The day has come. Your loved one, once so strong and brave, has reached a point where they can’t live independently anymore. It might be a safety issue or a medical concern. Whatever the case, your family is wondering how to choose a senior care provider.

It’s not a decision anyone relishes. You want a provider that values compassion, integrity, accountability, and excellence in care. By taking a common-sense approach to your search, you can find the right provider.

What is a Senior Care Facility?

The first challenge you may face when you are determining how to choose a senior care provider is to understand the different types of facilities.

According to the University of Rochester and a publication from AARP, the main categories of senior care include:

  • Adult homes, for seniors who need ongoing personal care such as housekeeping
  • Enriched housing, which provides a focused set of services
  • Assisted living, for seniors who need personal and medical care but not 24 hours a day
  • Nursing homes, for round-the-clock care from skilled health care workers
  • Memory care, for individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or other condition

You undoubtedly would prefer for your loved one to stay at home. If it’s possible, we can help. HomeCentris Frederick provides services that allow seniors to get the care they need while living at home.

Tips for How to Choose a Senior Care Provider

Unfortunately, home care isn’t always possible. Here are a few tips to help you learn how to choose a senior care provider that’s right for you and your family.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEEDS?

The first step is to develop a clear-eyed assessment of the situation. Where do things stand today, with an emphasis on health and safety? Make sure to involve your senior in the discussion if you can, the Alzheimer’s Association advises. Your senior’s specific needs will guide your choices as you learn more about how to choose a senior care provider.

CONSIDER THE VARIABLES

Sometimes the little things will make a difference, such as location. You’ll want to visit your loved one as much as you can. However, you may also have desires about the size of the facility, the activities, and services available. You should also take into account the types of interactions that take place and the overall quality of life. Develop a shortlist to guide your decisions.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

Be aggressive in gathering information about your choices. Search the Internet and talk to friends, family, and neighbors. Ideally, you would be collecting this information before it becomes a crisis, but sometimes that’s not possible. Therefore, tailor your research to the urgency of the moment.

After that, start scheduling visits. Meet with the directors and key staff members and stay for a meal if you can. Ask any questions you have, and don’t apologize for asking the tough ones. Later, check with state regulators. This decision is life-changing, so it pays to do your due diligence.

UNDERSTAND YOUR COMMITMENTS

The cost of senior care is one of the significant challenges in society today. It may well be a determining factor in learning how to choose a senior care provider.

Your family may have already considered cost as part of a long-term care plan. If not, you need to take your time to understand your commitments. Read every word of the pages you need to sign. This is not a time to rush.

The Circle of Life

Learning how to choose a senior care provider is a challenging task. It’s one every family will contend with at some point in their lives. At Home Centris Frederick, we promise compassionate and engaged support, no matter which path you choose. Contact us today at 855.886.8710 to learn more.