How to Find the Best Senior Care Home in St. Louis, MO
Downsizing and transitioning into a senior living community, whether memory care or independent care, is like any other move. It is a major life event. This can be a very overwhelming and emotional time. You’re leaving a place where you’ve spent the last 20+ years and all the memories that go with it, and now you’re not only moving to a new home but you also need to let go of some of that memorabilia.
When transitioning into a senior living facility the best thing to do is plan and organize. The specialists at Senior Living Experience are here to assist you every step of the way. Let’s look at some things to consider as you begin to prepare to transition.
Understand Community Types
- Continuing Care Retirement Communities: These are like small towns that provide housing and are for more independent seniors.
- Assisted Living Communities: Seniors live in small apartments but still need assistance with daily living such as personal care, meals, and medication.
Finding the Righ Fit
You want to make sure that your loved one will be comfortable long-term. What about the size of the apartment, the floor plan, decor, dining, and dietary options? What about the amenities offered? Studies have shown that the age of seniors moving into a senior community is getting older and older, as we are taking better care of ourselves.
Budget
You want to think long-term. If your loved one is experiencing the early signs of a cognitive disease will they need to be transitioned into another facility down the road? If the community you like offers a lot of extra amenities will you be able to keep up with the costs long-term? Budget is a huge factor when choosing a community.
Make the Most of Your Visit
Choose a variety of different communities and go and visit them. When you’re there make the most of it. Talk to the staff and residents. Ask a whole lot of questions. Be observant. Take a look at the rooms, the dining area, the common area, and if allowed maybe even dine in to see how the food is.
Compare Agreements
The agreement should lay everything out for you clearly and what exactly is included. What is the staff to resident ratio? How do they care for their residents as they age or if they get sicker? Are there penalties or extra costs if you need to leave earlier than stated?
What is Included
There are typically two main areas of costs. You have your rental cost and then the cost of care or service package cost. Understanding what is included, like medication management or any hidden fees, is crucial. You want to make sure that your loved one will be properly taken care of.
Credentials
We can not stress this enough. Check the credentials of every place you are considering. The care of your loved one is of the utmost importance.
Arrange Payments
An adult child is able to sign agreements on behalf of their payments but this may mean they become the guarantor. That means they are responsible for payments if a payment is missed or the money runs out.
Medical Assessment
Getting a medical assessment is important because it ensures that your loved one will be moving into the right community with the right level of care needed.
Ongoing Checks
Friends and relatives should visit regularly. When you do visit observe how your loved one is engaging with you and others. Talk to the staff and other residents to make sure everything is going well.
If you find yourself in that season of life where it’s time to transition into a senior living community then you need to contact the knowledgeable experts at Senior Living Experience. They are your all-in-one concierge service for senior living and moving. They will help you come up with a plan, help you find a senior community, and help you downsize and move in. When you use Senior Living Experience you are assigned your very own Senior Real Estate Specialist who will assist you each and every step of the way. Even once you’ve moved into your new home they will check in with you to make sure everything is good.
