Finding the right assisted living facility to care for a relative is often difficult. With so many choices in front of you, the decision can seem overwhelming. There is also so much at stake. You want your loved one to be healthy and happy, while also receiving quality care.
As illustrated by AARP, finding a quality assisted living facility for your loved ones takes a bit of work. Doing the following will help narrow your search and ensure you make a fully informed decision.
Look for recommendations
To start, ask friends and family for their recommendations. You know your loved ones will give you unbiased opinions about local homes and what they do well (along with what they do poorly). You can also research local homes online. Look at review sites and pay attention to any patterns that pop out. A single negative review is not cause for alarm, but multiple bad reviews stating the same thing is.
Contact the facility
Ask plenty of questions during your call. Make sure you understand whether the rooms are private, along with which amenities they offer. Ask what types of care are available, especially if your loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia. Do not forget to ask about social activities. Socialization is a key factor in happiness and healthiness, so assisted living facilities must incorporate it into their care plan.
Schedule a visit
Look at the cleanliness of the facility, particularly the common areas like dining halls and break rooms. The friendliness and attentiveness of staff is another important consideration. Also, pay attention to the demeanor of residents. Do they appear happy and engaged, or listless and unaware? During your visit, be sure to ask about safety measures, including fire and security alarms.
Involve your loved one in the decision as well. Even when in a person’s best interest, transitioning to assisted living is tough. Getting their input empowers them and makes them feel in control of their future.
