The Three Critical Things Most Families Miss When They Choose an Assisted Living Residence
With many vacation visits home ending in a desperate search for assisted living alternatives for older loved ones, family care consultant Molly Shomer suggests that families often fail to check out the most important things. Taking a tour and sampling the food won't substitute for skipping the three critical things every family should do before they make a final assisted living selection for an older loved one.
(PRWEB) July 6, 2005 -- With many vacation visits home ending in a desperate
search for assisted living alternatives for older loved ones, family care
consultant Molly Shomer suggests that families often fail to check out the most
important things. Taking a tour and sampling the food won't substitute for
skipping the three critical things every family should do before they make a
final assisted living selection for an older loved one.
1. Review the
contract and admission documents before move-in day. When the moving van is
idling and your mother is sitting in the lobby it's too late to ask important
questions. Have the contract thoroughly reviewed ahead of time by someone who
understands assisted living.
2. Ask for an "assessment and care plan" for
your elder before signing an assisted living contract. What you pay will usually
be based on the amount and kind of care provided. Know exactly what the facility
will be doing for your elder. Even more important, know what will bump up the
price later before you make a commitment.
3. Understand what will trigger
a request that your elder move out, and how the appeal process works. Not all
behaviors or medical conditions can be managed in an assisted living
setting.
Many families feeling desperate for
help don't know that they may be able to avoid making a rushed selection. Many
assisted living residences will permit a prospective resident to "try out" the
facility for a week or two without a long-term contract. This is a perfect
opportunity for an elder to receive needed care while the family takes the time
they need to make the right decision.
About Molly Shomer
With regular
doses of information, resources and support Molly specializes in helping the
children of aging adults reduce the often overwhelming stress of caring for
aging parents. She is the author of "The Insider's Guide To Assisted Living,"
where families can find in-depth information about everything they need to know
before they sign an assisted living contract. She is nationally recognized as
the publisher and "Head Coach" of The Eldercare Team informational site at www.eldercareteam.com.
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Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/7/prweb258109.htm