The right assisted living facility will give your loved one a safe and comfortable home while providing the necessary care. However, it can take some work to know what to look for.
The best way to find out more is to visit facilities in person. Bring a checklist of questions and keep notes.
Location
It’s a fact that when it comes to choosing an assisted living facility, location matters far less than many people believe. What’s more important is that the home or community feels welcoming and comfortable. It should also feel safe and familiar.
Many facilities offer a variety of amenities, including community gardens or other unique activities that allow seniors to stay active and socialize in their new homes. It’s worth looking at what each community offers, including costs and move-in specials.
Ask the facility if you can tour the grounds and see their amenities. Visiting the facility in person, evaluating the cleanliness, watching how staff members engage with the residents, and partaking in an activity or meal can all be beneficial. Asking about their services and available medical assistance is also a brilliant idea. You can also get more information by visiting villasatsanbernardino.com.
Care
In addition to inquiring about the quality of care, families should be transparent about their financial situation. Be aware of what you can afford now and how your family might pay in the future. Find out whether the facility accepts long-term care insurance and what financing options are available.
When touring facilities, take note of the overall vibe of the community. Some may feel intimate and cozy, while others have more of a bustling, active social atmosphere. In addition, some communities allow loved ones to stay for meals or activities so they can get a better sense of what it would be like to live there. It can also be a great way to help a family member get comfortable moving into assisted living.
Meals
If your loved one cannot cook for themselves or has trouble getting out, an assisted living facility might be the perfect fit. Look for the schedule of activities, which meals are offered daily and how often they are served, whether a barber is onsite, how housekeeping is handled, and if guests are welcome to stay overnight.
You want your loved one to feel at home regarding meals. Please find out how many nutritious meals are offered daily and whether they are included in a base rate or billed separately. Ask about special diets and if meals are delivered to residents’ rooms. Visiting multiple times, including unannounced visits, is an excellent way to get an accurate picture of the lifestyle at a particular facility.
Socialization
Make a checklist of questions to ask on tours and take detailed notes to help you remember the answers. Divide and conquer by enlisting family members to tour with you or make multiple visits. Try to visit at a time when residents are present, and consider staying for an activity or meal.
Be sure to ask about any physical or health assessments performed on new residents and how often they are updated. It’s also essential to understand the cost structure and any fees that may be assessed later. Ultimately, you want your loved one to feel comfortable in their new home and community. A short-term stay can provide a better sense of this and ease decision-making.
Safety
Many aging-life-care experts stress that families must be as observant as possible when choosing an assisted living home or facility. They should look for signs of cleanliness, activities, and safety measures, such as well-lit walkways and stairways, easy-to-open doors and cupboards, and adequate medical services onsite.
In addition, it’s essential to visit frequently to spot any lapses in care. It may be necessary if your loved one needs help managing their medications.
Also, carefully review contracts. Ensure there are no hidden fees and that a specific level of care is included in the price. Finally, ask for licensing and accreditation reports. Some states license assisted living facilities, and some are accredited by reputable organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or Leading Age.
