Making the decision to move to an assisted living facility can be very difficult. This list is intended to help you ask questions and consider your personal needs when finding a facility where you will be happy. After considering what the facility has to offer, and what you really want to get out of the experience, you should be able to make an informed decision.
Assisted Living’s Services and Amenities
Ask questions about the services and amenities that are offered at the facility. You will also want to know if these features are automatic or whether they need to be requested. Specific questions to consider include the frequency of weekly housekeeping and whether it is light or heavy, is there access to a washing machine and dryer and how far that facility is from the apartments. If something breaks in the apartment or needs repaired, who covers that service?
Kitchenette or Restaurant Style Dining
Some apartments come equipped with a kitchenette and others do not. Potential residents will want to know what is available at the facility they are considering. If you are not interested or able to cook for yourself, what type of dining is offered, and how are those meals delivered?
Daily Living Services
Depending on why you are considering an assisted living facility will determine what type of services you need. However, it is important to know what services are offered, because as the years go by you may eventually require some or all of the services. Specific areas of daily living that you should inquire about include assistance with daily living, bathing, toileting, medication management and how residents can receive transportation to and from doctor’s appointments, malls, etc.
Licensed Staff
Check out what type of staff is employed by the facility. You will want to know how often a nurse or physician is on staff. In addition to them, you will also want to know how many other licensed caregivers are available on a regular basis.
Security
Knowing what type of security is available at the facility is very important. Is there security 24-hours a day? You also will want to know how the facility handles medical emergencies.
Activities and Social Gatherings
No matter how fancy or clean the facility is, if you don’t feel at home loneliness and isolation can set in which will make you unhappy. Check out the friendliness of the staff and other residents. See what activities and social groups the home offers. Hopefully, you will find something that interests you.
Better Business Bureau and Local Regulatory Agencies
After visiting a facility, check with your local regulatory agencies to see if there are any complaints against the institution. The Better Business Bureau also keeps a record of assisted living facility complaints and can give you a rating for the facility.
Assisted living is a great option for people who are having difficulty living at home by themselves. When the stress of daily living becomes too much, many people will choose assisted living facilities to keep them active and make sure they are safe. Use these 7 tips for assisted living to help you make the best decision possible when choosing a facility. Asking questions and touring the facility will give you a good impression of what you can expect.
