As a caregiver, you’re likely aware that home care can be expensive. Finding a caregiver who lives in your community or is available on short notice can be challenging. Independent living offers an alternative that’s usually less costly than hiring a private caregiver and can provide aging family members the companionship they need. There are many different factors to consider when deciding to go for independent living in Tarrant County, TX. You want to make sure that the facilities and caregivers can give you the help and support you need, as well as provide an environment where you feel comfortable and happy.
In this article, we’ll go over what you should consider when looking at online reviews for independent living centers:
Calculate the Cost
The monthly fee to live at an independent living center depends on several factors, including your location and the amenities provided by that community. While there is no standard rate across the industry, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500-$1,500 per month. This will typically include rent and other services such as housekeeping or meal preparation (though some communities may charge extra for these). Some independent living centers also have one-time fees, such as security deposits or application fees you’ll need to pay when moving in—these usually range from $100-$250.
Examine What They Provide
The next step is to examine the services offered by each center. Typically, there are indoor and outdoor activities, social events, meals, shopping, medical care (including physical therapy), transportation and 24/7 security. Each of these perks can be extremely helpful in your search for an appropriate independent living community.
Favor Proximity to Your Home
Is it close to where you live? If you’re considering moving out of state or across town, any potential new home must be close enough for you to visit often. This way, you can see how comfortable they make their residents feel while still maintaining some independence on their terms.
Does it offer all the services necessary for daily living? Some communities may provide fewer social activities than others. However, all should have at least basic transportation from one building to another within their complex, if not throughout town. There should be some form of dining experience available seven days per week either inside or outside as per preference (and weather).
Check Their Community Presence
While it’s not a requirement, it’s a good idea to check out the community presence of an independent living center. To do this, start by looking at their social media accounts. For example, if you’re thinking about working with a particular center in New York City and you live in California, look at their Facebook page or Twitter account and see what kind of posts they’ve made recently—this can give insight into how engaged they are with their members and what kinds of things they like talking about.
Study Their Team
As you’re looking into independent living centers, remember that staffing is important. The care team needs to be able to meet the needs of the residents. They need to be well-trained and available 24/7 and should maintain a good relationship with the residents so that they can provide emotional support as needed.
