Did you know that assisted living houses are the fastest growing type of senior housing in the United States? There are an estimated 600,000 residents living in 25,000 to 30,000 facilities across the country. Making the decision to move yourself or a loved one into a facility specializing in elderly assisted living can be extremely difficult. You have to worry about resentment, cost, and distance. Most importantly, however, you have to wonder about the quality of care provided at assisted living facilities. Here are three tips to find assisted living houses offering the best care.

• Look for High Services and Privacy

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According to a 2000 study, the average age of residents in assisted living houses offering high privacy and services was 85 years old. High privacy means that 80% of resident units are private. High service refers to the fact that a full-time RN is on staff who provides nursing care when needed and assistance with two or more daily activities. These activities may include laundry, personal hygiene, and the administration of medications. Recent media reports have shown some facilities to be woefully lacking in well-trained staff, proper number of staff, medication oversight, and retention of individuals in need of high quality care. By finding a facility offering high privacy and service, you stand to avoid these issues completely.

• Look into Their Philosophy

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An important thing that many individuals researching assisted living residences look for is a statement of the philosophy of resident care. These statements can be an important window into the mindset of each community. If assisted living places are using philosophy statements that are clearly mass produced, then you might consider going elsewhere. A custom-tailored philosophy statement that shows thought and sensitivity in its writing shows a facility that sees its residents as more than dollar signs.

• Do Not Forget About Google

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The internet is an incredibly powerful source of information. Whatever type of center for assisted living for the elderly you are considering, be it small homes with a few residents to high-rise apartments with many, you should do your research. Using Google, Bing!, and other powerful search tools you can find a variety of assisted living reviews so you can get a real picture of the type of care you or your loved one may receive. Safety, care, and value are the name of the game here.

If you are worried about your health, or that of your loved one, and you are considering a move to an assisted living facility, employ these three methods to make sure the care received is the best available. Regardless of age, we all deserve to be treated in the very best way. Put these three tips to use to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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