Choosing the right assisted living facility for your loved one will give them a new home that will meet their changing needs with ease. Senior living done right provides an environment in which they can thrive among friends, activities and services that are geared towards offering that extra bit of help that seniors sometimes need.
Going into an assisted living facility with a checklist as long your left arm can feel overwhelming. These tips identify key areas that will help you work out whether a place will be a suitable new home for your loved one.
Tip #1 How Clean Is The Facility?
The rooms and common areas should look, smell and feel clean. Be sure to check the furnishings, baseboards, corners and windows.
- Housekeeping: Find out how often housekeeping is provided for personal living areas.
- Laundry: Check the details of the laundry schedule and cost.
- Maintenance: Ask what type of maintenance is available, how long is the response time and what are the costs involved.
- Odors: A general bad odor that lingers throughout the facility can be a sign of big problem. Ask the facility manager what the problem might be.
Tip # 2 What About Personal Care?
As strange as it may feel to ask about these things, ask as much as you can when it comes to personal care, including getting feedback on:
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- Bathing / Showering: Find out about preferences and options. What measures are in place to make sure your loved one will be safe from slips or falls.
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- Current Residents: Take note whether the current residents are clean and well-groomed. This includes hair, nails and beards. Check if they are dressed in weather-appropriate clothing that is clean and in good condition.
- Do the staff members treat the residents with kindness, dignity and good humor?
Tip #3 Take A Walk Outside
Check if there are outdoor areas available to residents. Take a walk through those areas to see if your loved one will be safe and secure? Is it the same area the staff use for their breaks?
Tip #4 Invite Yourselves For Supper
Mealtimes are an important part of life and it’s no different when it comes to senior living. Make sure you find out about dining options, procedures and hours, as well as what happens if a resident can’t make it for a meal. Make arrangements with the manager to join the residents for a meal to have firsthand experience of the quality of the food.
Tip #5 Time Your Visit To Coincide With An Activity
Watch, or even participate in a community event to get a feel for the social side of the facility. Pay attention to things like:
- Are events well supported and organized?
- Are the activities that are planned things that your loved one will enjoy?
- Are there a variety of activities on offer?
- Are some of the activities away from the facility?
Tip #6 Speak To Residents & Their Families
A few honest conversations with those who’ve been involved with the center over the years will tell you much about the experience of staying at the center long-term. Isolated bad reports aren’t necessarily cause for warning bells, but if the same complaints keep coming up, it’s worth addressing or paying attention to. Also, be sure to check reviews on their website.
Tip # 7 Find Out About Moving Out
Seniors tend to enjoy stability and routine. When settling them in a new place it is helpful to find out what circumstances would make it necessary for them to move out. Ask about notice period for in case.
Tip #8 Staff Attitude
Staff members that are caring and engaged will make eye contact when speaking to residents. They will be patient and take the time to listen when the residents need to speak to them. You can also ask:
- What is the staff to resident ratio?
- Are the staff friendly and caring, while showing a genuine interest in the residents?
- Find out what the staffing pattern is.
- Make a point to meeting the Management Team and ask them about the vision or goals for the elderly living facility.
Tip #9 Safety & Security Protocols
Above all, you want the peace of mind knowing that your loved one is going to be safe and well cared for. As you tour the assisted living facility, keep an eye out for all the safety and security measures that have been put in place, especially:
- Bathrooms: Check for accessibility and conveniently located grab bars.
- Emergencies: Find out how residents can reach a staff member if there is an emergency situation.
- Safety Features: Ask about other safety features in living quarters.
- Medications and Other Medical Needs: Are there registered nurses available to the staff? How are medications handled? How many staff members are on night duty?
Tip #10 What Do Your Instincts Say?
As you walk through the facility, see if you can imagine yourself or your loved one being part of the community. Do you feel comfortable around the staff and other residents? Make sure all the boxes are checked, but above all let your instincts guide you.
East Side Active Living Checks All The Boxes
East Side Active Living offers a senior living experience that encompasses everything that you or your loved one may need or want. Contact us today for a tour and come and see for yourself.
