When you have an older relative, looking for an assisted living facility can be difficult.
You want them to be somewhere safe and fun, but you also want to ensure that they are getting the right care that they deserve. Plus, due to media exposure, many people are unaware of how to discern a good care home from one that they may have seen reported on the news, especially just after one visit.
So, what exactly should you be looking for when you are hunting for an assisted living facility? Here is a short guide, and, as in all things, be sure to ask as many questions as possible.
The Care That Is Offered
Different elderly people have different care needs. While one person may need physical assistance, another may need help with a combination of things, from their memory to their medication. Be aware that when you begin looking for a placement, like Richmond Heights assisted living, that you have discussed with a medical team and your loved one what it is that they need from this setting. Also, be sure that the facility and the staff can offer it, as this will help them to manage their conditions better and have a longer life.
The Activities
You don’t want your relative to be left in a room where they can get bored easily. Or worse, you don’t want them to be sat in front of a TV for hours.
Always be sure to ask the staff about the activities that occur each day in the facility. The staff may even be able to give you a timetable to look through. However, you will want to check that the activities that are offered are going to be appealing to your relative to help keep their mind stimulated.
The Location
As more people need to have assisted living options, more facilities are being opened in the center or on the outskirts of cities. This offers some real advantages, such as ease of access for the public or visitors, better access to emergency care if needed for this in the facilities, and, of course, it offers them a way to be out and about in the community more often without needing to rely on transport.
So, if you have a car, it may be less of an issue for you to choose an assisted living facility that is miles outside of a city or town. However, for many, having an accessible facility is the key to peace of mind.
The Staff
The staff is also a factor that you will need to consider. Do they seem approachable and polite? Or, does it seem that they are overworked and stressed? Indeed, caring for the elderly is hard, but you want to ensure that your loved one has the support that they need while living in the facility, so go with your gut feeling when it comes to assessing the staff.
Cleanliness
Lastly, always check for cleanliness. There may be some mess and disorganization, as is the way in any care setting, but if there is mold, dust, or dirt anywhere, then this is a big no-no, and you should move on to the next facility on the list.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
