How Do You Choose the Right Care Program for a Loved One?

There often comes a point in our lives when we must make decisions for our older relatives who may no longer be able to make them for themselves. One such decision can involve transitioning them into a senior living community where they can be supported to live life to the fullest.

Deciding that they would thrive in a senior living community can be straightforward, but choosing the most appropriate care program within a community can sometimes be much more challenging. Here are some helpful tips for streamlining the process:

Assess Your Family Member’s Needs

Assessing your loved one’s needs can be a great starting point for ensuring they’ll get the help they need in whichever care program you choose for them. Start thinking about their social, physical, and emotional needs. You may also look at factors like cognition, daily activities they could benefit from, mobility, medical requirements, and needs for specific services and amenities.

Some care programs revolve more around some needs than others. For example, many of the best Independent Living programs prioritize social and emotional needs because residents within these programs typically need minimal help with their physical needs. You can normally expect more of a balance of all need types in Assisted Living and Memory Care.

Research Your Options

Knowing that your loved one could benefit from moving into a senior living community doesn’t mean you know which living programs exist and what they could be helpful for. That’s why prior research can be so helpful.

Browse the websites of senior living communities in your area to learn which living options they offer, such as Independent Living, Memory Care, and Assisted Living. You may then learn the intricacies of each. If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, you can contact your preferred senior living communities directly to ask questions.

Visit Senior Living Communities

Knowing what your loved one needs or could benefit from can sometimes be challenging without seeing senior living communities in person. Thankfully, most reputable communities provide personal tour opportunities.

This means you can schedule an appointment with various communities to see the grounds and amenities, talk to employees, ask questions, and get to know what everyday life for residents looks like. These tours can be pivotal for choosing the most suitable care program for a loved one.

Talk to People

You don’t have to make the tough decisions for your family member on your own. You can create a support network to help. Alongside other family members and even friends, you may also see the value in talking to your loved one’s healthcare providers, especially if you have permission to make healthcare decisions on their behalf. Some people also find it beneficial to ask others for recommendations based on their experiences.

Read Reviews

When you’re struggling to decide which care program and senior living community will suit your family member’s needs the best, don’t be afraid to use the internet as the valuable tool it can be. Read reviews from people who have experience with particular programs or communities. They can often provide invaluable insight into what to expect.

Learn More About The Veraden Senior Living

While you might not know which care program will be most suitable for your family member, that doesn’t mean you won’t get there. We welcome you to schedule a tour of The Veraden Senior Living in Edmond, Oklahoma, where you can learn more about our Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Independent Living programs. It may only be a matter of time until you make a decision you’re happy with.