Caregiving Challenges, Choosing an Assisted Living Facility (ALF)

Now that everyone agrees an assisted living facility is best for your loved one, how do you choose the one that's right for them?

Assisted Living Facilities
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Helpful Highlights

  • The first step to choosing an assisted living facility (ALF) is to discuss what's important to your loved one and what they feel is necessary for their well-being.

  • The next step is to research the ALFs in their area (or the area where your loved one will be moving) and choose a few that seem like they fit your loved one's needs.

  • The final step is to visit these ALFs and compare them. Talk to residents and staff during your visit, then discuss with your loved ones what they liked and disliked.

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Everyone is in agreement that it’s a good decision to move your loved one into an assisted living facility (ALF).  You’ve done some research and you’ve located a few in the area.  Now is the time to visit at least the top three on your list and make some comparisons.

Take your loved one with you, get their input, and honor it. What you love, they may not. What might not matter to you may mean a great deal to them. Most of the time, an older adult wants to see people of their own age doing things they like to do.

Choosing the right place at the right time will help you avoid another move in the future. Here are some things to consider and some questions to ask.

Ask the facility representative

Talk to the residents during your visit

Be sure to ask permission from the resident to ask them some questions (name introductions are nice). Explain that you are looking for a new home for your loved one and are considering this facility.

Talk to the staff during your visit

Talk to more than just the nurses and aides. Talk to other roles like nutrition and maintenance staff, if you see them.

Discuss with your loved one after each visit

Talk about everything you can think of regarding the visit and make sure to write it all down in an organized manner so that you may use the notes for comparison when making a final decision. Here are some questions to get you started:

No content in this app, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

About us

Helpful is an app to make caregiving easier. We integrate your loved one’s insurance benefits, medical records and caregiving guides into an immediate, accessible and user-friendly experience. Helpful supports your care needs by eliminating administrative tasks and providing technology to support your caregiving experience.

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