The search for exceptional senior care can be challenging, and choosing the right senior care option for your loved one may feel like an agonizing decision. When families are unsure about what services are available for their loved one or the appropriate level of required care for their needs, it can be overwhelming. At My Care Finders, we take the guesswork out of finding the right care option for your loved one. Our expertise and connections in the local senior community will allow you to concentrate more on what is really important – which community will provide the best home for your family member, and allow them to live a safe, happy and fulfilled life?
After many years of helping families to find the right home for their family member, we know what to look for. Once determining your budget, there are many other aspects of potential senior residences to consider. These may include:
- Location: If the entire family lives in the same basic region, location may be a little easier to pin down. But if your family is more spread out, your loved one will have to decide if they would prefer to stay in the region they currently reside, or if they would like to live closer to a family member. Seniors up north may decide that a Florida senior residence is more desirable so they can spend time outside. Active seniors may wish to be surrounded by cultural, culinary and natural attractions to visit. Deciding on location is the first step to finding the best home.
- Level of Care: Is your loved one independent, or do they need help with ADLs? Are they still mentally sharp, or are they experiencing cognitive issues? Are they safe moving about a facility on their own, or are their mobility challenges? Understanding the required level of care will help you to narrow down the options most appropriate for your loved one. Their physician can help in this evaluation.
- Activities and Socialization: Opportunities for social engagement is a critical aspect of any senior living community. Every individual has a different idea about how they wish to spend their days. Choosing a facility that has a wide variety of rotating options may be perfect for a more adventurous senior, while a residence with a few standard – but well done – amenities may be more comfortable for a less outgoing adult. Whatever your choice, remember that avoiding isolation is vital, so finding the right “vibe” for your loved one is necessary to ensure they feel comfortable enough to participate.
- Atmosphere and Environment: It is easy to determine the personality of a place within a few minutes of walking in. Did you feel welcomed, and did the staff appear friendly? Is the environment well-lit, cheerful and bright? Speak with residents and staff and watch their interactions with one another to gauge how the residents really feel about where they live. Mutual respect, compassion and friendship are important, and can typically be viewed most authentically in everyday interactions.
- Amenities: While most assisted living and memory care centers have similar amenities – such as movie theaters, fitness centers, arts and crafts rooms and outdoor patios – it may be the lesser advertised amenities that make or break your decision. For instance, if your loved one is an avid reader, a library may be most important. If they have a beloved furry companion, then a pet-friendly campus will be essential. If they love gardening, having access to an outdoor area to dig in the dirt may be the deciding factor. Some seniors love to swim – is a swimming pool available? Musicians may wish to have a piano, and chefs may wish to access to a kitchen. Some may look for worship services or access to spiritual enrichment. Whatever makes life special for your loved one, the right senior care option should reflect those passions.
My Care Finders knows Florida senior care, and we have the knowledge and expertise needed to help families make the right choice. Remember, our services are always free of charge to families! Call today to learn more, and to take the anxiety out of searching for your Florida care option.
