When you are starting your search for elder care facilities in Vancouver, WA, you will want to begin with a list of questions. This will help you get clear about what you know already, and what you need to learn about the process. The first key questions are:

• What do I know about the different types of  senior living options? What do I need to know?
• Where can I get the most reliable and objective information about the options?
• Which of these options can I afford, now and in the future?
• How do I weigh price vs. value?
• How would I define my personal successful outcomes after one year in the new home?

When talking with staff of a prospective facility, you and your family should also ask these questions:

• On average, about how much time per day does a resident in my situation receive direct, hands-on assistance?
• How is the facility staffed 24/7 to provide the services you promise?
• How will you respond in the event of a medical emergency?
• How do you continuously monitor a resident’s condition while still preserving his/her privacy?

In addition to talking to the staff of the facility, you should consider speaking with current residents of the facility, and if possible, some of the residents’ family members. Ask about the realities of everyday life in the assisted living facility. Hearing the personal stories of current residents may help you decide if that particular community is a good fit for you or your loved one. These are some of the questions you might want to ask:

• How did you move through the decision-making process?
• What were the hurdles you had to overcome before you could make the decision?
• How do you feel now about your decision?
• Knowing what you know now, what would you do differently, if anything?

Finally, as we age we face increasing frailty and the possibility of  other health challenges. Looking forward to the future, consider these questions:

• How will the facility address and charge for the costs of increased services that are necessary?
• What are the policies and procedures for determining whether it is possible to continue to caring for you?

These are just some of the questions to consider as you make your decision about elder care facilities in Vancouver, WA. You may find some of these conversations to be a bit uncomfortable, but knowing the answers to them can provide you and your family with long-term peace of mind.