Most adult children find themselves in a caregiving role quickly. They go from nothing to all-in in a relatively short period of time.

There’s no training for it. There isn’t a mandatory class you have to take to learn the ins and outs. In fact, in most cases, it’s a little more like sinking rather than swimming.

It starts with a phone call. Maybe your mother slipped and fell. Or your dad was found wandering the streets. You may have noticed issues here and there, but suddenly it’s glaringly obvious something needs to be done.

Is assisted living the answer?

Assisted living facilities are being built all over town. There must be a good reason for them, right? Maybe that’s your answer. But before you head in for your first tour, keep a few things in mind.

According to a recent Forbes article, there are a lot of problems with ALFs – assisted living facilities.

Unlike skilled nursing facilities, ALFs don’t fall under the same regulatory requirements. They are regulated only at the state level, and that can change significantly from place to place.

There are enormous differences in payments. They also differ in the kinds of benefits they’ll fund.

There are questions about safety. One report showed turnover in personal care aides at more than 37 percent in one year.

They can force out your parent once they need more care. (They rarely tell you that on the initial tour.)

Even defining the term “assisted living” comes into question. Does it mean skilled nursing, or simply a place with minimal services at best?

And unfortunately for you, your parents’ caregiver, the only way you find out about the weaknesses is after you’ve paid the money and your elderly parent is living there. Then the weaknesses become glaringly obvious.

A better way is in home care.

In home care allows your loved one to remain in their home with personalized, one on one attention.