Understanding Levels of Care at Assisted Living Facilities in NJ

Every year, more and more families are faced with the tough decision about how to handle care for an aging relative. Depending on the level of care a family member requires, there could be multiple options available.

Deciding on Levels of Care

One individual a family should discuss a required level of care is the family member’s doctor. This professional will be able to provide specific suggestions about the current status of the family member and potential issues moving forward regarding the required level of care a loved one will need.

It is also important to discuss future care with the family member directly. Unlike making decisions for a child, a senior member of the family will have specific requests and requirements about their style of living. They do not want to feel like they are “being put away in a home,” or having decision made on their behalf without their input. Make sure to include them in the decision making process and ask for their input.

Assisted Living Facilities in NJ

There are a number of different levels of care at assisted living facilities in NJ and more often than not, an appropriate level of care can be provided.

Take some time and sit with the family member and discuss what type of activities, social opportunities, preferred facility location and more they would like to have at the facilities. Next, start to research different assisted living facilitates in NJ by asking other family members, friends and review the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services website. From this research, start to develop a list of facilities to visit.

Go and visit each of the assisted living facilities in NJ under consideration armed with the research already done and a list of questions so nothing is missed. Ask to meet staff and tour the entire site. Ask if it is OK to speak with facility residents and get their thoughts on living at the facility. Additionally, ask if they can provide references of family members of the different residents. Also consider making a surprise visit to see what day-to-day life is really like at the assisted living facilities in NJ under consideration.

Once the list of assisted living facilities in NJ has been narrowed down to a few locations, make a follow-up appointment and bring the loved one for a first-hand visit. Ultimately the senior relative will be living in the facility, so it is important they feel they are a part of the decision and feel comfortable with their potential new home.