Choosing an assisted living facility to care for an elderly parent is an enormous decision, one which requires extensive research and a careful analysis of your loved one’s needs. Faced with the difficult prospect of ensuring that your family members are cared for, you might be concerned about making a less-than-ideal choice. To help guide your decision-making, below are a few common mistakes to avoid.

3 Common Mistakes When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

1. Not Anticipating Future Needs

While the atmosphere and amenities an assisted living facility provides are important, the health care services they offer are critical. Before choosing an assisted living facility for your loved one, speak to his or her doctor about the treatment and other services he or she will likely need in the future. Choosing an assisted living home with the ability to adapt to  evolving needs will save you the stress of moving him or her again when the medical condition changes.

2. Choosing Based on Your Own Preferences

Of course, it’s important to be involved in the decision-making process, but be careful to defer to your parents’ wishes and tastes. For instance, you might be impressed by their game room and group activities schedule, but your parents may not plan to participate in those aspects of life in their new facility. Even if they are suffering from memory loss and or experiencing a lack of focus, you should still concentrate on choosing an assisted living facility that reflects their tastes and personality.

3. Rushing the Decision

With the pressure of this difficult decision on your shoulders, you might try to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, rushing into a decision may leave your parents in a facility that doesn’t meet their needs, requiring you to move them again in the near future.  Take time now to explore assisted living options in your community.  You never know when you might need the services.

For over 40 years, Bethany St. Joseph Corporation has provided seniors throughout western Wisconsin with high-quality assisted living facilities designed to meet their specific needs. At each of its facilities, tenants are treated with the respect they deserve and receive only the best medical care available. Visit BSJ Corporatiion’s website for more information on its assisted living facilities, follow their Facebook for news and updates, or call (608) 783-1516 to schedule a tour today.