An article in Illinois recently made the news by discussing the process of searching for assisted living. It recommended that families trust their guts when choosing a senior care provider for a loved one. Although you could apply that advice to just about any decision, it’s one that is worth considering.
Should you really trust your gut and base your decisions about senior care on snap judgements?
Why Research Matters in Your Senior Care Search
Science tells us that while many people may have confidence in their own ability to make intuitive and instantaneous decisions, this confidence is often misplaced. People are known to have an “optimism bias” that can affect their decision making and cause them to place too much importance on intuition.
Your intuition certainly has a role in the decision making process, but it shouldn’t be the primary factor. You will want to make your decision regarding assisted living care in a balanced way, with “gut instinct” taken into account, but not leading the way.
Be sure not to visit a single community and choose it based on your first impression. Instead:
- Learn about your state’s assisted living laws and the rights of the residents before signing any contract.
- Make sure to visit at least three communities before making a decision.
- Read our checklist for touring senior communities and do other preliminary background research on any community that you are considering.
You can also call us or fill out a contact form to get connected with a Senior Living Advisor who will give you his or her candid opinion of the communities in the area you are researching.
If you do somehow choose the wrong community, it’s not necessarily the end of the world, but ideally you want to get it right the first time. Don’t let a simple hunch lead you astray.
Use your gut, but use your brain too.
What suggestions or tips do you have about choosing a senior care provider? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
