Many are little more than not-quite-nursing-homes with inattentive staff snd minimal support.
Good ones can start at $3,000/month. I helped my father move into a terrific one when he moved to my state. That one had 3 sections - a completely independent living section with extra supports (bi-weekly cleaning, emergency call, etc.), assisted living on a couple floors of the condo, with the ability to order in food, get help with meds and other health needs, and so on, and a single-floor memory care unit on the other end. The amenities were posh - lots of activities led mostly by residents’ clubs or individual residents, a gym, pool, fitness training and consultation, free transportation for both basics and medical (and activities as available), a barber, commissary, small resident-run library, and post office on-site, rather ritzy full-service dining room for 2 meals per day included, a deli-style restaurant and bar for people and their families to enjoy in the building, and more.
Make sure you ask about a bunch of things before deciding, at whatever price level:
1) What happens if you get sick? Do they have a standard med-alert that will get someone on-site to respond, or will you just wind up taking an expensive ambulance ride with no staff help? What about an on-site nurse you can just talk to if you don’t think you need an ER or Urgent Care?
2) What transportation do they offer? My dad had a car and no interest in the vans when he moved in, but quickly fell in love with the ability to go to his appointments stress-free. He was able to get a ride home from ER and a procedure requiring sedation, as well. No need to bug family or arrange a ride, when the residence will handle it routinely.
3) Food. This is a big deal. Some places have crapola food offerings, school cafeteria level at best. Some places are practically posh restaurants. If you’re going to likely have 2 meals a day with their cooking, you’d better be happy with it! A good place will even set your tour appointment so you can sample lunch.
4) Policies. Some are more restrictive than others. Some are no-pet, and for others it’s no problem. With smoking, most do not allow smoking indoors, even in a person’s own apartment. Some allow it on a person’s balcony. There are lots of little rule details you may want to check on.
5) is there a thriving resident community? Whether you can afford a Cadillac residence with every amenity including pool, etc., activities and community matter. Good residences support lots of resident clubs and resident-led classes and activities, including group trips to the movies or plays, and more. If that isn’t part of the deal, run! While people may have medical or aging problems, they all need stimulation, friendship, and a great life. If no such community exists, usually because it isn’t fostered by the residence, or they don’t want to spend money to provide space, transportation, printing calendars, or other support activities, this is going to be a dull, unpleasant place to live under the roof of a slum lord.
Good luck. My dad (and a friend’s) were lucky enough to live in a residence where even my husband muttered that if not for the cats being able to go outside, he’d be jealous and want to move in, too. There is such a range of quality, that you have to research well online, and then go visit and tour the ones that make the first cut.There is no point paying a premium on your rent, only to feel miserable where you live.
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