If you are looking for an assisted living facility for your loved one, it can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Trusting assisted living staff to care for your loved one for the long term can be hard, and choosing an assisted living facility is a big decision.
Every assisted living facility is different, and not every facility will be a good fit for what your loved one truly needs and wants. For this reason, it is crucial to do thorough research and consider key factors when making your decision. Research can also help your loved ones overcome their fears of moving to assisted living.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
No two assisted living facilities are exactly alike, but many share common accommodations. Important factors to consider include the caregiver ratio to residents, meals, security, and daily activities.
Caregiver to Resident Ratio
Caregivers are one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an assisted living facility. Of course, the quality of caregiver is important, but the caregiver to resident ratio is just as vital. No matter how qualified a caregiver is, if there is a high number of residents that are reliant on them, the quality of care will suffer.
In general, a high staff-to-resident ratio will mean that your loved one has more personalized care and attention and can rely on staff to be available when they need help. Conversely, a low staff-to-resident ratio can mean that your loved one doesn’t receive as much attention and may have to wait for the help they need.
In addition to the ratio, make sure to ask what level of staff the facility provides overnight. Some states mandate a certain staffing level throughout the day and night. For example, the state of Washington requires that assisted living facilities have sufficient staff on duty 24-hours a day.
Meals
A huge part of assisted living is the convenience of having meals provided. By moving to an assisted living facility, your loved one will no longer have to spend time cooking and meal planning, but they will still have the freedom to do so.
When researching a particular facility, make sure to understand what meals are provided and, more importantly, the quality of meals. Trusted assisted living facilities provide nutritious meals that meet the needs of their residents.
Ideally, residents should be able to view and select their meals ahead of time and specify any special dietary restrictions.
Security
One of the major benefits of moving a loved one to an assisted living facility is the added security benefit. However, you’ll want to ensure that security is a priority for any facility you consider. Every facility should have security equipment, staff, and protocols. If anyone can come and go at all hours of the day, it is not a secure facility.
In addition to keeping unwanted visitors out, security should also include keeping residents safe inside the facility. Talk to the staff about protocols for dangerous situations, medical emergencies, and other on-site safety and security precautions.
Daily Activities
When researching assisted living facilities for a loved one, ask about what daily activities are available. Some assisted living facilities provide occasional entertainment or social events, while others offer comprehensive wellness and skill programs.
The daily activities offered by a facility should be high quality, meaning they stimulate the mind and provide opportunities for social interaction. Engaging in social situations and learning new skills can go a long way toward helping your loved one find meaning and purpose during retirement.
Researching Assisted Living Facilities
Performing adequate research before deciding on a facility can seem like a big chore. But the fact is, researching assisted living facilities has never been easier. There are many ways to find all of the information you need.
To start, nearly all facilities provide tons of information on their websites. In addition, most facilities have staff on hand to answer questions via email or phone.
Some facilities even have reference programs that allow you to speak to former or current residents and their families about their experiences. Finally, taking an in-person tour of the facility can give you a good idea of what you and your loved one can expect.
There are also several resources provided by charities and non-profits that can guide you through the process. For example, the AARP offers a comprehensive guide to choosing the right facility.
Assisted Living at Caring Places
Since we started our business in 1991, Caring Places Management’s mission has been to provide senior care communities that benefit their residents, families, employees, and the overall community.
We provide compassionate living environments that foster a sense of overall well-being and would love to meet your loved one in need of care. Call us today to learn more.
