Retirement News : Seniors : Increased popularity of assisted living

Increased popularity of assisted living

Date Added: 11-11-2005

Longer lives and better health means a bigger plus-65 population.  Read the excerpt below to understand how assisted living is becoming a viable choice.

Naples Sun Times - Naples,FL,USA

By Janet M. Washburn  11/09/2005

Before choosing an assisted living facility (ALF), according to Denise Talbot-White, a gerontologist at the MetLife Mature Market Institute, "It's important to understand which services may or may not be offered and how to evaluate those services."
. It is important to first assess the functional abilities of the older adult. You may decide to engage the services of a geriatric care manager to help you with your assessment. Geriatric care managers specialize in assisting older people and their families in making their long-term care arrangements. The National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (1-520-881-8008) can provide referrals.
. It is important to visit multiple facilities and to make at least one announced and unannounced visit to the facility so that you can observe the residents' daily routine. Be sure to also use your senses when visiting a facility. Make a list of considerations that are important to your situation and be sure to ask questions.

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