Deciding to move your loved one into an assisted living home is a big step. According to AARP, over a million seniors currently reside in assisted living centers and with baby boomers getting up there in age, the numbers are only increasing. Assisted living communities have a variety of options to choose from, so be sure you select the best level of care for your loved one. Share on X
The Right Senior Assisted Living Home
Before deciding on an assisted living facility, make sure you find the right one for your loved one’s needs. Here are the top seven tips for choosing the right senior assisted living home.
1) What Amenities Are Available
It is important to look at what amenities the assisted living communities have when looking for the perfect place for your loved one. Make sure to ask if the following amenities are available:
- Dining services
- Transportation
- Housekeeping
- Fitness and wellness activities
- Laundry service
2) Types of Care Offered
Will your loved one receive the correct care where you are looking? If your senior needs medical assistance will it be provided? Is there a skilled nurse or doctor on staff? Do those at the senior living community receive assistance with bathing, grooming, and medications? Do they specialize in memory care or other services? These are all important questions to ask in order to make sure you have found the perfect home for your loved one.
3) The Environment
The environment of the senior care center is a very important piece of finding the right place for your senior loved one. It is important that the assisted living community is unique and your loved one feels like they aren’t leaving their old home, but moving into a new home where they will feel comfortable, accepted, and loved like family. Make sure to do a walking tour to meet other residents and learn the layout of the center. Also check to see about living space. Will your loved one get their own room or will they be sharing with another resident?
4) Costs and Finance
Of course, it is important to learn the costs involved and what these go towards. Make sure you are given a contractual agreement which discloses all healthcare and support fees, as well as admission and discharge information. Also look into any government, corporate, or private funding options to cover the costs involved.
5) Social and Recreational Activities
Seniors need to stay active and social, so make sure that you find a place that offers an array of senior activities available for their guests. Learn about their scheduled activities and be sure to ask plenty of questions about family visiting and participation in daily activities. It is also a good idea to ask whether pets are allowed and who is responsible for their care.
Finding Home in Senior Assisted Living
Hunting for the perfect senior assisted living home can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be when you take these top tips into consideration. Above all, make sure your loved one feels comfortable and their new home and those working there make them feel like part of the family. How they are treated by those who work there is the most important factor and should be a major deciding factor when looking at senior living options.
To learn more about how to choose the right senior assisted living home, Contact Us.