6 Tips for Choosing the Right Senior Care Home
As people get older , it becomes difficult for them to live independently because of limited mobility, increased fall risks, and progressive underlying health conditions. In such cases, seniors require constant care, and senior care home services can provide the necessary assistance. Switzerland offers high living standards and excellent healthcare systems, making Zurich a great place to explore assisted living options. To find the best senior care home services in Zurich , consider a few factors .
1. Learn about the different types of senior care homes
When looking for care homes in Switzerland, one will easily find nursing homes and seniors’ residences, but these are not the only options available. In recent years, shared living spaces like apartments and service living facilities have gained popularity. These options offer services that are often different from those of traditional nursing homes. Additionally, residential homes provide various services, including 24-hour nursing care and independent living. So, it’s important to look into these services to find the senior care home that best suits one’s needs and healthcare requirements.
2. Make a checklist of expectations
For most seniors, moving into senior home care is often a permanent decision. This is why it is important to carefully consider all aspects of the living arrangement to ensure their stay is comfortable and avoid any further transfers. To achieve this, caregivers should understand seniors’ long-term needs and learn about the various services and features offered by senior homes. Making a checklist can be helpful in this process. The list should primarily include everything one expects from the living arrangement in old age, going beyond financial and health requirements. For instance, individuals with pets would need a senior home that allows animals on the premises and, if so, what services they provide to help residents take care of their pets. Additionally , some seniors may want to bring their furniture, so it’s important to look for services that accommodate the request. Besides this, certain seniors require specific medical services to treat long-term illnesses. One should check if the home care has the necessary equipment to meet this requirement. All of these needs and expectations should be included in the checklist.
3. Set a budget
Fixing a budget allows one to narrow down the options and find affordable care homes that meet financial needs in the long term. So, compare the services and prices of different care homes to ensure they fall within the budget. Additionally, when searching for a care home in Zurich for seniors, it’s essential to ensure that it is listed as a cantonal nursing home. This is important for those who want to benefit from their insurance plans while paying for the care home. Most health insurance plans only cover flat rates for homes on the cantonal nursing home list. Also, it is worth noting that senior care costs in Switzerland are highly subsidized, and the amount a senior pays depends on their assets and income. Some seniors may even receive free care, while others may have to shell out a part of the cost for their senior home.
4. Look for local options
While there may be different types of senior home care services, the ones available locally might be limited. But this can be beneficial. In fact, movi ng into a senior home that is located close to the area where one resides can make the transition much easier. Besides this, being in a familiar area allows seniors to stay closer to their loved ones and makes it convenient for friends and family to visit regularly. That said, finding the right senior home care locally may pose a challenge, especially if the spaces fill up quickly. To avoid this, sign up for a home care service as early as possible to secure a spot in a place of one’s choice. If a spot is not available immediately, private care homes are also a viable option.
5. Take advantage of free consultations
Generally, senior care homes offer complimentary initial consultations for potential residents. During these sessions, residents have the opportunity to explore the range of services and am enities available . In addition, they can inquire about the costs and payment plans. These free consultations also give the resident the chance to visit the care home in person and learn first-hand whether it would be suitable for their needs.
6. Learn about the facilities
Different senior care homes have different infrastructure. Some senior living facilities have independent senior living apartments, while others do not. Additionally, some care homes provide nursing services and memory care centers for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s, while others may not include them. So, it is important to learn about these various services and the range of amenities typically offered when considering long-term care options.