Finding the perfect assisted living community can seem daunting. There are so many choices and it is important to find the right one for the person, which can vary from person to person depending on their specific needs. When someone is looking at various assisted living facilities, there are a few things they will want to consider.
Convenient Location
When looking into assisted living for loved ones, pay close attention to the location of the facilities. Is it going to be easy to visit them regularly? Are there issues with visiting, like traffic? A convenient location makes personal visits much easier and helps with ensuring they are visited regularly.
Size of the Facility
Take into account the size of the facility. There is no right or wrong answer here. Some people may prefer a larger facility as there are more people to interact with, while others may prefer a smaller facility as care can be more personalized.
Services Offered
Check out the services available for seniors, especially if they need medical care or require any type of specialized care. It is important to make sure they will receive the care they need now and in the future.
Amount of Staff Available
How many staff members are available? Look into the staff-to-patient ratio to make sure it isn’t too high. A higher ratio means seniors get less personalized care as each staff member has more to do during their shift. A lower ratio means the staff has more time to spend with each patient.
Activities and Events
There are tons of benefits of staying active for seniors, but it isn’t always easy for them to find things to do. Make sure the facility offers a wide range of activities and events so there is plenty to do each day to keep busy.
The Amenities for Residents
Take a look at any amenities that might be available for residents, such as a gym or fitness classes, a pool for swimming or water aerobics, a garden for growing flowers or vegetables, and more. Make sure any amenities the senior may be interested in are offered by the facility.
Overall Culture
Take in the overall culture and atmosphere of the facility when visiting it for the first time. Is it something that is likely to be a good fit for the senior? This is very personalized, but it is still important to consider.
Pet Policy
It is incredibly beneficial for seniors to have pets, but it isn’t allowed at all facilities. If the person has a pet and wants to bring it with them or is interested in getting a pet, make sure it will be allowed by the facility. If the person can’t care for a pet on their own, see if it’s possible to bring a pet to visit regularly so they can still enjoy some benefits.
Dining Options
Make sure the dining options are varied and that there is food the senior enjoys so they will eat plenty. Check on the ability to meet specific dietary restrictions if necessary to make sure seniors are able to eat the food offered.
Resident Involvement
Look into the amount of resident involvement available. Can seniors have a say in the upcoming events? Are they able to suggest changes to the facility? Many seniors prefer a place where they have a say in what happens.
If you have a loved one moving into assisted living, it is important to find the right facility for them. Use these tips to make sure you find a facility that will meet all their needs and be a perfect fit.