Many Factors Affect an Assisted Living Facility’s Personal Suitability

Hook Law Center (formerly Oast & Hook)

Virginia Beach, VA (Law Firm Newswire) December 29, 2014 – Assisted living facilities are designed to provide residents with help with daily activities while allowing them to retain their independence as much as possible. As a person considers moving to an assisted living facility, he or she should thoroughly research the options in order to choose a facility that best meets all needs.

“One of the most important things to consider is what kind of assistance you will need. Cooking, using the restroom, bathing, dressing, and managing medications are common areas of assistance,” said Andrew Hook, a Virginia elder law attorney with Hook Law Center. “And you should be prepared for the changes that you will need if your health declines.”

Continuing care retirement communities are assisted living facilities designed to allow residents to age in place as they come to need more care. Many of these communities have independent living facilities, assisted living facilities and a nursing home all in one location. Other assisted living facilities are free-standing, which means that residents may need to move elsewhere if their needs increase.

An assisted living facility should facilitate continuity with the individual’s existing lifestyle. Choosing a facility near one’s current location can help residents stay in touch with family, friends, religious communities and medical care.

It is a good idea to visit the facility at least twice before making a decision. One visit should be a guided, scheduled tour, but the other visit should be unannounced, preferably in the evening. These visits are also an opportunity to speak with residents about their experiences at the facility.

Finally, the contract should be reviewed by a lawyer. The attorney can review the contract for issues such as future rate increases, penalties associated with moving out, an outline of the services that will be provided, and how the facility will address a decline in health.