Which senior living community is right for you?
All residents of Assisted Living (AL) or Board and Care (B’nC) homes — all Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs) —in California must have the Lic 602a form completed prior to move in.
Choosing an Assisted Living or Board ‘n Care home can be a difficult decision. Consider these factors.
- VALUES / NEEDS — What is most important to you or your loved one? Consider activity preferences, social likes and dislikes, geography, conveniences, type of care needed, and prognosis of condition. For instance, if Mom has always been social, you’ll probably wish to look at larger, active communities. If she has always preferred to be on her own, perhaps a small Board ‘n Care home may better suit her.
- COST — this is a big factor. You may think that the larger communities are more expensive, but that is not always the case. And, in this current economy, many facilities are cutting their prices or offering specials. So, even if you have talked to a home or community in the past, you may wish to call them again and get their updated rates. You should also keep in mind that even though AL seems expensive, compare the costs of their being at home (rent, utilities, maintenance, yard work, food, etc) to the cost of their fees in community. Many places have “all inclusive” pricing, some have “ala carte” pricing. It’s important to ask about these things before making any kind of decision. AL and BnC are not paid for by insurance, unless there is a Long Term Care Plan in place. There are loans available. And, there is also a benefit through the VA called Aid and Attendance that can help if there was service connection.
- CARE NEEDS — if your loved one has “early stage” dementia, please look at the dementia communities only. It is very upsetting to a person with dementia to move. Getting them settled in the right place the first time will be much less stressful to both you and your loved one. Also, be sure that the level of care can be met at the community you choose. And, PLEASE, plan ahead. If Dad has diabetes now and is on oral meds, what will happen if he has to go to Insulin? What if he is not able to self-care with his Insulin? Again, picking the right place the first time is really the best thing for all.
Community Care Licensing (CCL) oversees the Board and Care Homes as well as the Assisted Living Communities. Communities are required to keep a copy of their latest survey available for anyone to see. CCL can be contacted for other information. 619-767-2300.
Recommended Facilities
Starfish Resouces, LLC has a list of recommended facilities. Please contact us for our recommendations, a community checklist, more information, or to discuss which facility may be right for you.
