There are many choices when it comes to senior living communities and a lot of options to consider when making the decision on where you will live.
Communities come in different sizes, offer varying levels of care and all offer tours to help you make the choice that is right for you or your loved one.
Communities vary in their culture, leadership, approach to senior care and the overall atmosphere. As families tour a community it is important to get a sense which community is the right fit for you or your loved one.
One of the most important aspects can come down to who owns the community: Specifically considering if the community is a for-profit or a not-for-profit community.
Not-for-profit communities are not beholden to stakeholders but reinvest in their communities to better the property for their colleagues and residents. The mission of these not-for-profit organizations drive the strategies for the business. Not for profits that are well run are able to be fiscally responsible while also upholding the organization’s values.
On average, the quality of care has been found to be greater at not-for-profit communities. When visiting communities, families should ask about staffing levels, quality scores and inspection ratings. Inspection ratings should be displayed prominently at the community.
Not-for-profit status is just one factor you should consider when making the choice of a senior community. The values an organization has also should be considered when determining your plan for the future.
As a family when making a decision about senior living options a good idea is to use a pro/con approach to each community and in the end, make the decision that best fits you or your loved ones needs.