7 Things You Might Not Know About Assisted Living

1. Your Loved One Can Set Their Own Schedule

This is a common question that our advisors at Senior Living Specialists get when speaking to caregivers about a common day for their loved one. We often think that once you are at an assisted living facility that there is a stringent schedule that will need to be followed but that isn’t the case! If your loved one would enjoy the life enrichment options then they can come and go as they please. If your loved one prefers a more private life, that is an option too.

2. Prices Can Change – Ask About Recent Increases

It is a common occurrence to see the prices for an assisted living facility in Texas to increase. The increases typically occur on an annual basis. There are some facilities that will provide you the increase changes if you let them know you need it for budgeting purposes. You might also be introduced to some new services or activities for your loved one that will be outside the scope of that monthly fee (ex. meal delivery to the room).

3. Assisted Living is Very Different from Nursing Homes

Decades ago, many lumped nursing homes and assisted living communities into the same bucket. As more was learned about the care needs for seniors, there was a much more defined difference between nursing homes and assisted living facilities. You will see much more active residents in assisted living whereas nursing homes will have more residents in a bedridden state. Assisted living will also provide assistance with some daily activities while nursing homes offer round the clock medical care because of their physical requirements.

4. A Loved One’s Furry Friend Might Be Welcome

It should be noted that there are always exceptions to every rule – but your loved one might be able to have their dog or cat be with them in assisted living. It will likely depend on the temperament of the pet along with the general policies of the facility. You should be able to find an option if that is important to your loved one as they move into a new residence.

5. If Your Loved One’s Care Requirements Change, They Might Be Asked to Leave

We have had families encounter this issue years after initially helping them find the right level of care for their loved one. As a loved one ages, they will need different physical or mental support that their current facility just cannot provide. You might be informed that they can no longer support your loved one’s needs. Review the contract around this and keep a close pulse on the level of care your loved one needs as time progresses.

6. Assisted Living Could Be More Affordable Than You Initially Thought

There are a lot of prices that come with home ownership and could continue to increase as your loved one ages. If they become unable to mow their lawn, it will be an added expense to have somebody handle that. If you try to have in-home care done at their house, it can quickly begin to add up. Also, as the caregiver, you might find yourself losing valuable time at work or your business to go help them. Lost time is an expense many don’t calculate when making the move to assisted living which can alleviate all of those headaches.

7. Private Options Can Be Available in Assisted Living

We find that privacy is often one of the biggest concerns from families that are making the move from a private residence to an assisted living facility. Assisted living facilities will likely offer a wide variety of options for your loved one that could be a studio apartment or a multiple bedroom option too. If they are worried about sharing a room or space, you can find an option that works for them.