One of the most important decisions that you will ever make is finding the best-assisted living facility for your elderly parent.
Assisted living is housing with support services for people who need help with daily living activities. Unlike a nursing home, a resident does not need professional medical care.
Here is a quick guide on how to find the right facility.
Relevant Questions to Ask
Asking the right questions will help you make a quick assessment of an assisted living facility.
Since you will probably have numerous questions as you walk through the buildings with a staff member and get introduced to a variety of people, it’s essential to prepare at least four primary questions before your visit.
While you might want to ask the staff member giving you the tour some of these questions, others aren’t meant to be asked aloud but only to help you evaluate the facility.
What should you look for when evaluating various assisted living communities for seniors in your city?
Here are four frequently asked questions that will help you get a feel for the assisted living community you are visiting:
Question #1: What safety and security measures does this facility offer residents?
Question #2: When is the best time to visit to understand the dynamics of the community?
Question #3: How friendly, caring, and considerate is the staff?
Question #4: What do the other residents and their families think about this facility?
Now let’s take a closer look at the answer to these questions.
- What Safety and Security Measures Does This Facility Offer Residents?
Safety and security are a top priority for seniors and choosing a facility with strong safety and security measures in place will give you peace of mind about your parents’ well-being.
When evaluating safety and security, ask the staff member about the following things:
- What elderly alert systems are available for residents?
- Are the bathrooms easy to access and do they have grab bars positioned in the most convenient places?
- How can a resident contact a staff member if they have an emergency?
- Is there somebody available at the facility 24/7 to assist the residents?
- Does the facility have registered nurses?
- How does the staff assist a resident in monitoring their medication?
2. When Is the Best Time to Visit to Understand the Dynamics of the Community?
The best time to schedule your tour is when there is a community event. This will give you a chance to see for yourself the types of events available, how the staff manage them, and how much the residents enjoy them. Review the community’s schedule of events and pick one that your loved one will find interesting. In addition to witnessing the event and perhaps even taking part in it, also ask staff members about community outings and religious services.
3. How Friendly, Caring and Considerate Is the Staff?
Does the staff appear friendly and approachable?
The best way to assess the friendliness of the staff is to make your own observations during your visit. Notice how staff members interact with current residents. Notice if they listen and make eye contact. Notice if they show patience and caring.
It doesn’t matter how beautiful the facility is, if the staff look impatient and overworked, your elderly parent will probably be miserable there.
- What Do Other Residents and Their Families Think About This Facility?
Besides getting a tour, asking staff relevant questions, and making your own observations, you can also get more information about a facility by visiting online review websites where past and present residents and their families share their honest opinions.
The Final Question
After your tour, the most important thing to ask your loved one is if they can see themselves living in that community. Ask your parent: “Did this facility make you feel comfortable and at ease?
The most important thing is to follow your intuition. Everything can look great on the surface, but if you or your parent feel something is amiss, then look for another facility.