How To Choose An Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living communities offer personalized care to individuals who need support to perform daily activities. The senior living facilities are ideal for individuals who may not yet require comprehensive nursing care. Given the ever-increasing number of assisted living facilities, selecting a suitable community is not always easy. The following considerations can ease your decision-making process.
Facility Design
The design of the assisted living community will impact the comfort and safety of the residents. Thus, one should preview and visit the senior living community before moving in. Essentially, evaluate the facility buildings and environment to see whether they are well maintained. For instance, is the space clean, ventilated, and air-conditioned? Are there common spaces, and do they encourage comfortable gathering? Also, consider the features of the individual units. Check if the units offer a home-like, well-lit, and attractive living environment. You may also want to check if you can bring your belongings or the units are furnished.
Safe Environment
Safety is a significant determinant when selecting any living space. Primarily, select a senior living facility that invests in modern security surveillance systems and security guards. Notably, assess the facility's surrounding for safety. Does the facility have handrails and grab bars to facilitate mobility? Is there adequately marked signage? Also, consider the availability of elevators, wide doors, and wheelchair ramps to aid movement. Importantly, check if the floor covering is non-skid, if bathrooms have handrails, and the availability of emergency response systems in each unit. This way, you have more safety guarantees.
Adequate Services
Services provided at an assisted living facility should make life easier. Essentially, check if the facility has adequate, trained, and professional caregivers who can offer support with activities of daily living. For instance, does the facility offer support with bathing, dressing, feeding, and toilet use? Can residents access support with laundry, housekeeping, shopping, and transportation services? Notably, consider the meals services at the facility. Are the meals healthy and balanced to specific dietary needs? How many meals are availed, and does the menu change? Also, confirm if on-site health professionals can respond to medical emergencies and offer coordinated healthcare.
Facility Activities
There is an impression that an assisted living facility is a dull community where residents sit and sleep all day. While residents get enough rest in senior living communities, lots of fun activities are available. Thus, depending on your interests, you should analyze the type of activities availed at a particular facility. Consider if the exercises are scheduled and if active participation is encouraged. Also, evaluate if there are both internal and external organized activities for the residents.
The following are examples of recreational activities in assisted living facilities:
- Book clubs and storytimes
- Gardening
- Happy hour and board games
- Holiday excursions
- Music, art, pottery, and dancing classes
- Walking club
Assisted living services in residential communities allow individuals to access appropriate care that meets their unique needs. However, consider whether the facility has adequate resources, relevant activities, and high-quality services during selection.