Understanding your short- and long-term needs is the first step to success when researching senior housing options, according to the free, 12-page educational booklet Senior Housing: What You Need to Know, available for download at www.snapforseniors.com.
The booklet was developed and written by SNAPforSeniors in collaboration with Senior Services. SNAPforSeniors is a free, online senior housing search and matching resource that lists all licensed housing providers in the United States and shows those currently accepting new residents. Senior Services is the largest non-profit agency serving older people in Washington.
“Whether driven by an acute medical situation or a lifestyle choice, identifying the best elder housing options for oneself or a family member is one of the most stressful and complicated decisions of a lifetime,” said SNAPforSeniors CEO Derek Preston.
“An estimated 9 million Americans live more than 100 miles away from dependent parents, making sourcing and screening for appropriate housing an even greater challenge. Finding a qualified list of choices based on one’s individual needs is essential to making an informed decision.”
Five tips from SNAPforSeniors and Senior Housing: What You Need to Know are:
- Understand what you need in the short and long term from a senior housing community. Think about what factors are most important to you and your loved ones.
- Get an objective and complete list of the senior housing options in your desired area. Call your local Senior Information and Assistance program or visit www.snapforseniors.com to get a comprehensive list of all senior housing providers.
- Once you have a short list of potential options, visit each place at least once to get a feel for its environment, management and staff.
- Visit www.medicare.gov to review facility surveys and inspection reports. Secure references from current and past residents and their families. Go to www.ltcop.org to access your local ombudsman and call for insights about local facilities.
- Once your loved one has transitioned to a new environment, visit or make contact with them frequently to help them stay connected.
Other highlights include:
- Assessing your housing needs
- Examining various housing factors
- Determining important personal preferences
Physicians, healthcare and other elder-serving professionals may contact SNAPforSeniors at info@snapforseniors.com or 206-575-0728 to request free booklets for distribution to patients and clients. Only shipping fees will apply. Consumers may contact SNAPforSeniors to request a free booklet with no fees.
