a more rounded picture of the community.
Not Asking Questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions over the phone and during your tour. Most communities will answer all your questions readily. They understand how important this decision is for you and will go out of their way to help you make the right one.
Not Considering The Cost
The cost of assisted living in Palos Verdes can vary considerably. What can make it particularly confusing is that different facilities calculate the costs differently.
Some have an all-inclusive cost, while others charge a basic rental with additional charges for other utilities and amenities such as heat and AC, phone or internet service, and fitness membership, among others.
It’s important to break down the costs and what’s included in order to compare what each place will actually cost you every month. You don’t want to get into a situation that’s unaffordable.
Not Getting On The Waiting List
The more popular assisted living communities in Palos Verdes are sure to have a long waiting list. Families who plan the transition in advance and who have done their research always get on the waiting list.
Once you’ve found a community you like, it’s a good idea to find out about their waiting list policy and complete the formalities. Otherwise you may find yourself having to compromise and taking up any offer you can get at the last minute.
