One of the most difficult decisions a person has to make is whether or not to put their loved one in an assisted living facility. Often it can be a life or death situation, though not in the way one would think.
Moving and change is difficult for most people. The transition from moving out of family home into an assisted living facility can be very difficult on the elderly. This is especially true if the person is moving into an assisted living facility after having a serious fall or a stroke. To help make sure that you are moving your loved one to a facility that is going to help them enjoy their life and time there you need to get information on a facility from reliable sources.
You should always ask these three questions when you are getting information from a source:
1. What is their motivation for providing me with this information? (Is there money in it for them.)
2. Where did this source get the information they are providing to you?
3. Can I trust this source… who should I trust?
There isn’t a doubt that there is money to be made in the assisted living world. Statistically speaking senior will live in an assisted living facility for 10 years. If you go on the low side of the cost of living in an assisted living facility of which is about $4000 a month or $48,000 a year. Remember that is the low side, there are people out there with less the scrupulous motives. To help remove some of the worry, here are a few recommendations on who and where to get the most unbiased and honest information about assisted living facilities.
State Medicare and Ombudsmen
These organizations are paid by the state and their primary responsibility it to make sure you and your family receives quality care. They are independent of any facility and they are really there to serve you and your family. In most instances you can find your state ombudsmen office number on the net or in the blue section of most phone books.
AssistedLivingAuburn.com
This site is dedicated to providing the most accurate and unbiased information on assisted living care facilities. While our site does spotlight different facilities, it is more to make you aware of the facilities available to you in our area. It is not meant to be a recommendation.
Other Sources
There are other sources available to help you make the decision process easier. A word of caution though, most referral agencies and sites stand to again monetarily from you choosing an assisted living facility they recommend. Remember if something doesn’t feel right… or sounds too good to be true, walk away before it is too late.
