Deciding to move into an assisted living senior community should not be taken lightly. It is essential to research and find the right place for you or your loved one. When making this decision, there are many things to consider, such as cost, location, and amenities.
1. Is the Community Caring Well-Managed?
The first thing to look for in an assisted living community is whether the staff members are caring and well-managed. Assisted living requires a high level of engagement from all staff members, from those who work in admissions to those that provide care directly to the residents. When you tour or speak with management, they should be able to answer your questions with ease and put your mind at ease about their ability to meet your needs as a senior citizen. Also, make sure that they have a process for checking on each resident if they are not responding appropriately.
2. Are There Enough Staff Members?
You can ask what training each staff member has received, but there’s no substitute for simply observing how they act. Do they seem attentive, caring, and on their game? They should be professional at all times and treat their loved ones with the utmost respect. While it is essential to hire qualified staff members for assisted living, it is equally crucial that they are enough. If there aren’t enough staff members to fulfill the needs of residents at all times, you will not receive appropriate care for your loved one if something unexpected were to arise.
3. Does the Community Offer Diverse Activities?
Another factor that some people overlook when choosing an assisted living community is whether or not they offer diverse activities that will keep your loved one engaged. Often, residents may become because they don’t have anything fun to do, day in and day out. This is why it’s essential to choose an assisted living community that offers activities that your loved one loves doing. If they love playing bridge, dancing, or spending time on their laptop, find out if the facility has these things available for them so they won’t be bored.
4. What Type of Meals are Offered?
When you tour different assisted living communities, make sure you ask what types of meals are offered to residents daily. As people get older, they don’t always enjoy eating everything on their plate. However, it is still essential that they receive proper nutrition each day when deciding on an assisted living community; research whether or not the facility will cater to unusual dietary restrictions or preferences that your loved one may have.
5. Can Families Visit Whenever They Want?
Another crucial thing to look for in an assisted living community is whether families can visit whenever they want. Keep in mind that this can be difficult for some facilities because of the number of residents and the limited space they have, but it is still something you should inquire about when you tour different communities. You don’t want your loved one feeling like their family has abandoned them after moving into a senior care facility.
6. Will Your Loved One Have Their Room?
When choosing an assisted living facility, it is essential to consider where your loved one will be sleeping at night. When someone moves into a senior care facility, they should have their room to stay in. This can ensure that your loved ones feel like they have some privacy and the ability to decorate how they see fit. Some assisted living communities will even offer different rooms such as studio apartments, private suites, and standard rooms with a bathroom. It is essential to consider which type of room would make your family feel most comfortable when making this decision.
7. What Are the Fees?
Finally, before committing to an assisted living community, you should inquire about what fees are involved every month. When interviewing management at different facilities, ask them if payment plans are available for the initial move-in fee or any fees associated with continuing to live there. Also, make sure they know if you are working with a specific budget because a community can often work with your family to ensure that things run smoothly.
8. How Can I Find Assisted Living Near My Family’s House?
If you live in a small town or rural area, there may not be many assisted living communities surrounding your town. In this case, you could always consider moving your loved one to a city near you where they will have more access to better healthcare and senior care facilities.
When looking for the best assisted living facility for your loved one, it is crucial not to overlook these seven factors. Make sure you ask every single question, so you have peace of mind knowing that your family member will receive the appropriate care they deserve at all times.
