Choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision and one we don’t expect you to take lightly. It can take a lot of time and research to figure out which one is right for you. From price to location to the services provided, there’s a lot to consider. We’ve put together a guide to help make this life changing decision a little easier.
Understand the Levels of Care in Assisted Living
There are five levels of care when it comes to assisted living care (one being the lowest and five being the highest), making it important to consider both your current healthcare needs and potential care in the future. The levels are determined by how much assistance a person needs with activities of daily living and managing their health. For example, those in need of level one care are likely very independent while those in need of level five care may have severe physical or cognitive impairment, making it difficult to function on your own.
What to Consider When Looking at Assisted Living Facilities
While we all have our own preferences and situations, here are five considerations when choosing an assisted living facility:
- Price
One of the most obvious factors to consider when choosing an assisted living facility is the price and the variables that affect the cost. Price can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the size of your room, if it’s private or shared, additional activities offered, level of support, and more. You’ll also want to understand what your Medicare plan covers and doesn’t cover, specifically in terms of care. It can be extremely helpful to create a budget and make note of your non-negotiables in terms of both your healthcare needs and personal preferences. This is a list of things you would not be willing to give up (or could not sacrifice) when moving into a facility. Then, your list of negotiables are more like “nice to haves” that you would like, but would be willing to reconsider. - Location
Decide what locations you think would be best for your situation. Is it close to family and friends? How far is it from your healthcare providers? It can also be helpful to decide what kind of lifestyle you hope to have. Do you want to be close to the city? Do you want to be able to grow a garden? While some preferences are going to be more important than others, you’ll want to take all of this into consideration. - Services
Depending on your need for care, there are a variety of services to consider and look for. A typical assisted living facility offers dining services, medication management, and exercise and wellness programs, but others, however, can provide tailored services for specific health needs. - Culture
It can be hard to truly know the culture of an assisted living facility until you’re actually living in it, but it can be worthwhile to visit a facility you are seriously considering in person. This will give you the opportunity to engage with the staff and its residents to help you get a feel for the community and its culture. - Size
The size of the assisted living facility can also correspond to what services and amenities are offered, as well as the amount of staff members. If you’re looking for more focused care, having a good ratio—such as one staff member per five residents—allows staff members to get to know each resident and provide more personalized care.
SelectQuote is Your Resource for Your Medicare Coverage
There’s a lot to consider when choosing an assisted living facility. There’s also a lot to consider when choosing your Medicare coverage. And that’s why we’re here. At SelectQuote, we want to make sure you have the right coverage for your healthcare needs. We’ll compare all of the options available to you, help you find the right coverage, and answer any questions you may have about your coverage now and in the future.
