This month, we are lucky to have the insights of Beth Weeks, RN, Co-Founder & Placement Specialist at Senior Living Consultants of New York. In the following article, Beth offers expert insight into what considerations should be made when selecting an assisted living community.
This is a nearly impossible question to answer directly because my favorite community is the one that fits my client perfectly (or as near perfectly as possible); and is the one that they feel most strongly connected to when we’re exploring options.
Just like in any industry, there are ebbs and flows in the senior living world and timing is everything. Even though a community was once the gold star standard of care for years, changes in staffing, corporate structure, regulations, etc. can drastically alter a community’s quality and overall vibe.
Further, just because a community holds the same assisted living license as their neighboring community, they may not utilize it the same way. Care assistance varies from community to community, so it’s important to know not only what type of license is in place, but how they actually use it in the delivery of care assistance to their residents.
For example, can a community provide hands-on transferring assistance? If so, does the person need to be able to bear their own weight during the transfer? Does the community accommodate modified diets? If so, can they admit a resident who is at risk for aspiration?
For example, can this person’s current and projected physical, safety and emotional/psychological needs be met in this setting? If so, we get to dig into what makes this person tick and find the best possible match.
It goes without saying that budget is also a key component in selecting a community.
Finally, as would be recommended when facing any other major life decision, utilizing one’s support system and being armed with information is crucial.
Beth Weeks is a Registered Nurse and the Co-Founder of Senior Living Consultants of New York. She has worked in various roles in the senior living industry for over 20 years, including administration. Beth and her longtime friend and business partner, Paul Cravinho, started their company after deciding that that their common passion and experience in working with seniors could be shared in a broader way. Beth and Paul truly care about finding the right home for seniors and helping families, friends, and caregivers through the potentially trying process of searching for senior housing. No one better understands the emotional and practical aspects of this journey.
