Making the decision for your parents to move to an assisted living community is a difficult one, but it is often better for them, for you, and for their caregivers. However, don’t wait too long to find a location you like. Superior life-enriching communities are in high demand, and waiting lists are common.

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Navigating The Assisted Living Community Waitlist

Start Planning Your Move To An Assisted Living Community Ahead Of Time

Since the more inviting assisted living communities tend to have long waiting lists, it is important to start planning ahead of time. Even if they currently don’t have a waitlist, it’s possible that your senior parent will want to move during a time of the year when demand is high, and the community is at full occupancy.

The last thing you want to do is have to scramble to find another community because you failed to get on the waiting list for the one your mom fell in love with.

Find Out About The Assisted Living Community’s Waiting List Right Away

As soon as you begin touring communities, inquire about their waitlist policy. You need to know if a deposit is required, how often they remove people from the list, and how many people are currently waiting.

Most communities will let you know when they anticipate having openings. Some communities don’t use waiting lists, so you just have to keep checking back until a spot opens up.

Be Aware Of The Different Types Of Waiting Lists At Assisted Living Communities

There are also different types of waiting lists at assisted living communities. For example, some communities have one general waiting list, while others tend to have lists for certain types of living arrangements that are in high demand. For instance, there may be a list if your mother needs a special type of care, such as 24-hour nursing help after having a major procedure or medical staff able to handle severe dementia.

As soon as you have decided upon moving your loved one to an assisted living community, call, visit, and take a tour of the community to be included on the waiting list as soon as possible.