Avoid the 3 Biggest Mistakes When Choosing a Senior Living Facility For most of us, we will have to decide if we are going to move a loved one into a senior living facility. We can't avoid this emotional time in our lives but we can avoid the 3 biggest mistakes families make.
Mistake 1: Picking a facility because it looks nice. Quality of care is hard to assess in the senior living market. For this reason we rely on proxy setting like "appearance" to make up for the knowledge we lack. Instead of looking at the landscaping and hard wood floors, rub your finger on top of a door in a resident's room. Is it dirty? Ask the tough questions during the tour like "What is the annual turnover in this facility?" (In some states it's upwards of 66%) Ask for 2 families you could call as a reference and ask them how the care has been and if they would have done anything different.
Mistake 2: Not negotiating the monthly room rate. How much is a room worth to these facilities when it's empty? Before you ask for a discount have them state their price and mention that you are looking at other facilities in the area. If they don't come down and you really like the facility ask what other potential discounts there are. Free move in? Free first months rent? Free first months food?
Mistake 3: Choosing a facility alone. Would you send your child to kindergarten without meeting the teachers? Visiting the school? Talking to other parents? Then why would you take a shot in the dark with your Mom. Dad, or loved one? Talk to someone that has knowledge in this area like an Eldercare Advisor. They will not only understand your situations but they will empower you to make the right care and financial decision. Going at it alone is a huge risk. A risk that could result in your loves ones nest egg being drained quickly when it didn't need to be.
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