Choosing the right assisted living place for a loved one with a mental illness can be difficult. There are a lot of things to consider, and it can be hard to know where to start. Moreover, you want to be sure you’re making the best decision for them. Let’s take a look at four of the things you need to think about.
The Care Options
The first thing you should check out for is if the retirement community is set up to deal with emergencies, and if they have medical professionals available onsite. You also want to find out if the medical professionals are available 24/7.
Also, you must involve your loved one into the decision making process to ensure that their needs and preferences for senior living is met. Some people may feel more comfortable in a setting that’s more like a home, while others may prefer a more institutional setting. Ultimately, you’ll need to consider the level of care your loved one needs and choose the best apartment suited for them.
The Location of the Assisted Living Community
When it comes to finding a retirement community for your loved ones with mental illness, the location is extremely important. You want to make sure that the place is close to your home, so you can easily visit and check in on your loved one.
But you also want to make sure that the place is in a safe neighborhood, with plenty of activities and social opportunities for your loved one. You don’t want them feeling cooped up or feeling like they’re in a prison. So ensure that their location is in a safe and secure environment.
Professional Staff and Well-assisted Residents
You will want to make sure that the staff is qualified to deal with mental illness and that they have the experience and training needed to support your loved one.
It’s also important to meet the other residents at the assisted living community. Your loved one will benefit from having friends and people to connect with. You’ll want to make sure that the other residents are accepting of people with mental illness and that they’re not going to cause your loved one any problems.
The Amenities
Your loved one should feel secure, and there should be no opportunity for them to harm themselves or anyone else.
The community should also have appropriate senior living amenities. It should be clean and well-maintained, and there should be a variety of activities to keep your loved one busy and engaged. The staff should be knowledgeable about mental illness and how to best support your loved one.
The Cost
It’s important to consider the cost of senior living for your loved ones with mental illness. As you can imagine, it can be pretty expensive, and you want to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. First, try to find a place that offers sliding scale pricing. This means that the cost will be based on your loved one’s income and ability to pay. However you must remember that it’s worth it to know that your loved one is in a safe, comfortable place.
Moreover, ensure that you ask about discounts. Many retirement communities offer subsidies to help families cover the cost of care. You have many things to think about when it comes time to choosing the right community for a loved one with a mental illness. Make sure you ensure how much care your loved one’s needs. From there, you will choose the ideal community suited for them. Furthermore, talk to other families who have had experience with assisted living, and read reviews online. Visiting the community will also help you choose better.
