Selecting an assisted living community can feel overwhelming, and understandably so. It’s a big life decision, and you want to get it right. To do that, the best thing is to focus on finding an assisted senior living for you or your loved one. If your loved ones are getting older and may need senior assisted living soon, they’ll have some company. Here are some things you need to look for when finding assisted senior living facilities for your elderly parents or relatives:
The Location
If you’re planning on visiting your loved ones a lot or have other relatives who plan to, you need to ensure the assisted senior living options you pick will be convenient for visitors. For example, if you select a facility far away, it may take hours for you to drive out and visit, then get home. It can limit how often you see your loved ones. There may be little to do if an assisted living facility is remote. Some seniors are independent and very active; without nearby grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, they may quickly get bored.
You’ll also have to take into consideration the visiting hours. Are they convenient, and do they suit you and your family members? It may be a bit harder if everyone’s always busy with activities, school, and jobs.
The Type Of Care Offered
Every senior citizen must have their own limitations of what they can do or can’t. While many don’t need complete care, they still might need assistance with certain things, like chores or medical care. Check out if the assisted senior living option you have selected has not just the right equipment but adequately trained staff as well. Even if they’re presently in good health, you want your loved ones to have quality care at all times. Should anything happen, you can have peace of mind knowing they’re in good hands.
How Friendly The Staff Are
In addition to being appropriately trained and experienced, the attendants should also be friendly and polite. Their attitude can make all the difference in the care facility’s environment, after all. Make sure you check the staff-to-resident ratio. If that number is high, then there’s more of a possibility they’re overworked and stressed. This can affect how they behave towards the residents, whether it’s conscious or not.
The Activities And Amenities Available
While retired life can be good, it can become dull if there’s nothing enjoyable to do. A good assisted living facility will have many things for its residents to do. Take a look at the activities and amenities available at the assisted senior living options you choose. There should be a good blend of spiritual, physical, and social activities so they stay both mentally and physically healthy. For instance, a perfect facility may offer things like gardening, hiking, games, church, yoga, and parties. The activities will differ from place to place, so make sure you find out which facilities accommodate your loved ones’ favorite activities.
What The Community Culture Is Like
Moving into an assisted living facility is similar to living in a dorm and getting new roommates. Everyone has their own personality, and sometimes, they might clash. The best way to get a feel for what the community culture is like is to pay for a few hours or a whole day at the assisted senior living facility. Talk with the team, have a meal with the residents, take a walk around the buildings, see the amenities, and speak to the seniors there to see how they like it. By doing so, you can get a feel for how the environment is there and if your loved ones would stay there.
How Clean The Facilities Are
A reputed assisted living facility should care highly about how they present themselves. While visiting, you should take notice of how clean things are. Is there a layer of dust everywhere? Are there unpleasant odors? These can signify poor management of the facility. Think about it: if they can’t be concerned about fixing up what’s most noticeable to residents and visitors, then what else is going on behind the scenes?
What Security Measures Do They HaveAs people get older, they are more prone to injuries. This is why it’s essential that the assisted senior living options you select has safety measures in place, such as accessible handrails and non-slip flooring. Additionally, the facility itself should be secured from the outside world. Not only does this prevent unsavory characters from getting in, but it can also stop those with dementia or Alzheimer’s from accidentally getting out. This can generate a stressful situation for everyone involved, but mainly for the senior, as they may get confused and lost.
