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Finding a new home can be daunting, especially when caregiving is part of the equation. However, there are ways to find the best assisted living community to meet your familys needs.

In general, you should look for outstanding care, accessible community design and vibrant community life, says Rhonda Glyman, executive director of NewBridge on the Charles Assisted Living, a facility of Hebrew SeniorLife in the Boston area.

She encourages seniors and their loved ones to visit multiple facilities and pay attention to what they see.

Go take a look, she says. Are staff and residents smiling? Do they look happy? What does the environment look like?

As you visit different communities, here are specific factors to consider.

Assisted living facilities offer a variety of services that can include:

You might notice something missing from that list.

Medical care isnt part of the usual portfolio of care, says Helen Chen, M.D., chief medical officer at Hebrew SeniorLife.

However, assisted living staff can monitor residents and help coordinate services with outside health care providers. Its important to explore how the facility handles these interactions.

Ask the caregivers, What are your relationships with the health care community? advises Dr. Chen. Do you have clinicians who come here and do office visits? What is provided within the facility?

Find out if the assisted living community is associated with a specific medical facility. Sometimes residents are required to go to that practice. Additionally, investigate what policies are in place should emergency care be needed.

Accommodations vary among assisted living facilities. Different options may be available within one community as well. Kitchenettes, private rooms and larger apartments are common, and residents typically choose one over the other based on their lifestyle preferences and budget. Its also important to consider:

No matter what personal living space meets your needs, pay attention to the common areas and ease of getting around. Good lighting, clear areas to walk both indoors and outdoors, and comfortable places to sit help keep residents safe and engaged.

Accessibility is a key element to be looking for, says Dr. Chen. You want amenities that are centrally located so residents can easily come to programs and dining and its easy to get back and forth and meet with their friends. That social engagement helps improve their quality of life.

Assisted living is designed to meet both the physical and emotional needs of residents. Most facilities create a care plan for each resident based on their individual needs, interests and desires.

We focus on the person, so the care plan isnt just clinical, says Glyman. Its how we can help you learn, grow and find purpose.

When youre searching for assisted living, consider what life-enhancing services and activities are available. Amenities can include:

Examine dining services as well. Do menus vary, and can residents make requests? What hours are dining facilities open? The path to a persons heart is often through the stomach.

People and personalities make a community, so ask about staff training, policies and background checks. Its also important to trust your gut.

Come and see and decide for yourself. You get a vibe, says Dr. Chen. Ask a lot of questions. Facilities that arent transparent about policies make me nervous. If youre entrusting your loved one to this place, you need to make sure they answer your questions, because thats the relationship youll be having with the director, leadership and frontline staff for many years.

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Dont overlook the agencies that register, license or certify assisted living communities. A department of the state will issue and renew licenses for these facilities. Make sure the community you select is in good standing and properly accredited.

Assisted living doesnt come cheap. According to AHCA and NCAL, the median rate for assisted living is $4,000 a month, or $48,000 a year. These costs vary by state.

Most residents use some form of private paylike long-term care insurance or their personal savingsto cover assisted living expenses. Medicare doesnt cover long-term care services, so it doesnt pay for assisted living.

People in lower income brackets may be able to use Medicaid to help pay for assisted living, though state Medicaid programs vary. Medicaid can also cover certain home and community-based services like personal care and supportive services. Since this care is provided in assisted living communities, Medicaid may help pay for part of the cost. However, Medicaid doesnt pay for room and board.

If youre trying to determine how to pay for assisted living care, talk to your financial advisor or state Medicaid board. Assisted living employees can share resources to help you make smart choices, too.

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How To Find The Best Assisted Living Facility - Forbes

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