If you’re one of the many individuals looking to locate a retirement community for their loved one, the Internet is a reasonable place to start.
Online directories are likely to show up on the first page of search results. These services allow you to search by location, the type of lodging you need, read reviews, and speak with a local expert.
A 2014 study found that 88% of consumers trust online reviews just as much as personal recommendations. However, do these websites give a whole picture?
The article explores how you can utilize review sites to find the best retirement community near you.
Referral and Review Sites
Despite the fact that directories, also known as recommendation sites, could seem to offer a multitude of information in one place, they oftentimes do not provide the complete picture. If you decide to participate in one of the communities these websites connect you with, they often profit.
Referral sites frequently receive a commission equal to one month’s rent at communities, which may run into the thousands of dollars. The topic of whether directories prioritize finding your parent the greatest care and cultural match arises as a result.
Furthermore, by giving your contact information to a referral site or working with an online advisor, you run the risk of receiving a lot of calls from the referral service and the assisted living communities they work with. Instead, you should cut out the middleman and speak directly with the assisted communities you are interested in.
Important information, including pricing, is sometimes missing from local websites. You can count on one hand the number of establishments that really post their pricing. It may seem counterintuitive given the wealth of other information available, but expenses can vary greatly based on the level of care, the size of the living space, and other considerations.
Another significant feature that cannot be discovered from any website is the caliber of a community’s food. Since eating is a big part of socializing in many communities, many people eat the majority, if not all, of their meals in a communal dining area. Always sample the food with your loved ones before signing the contract. Living there could be uncomfortable if the food there is bad.
Tour The Community
Begin your search online, carefully read the reviews to address any questions you may have, and then schedule a tour to the locations that most interest you. Depending on how well they are doing, you should invite your parent along for a second visit after you have explored the area and asked the important questions, some of which you may learn through reviews.
Online reviews of care facilities for your loved one may offer some useful information, but you shouldn’t place too much stock in them.
Reviews need to remain in the proper perspective. Reviewers usually have strong ideas and behave dishonestly or with undue excitement. Reviews can help you find answers to any queries or worries you may have, but ultimately you must decide which neighborhood is ideal for your loved one.
