The Best Assisted Living Facility for Your Loved One

Posted on October 18, 2016

Your parents deserve the best care you can offer. So it's only right that you find the right living facility for them. Here's a look at what you need to know to find one: What is assisted living?

It's a residential option for senior loved ones who require help with some daily tasks or activities such as moving around, getting to appointments or maintaining the home. Some also need assistance with getting to the bathroom in the middle of the night or preparing meals.

How it is different from nursing homes?

Nursing homes are more suited to seniors who medical conditions that might require around the clock care. Those who suffer from debilitating medical conditions or have medical conditions that will affect their mental well-being will a nursing home more suited to their needs. An assisted living facility is a much better fit for seniors who need help with daily tasks but not the medical care and supervision one finds in a nursing home.

Is it the right choice?

Here are a few questions to help you determine if you're making the right choice for your loved one:

• Does your loved one require help moving around and running errands? If your family and friends can no longer provide the support and assistance your loved one needs, it might be better to go for assisted living.
• Are you worried about your safety? If your own mobility is compromised, it might make it tough for you to care for someone else. That's where an assisted living facility comes in.
• Is transportation an issue? If the hospital or nearest healthcare center is more than an hour's drive away or if there aren't any transportation hubs nearby, it might be prudent to opt for an assisted facility. Seniors have a distressingly tendency to get into an accident. If something happens, that distance might spell the difference between a quick recovery and a long, painful one. In a facility, though, your loved one will have the medical help s/he needs onsite, ensuring timely treatments that could make a difference in your loved one's rate of recovery.

How do you find one?

You can ask for suggestions from people you know and trust, such as friends, family and your medical provider. You could also take your search online. For assisted living facilities in Jacksonville Florida, take a long look at lists we provide. At Senior Living Communities, we offer you options to suit your needs for senior care healthcare facilities.