What to Look at when Researching Assisted Living Facilities
If you need additional help with daily activities, feel unsafe at home, or feel isolated and do not want full-time care, an assisted living facility is right for you. They allow you to live independently while also having help available if you need it. If you decide to move to one, here are a few things you should consider when researching which one to move to.
Key Factors to Consider When Researching Assisted Living Facilities
Location
The importance of the location depends on the individual. Some people want an assisted living facility in their community so they can stay close to their friends and family. Some may move to facilities far from where they live but close to their family members, so they can see them often.
Another consideration is proximity to health services. Consider the distance from the assisted living facility to a hospital or doctor’s office to ensure you can get the help and care you need when you need it.
Lastly, consider the environment. Do you want to live in a suburban area or the city? Both are great options, giving you different experiences and access to different things.
Their Staff
An assisted living facility should have highly-trained professionals because they are in charge of caring for seniors who are very sensitive individuals. Some have to deal with residents living with dementia, and doing so requires the right level of training.
Next, you should ensure they always have staff in the facility 24/7. You want your loved one to get the help they need in the middle of the night or at any time.
Lastly, they should have enough staff for all their residents. You do not want a nurse or other staff member caring for more than ten residents, although the ideal ratio is one staff member to six patients. That said, some facilities have more staff, with ratios of one to four.
Amenities
Amenities are very important because they determine how comfortable you or a loved one will be living in the assisted living facility. There should be a dining area, gardens, swimming pools or gyms, Wi-Fi, and a salon and barber shop. You can click here to learn more about the amenities offered by a world-class assisted living facility.
Services
Assisted living residents require help with fewer things and less skilled nursing care than those in nursing homes. However, they should still get services like bathing, dressing, exercise, and walking.
Some assisted living facilities also provide special services for people with different needs. They may have memory care units for those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, units for those with Parkinson’s disease, or even those with developmental disabilities.
It is a good idea to check which specialized services an assisted living facility offers because you may need them in the future.
If you or a loved one has decided to move to an assisted living facility, it is a good idea to research to learn everything you can about it. Doing so is the best way of knowing where it will be a great fit.
