It’s a given that as we age and our health fails we may need a little extra help. There was a time when long-term care facilities and nursing homes had a bad reputation. While there is still some stereotype out there, you can find great joy and quality of life when you find a quality long-term care location to make your home.

Check out these tips to help you find quality long term care.

Tour Facilities in Your Area

Whether you’re looking for the best long-term care San Diego has to offer or you’re looking in another location, you should tour the available options. Chances are your location or an area you are interested in moving to for long-term care will have several options to choose from.

You don’t have to wait until you need a facility to start familiarizing yourself with the options. Plan ahead and be prepared for when the day comes you need to make a final decision. Visiting in person is a great way to get a feel for how things work there.

Take note of the staff and how they treat current residents. Are the residents well groomed? Check out the menu and maybe try some food from the kitchen. Look at activities and events that keep residents engaged.

Consider the Costs of Care

Another thing to keep in mind is the cost of care. Most long-term facilities have their own payment schedules and fee charts. There may be varying costs for varying needs, but you should be able to get a list of current expenses to better understand the costs.

You will want to factor in what you can afford as well as any long-term care insurance you might have in place. The costs to you and the costs you can handle will depend on your situation so keep that in mind.

What Does the Facility Offer?

Take the time to discover what the facility has to offer. Many facilities have skilled nursing, rehab service, assisted living, and more. When you move in, you may just need assisted living. Choose a facility that has what you need in terms of care and support.

Also be sure to look at the grounds and the amenities. Will they have plenty of things for you to do to stay entertained and active? Do the grounds offer activities for you to enjoy? It’s not always just about the care within the facility. While that is important, you also need to consider how they provide for your social and activity needs too.

Choosing the right long-term care in San Diego comes down to your needs and preferences being met. Consider your needs and wants and take it from there.