Assisted Living near Washington, DC

If your mother, father, or other relative is quickly approaching the days where living alone is no longer a viable option, you no doubt have a slew of questions running through your mind. Rest assured, there are plenty of options and you are not alone. With the help of other family members, and your loved one’s doctor and other medical staff, you can arrive at a decision that will not only protect the senior in your life, but also work well for the rest of the family.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living refers to a community where seniors can live somewhat on their own. The community provides 24/7 security, and provides assistance with most daily activities such as meal preparation, showering, etc. Each state has its own legal requirements for licensing and what services must be offered, as well as what services may be offered. Therefore, assisted living facilities in Washington D.C. are not necessarily the same as facilities in another area of the country.

In Washington D.C, an assisted living facility refers to a facility that provides combination housing, personalized assistance, and healthcare necessary to support anyone unrelated to the facility owner. It does not include group homes for the mentally retarded or any mental health community.

What to Expect from Assisted Living Facilities in Washington, D.C.

According to the most recent survey data available, a family should expect to pay around $2,500 a month for full time care in the facility. This cost is more affordable compared to neighboring states, and is lower than many areas of the country.

When touring the facility, you should expect to see clean, safe, common areas for the residents to gather, as well as clean, safe living quarters for your loved one. You should see highly trained staff who are easily identified as such. If you have any questions or concerns, speak with the facility director.

What the Senior in Your Life Wants

The most important thing to remember is you need to consider what your loved one wants. In some cases, this may not be possible, because the person has lost enough mental capacity to no longer be able to make his or her own decisions. When that’s the case, the only thing you can do is make sure your loved one is in a place where he or she is safe and well cared for.

You’ll need to read reviews to determine which facilities you want to tour, and after touring, you’ll want to take some time to compare the options to determine if you’ve found one. You may need to go back the drawing board a few times before you find one that your family loves and can afford - and that’s okay.