There are so many different long-term care options for aging seniors these days. So, how are you supposed to know which is the best option for your loved one? Making the right choice is important and you need to consider what you need and are looking for in a long-term care community before you set out touring facilities. Choosing a long-term care facility for your loved one can be overwhelming. This guide will help you make the best choice. Share on X
Long-Term Care Services
Long-term care is helping people of any age with their needs over a long period of time. When a loved one is moving into such a facility, it is imperative that their needs and desires will be adequately met. Here are eight things to look for in a long-term care community.
- Safe Home Atmosphere
- Proximity
- Cleanliness
- Social Activities
- Home Cooked Meals
- Medical & Memory Care
- Future Needs Are Met
- Caring Staff
1) Safe Home Atmosphere
When it comes to long-term care, one of the most important things to consider is the atmosphere of the community. You don’t want your loved one feeling like they are just another number in a sterile and lackluster facility, and you don’t want them to feel like they aren’t sage. Choose a place that feels like home where they can be their most comfortable and enjoy their surroundings.
2) Proximity
When moving a loved one into an assisted living community, make sure that they are not too far away for family to visit regularly. Take into consideration how far they are from everyone and make sure to place them somewhere that is easy for everyone to get to.
3) Cleanliness
When touring senior living communities, look around and make sure the facility is clean. Are the grounds taken care of? Does it smell nice inside? Is there dust and dirt everywhere? Make sure the place is clean and well taken care of before you make any decisions.
4) Social Activities
There are numerous physical and emotional benefits of socializing and participating in various activities for aging seniors. Look for a senior care center that offers art, exercise, and social activities for your loved one.
5) Home Cooked Meals
You don’t want your loved one to go hungry because they don’t like the food they are given at their new long-term care home. Find a place that will serve them delicious, home cooked meals that they are sure to enjoy (and maybe even ask for seconds)!
Pro-Tip: When touring long-term care facilities, look for an environment that combines professional care with the feeling of home.
6) Medical & Memory Care
A lot of seniors need long-term care because they have a medical condition or may be suffering from dementia. Choose a community that has a doctor or nurse always available on staff. Memory care communities are perfect for those who have Alzheimer’s or dementia because they specialize in helping with individualized care and accommodations.
7) Future Needs Are Met
When looking for long-term care, you also have to consider your loved one’s needs in the future. You don’t want to move them into a new home and after a few years have to move them again because the facility could no longer assist with medical care or assisting your loved one.
8) Caring Staff
Above all, you want your aging senior to be cared for and felt loved–just like they do with family. When touring senior housing communities, look around and see if the people living there seem happy. Notice how the staff interacts with those who live there and call references to make sure your loved one will feel at home and taken care of the way they should be.
Family Members and Long Term Care
When it comes to finding the perfect long term care community for your loved one, don’t rush into any decisions. Make sure to think about your needs and spend time talking to the new care center about what to expect.
Contact us to learn more things you need to look for when searching for a long term community for your loved one.
