Must-Ask Questions When Selecting an Assisted Living Community

There comes a time in most people's lives when the need arises for assisted living. Of course, the level of assisted living one needs in the Villanova area can vary greatly from person to person; some may simply need help when it comes to remembering to take medications, whereas others may need professional assistance with dressing, bathing, and other aspects of daily life.

Regardless of one's situation, there are some vital questions one should ask an assisted living community before making a decision.

Is the Facility For-Profit or Not-For-Profit?

These days, assisted living facilities typically fall into one of two categories: for-profit or not-for-profit. While one type of facility isn't inherently "better" than another, it's important to consider the fact that for-profits have a bottom line that they need to meet.

As a result, they're typically more eager to fill spots within their communities and always looking for ways to cut costs. In some cases, this could mean a lower standard of care--but this isn't true of all for-profit facilities. It just means those considering a for-profit should be a little more careful in their decisions.

What Kind of Contract Must Be Signed?

Another important question to ask if what kind of agreement must be made upon choosing an assisted living facility. For example, if one moves in and decides, a few months down the road, that he or she would like to move elsewhere, will it be necessary to break the contract? Will a certain amount of notice need to be given? Are there any fees associated with doing so?

By being aware of the terms of one's contract ahead of time, it's possible to avoid a lot of troubles down the road.

What's it Really Going to Cost?

Finally, understanding the true costs of an assisted living facility is a must, especially for those relying on state-funded care to pay for some or all of the expenses. Those searching for assisted living facilities should ask for a detailed break-down of what's included versus what might cost extra. For example, some facilities may charge an additional fee for meal delivery.

The process of finding the right assisted living Villanova area isn't easy by any means, but since it's a decision that one will have to live with for a long time to come, it's important to do one's research.