Making the transition into assisted living is an important life change that requires research and preparation. Whether you are looking into senior housing for yourself or a loved one, it is essential that you get as much information as possible.
This guide will help you choose the right assisted living facility to meet your needs. The following are 5 important questions to ask when touring assisted living facilities.
1. Who Are the Caregivers, and How Are They Trained?
When touring assisted living facilities, it’s important to find out about the people who will be caring for your loved one. Always ask who the caregivers are and what the hiring process is like.
How are caregivers trained? What type of credentials or experience do they have? This will help determine whether you or your family member will be in good care at the facility.
2. What Is the Ratio of Staff to Residents?
A common concern in senior housing is the ratio of staff to residents. Some assisted living facilities are severely understaffed, which means that every resident can’t possibly get all the care they need.
When touring an assisted living home, ask what the ratio of staff to residents is to ensure that there will be plenty of staff members who can care for your senior family member.
3. Are Rooms Private or Shared?
Every assisted living facility is arranged differently, and this can impact which facility you choose.
Are you looking for yourself or your loved one to retain some privacy and independence? If so, you will want an assisted living home that offers private rooms. If socializing and companionship are important, you may be interested in shared rooms.
Always ask about the living arrangements when touring a new facility to find out whether they are private or shared.
4. How Are Medical Concerns Addressed?
One of the most important aspects of senior housing is making sure that residents get the medical care they need. Older adults often have serious health concerns, such as heart disease or Alzheimer’s.
When touring an assisted living home, ask how the facility addresses such medical concerns. Are medical professionals on-site to attend to emergencies? Is transportation readily available to nearby medical facilities?
Knowing the answers to these questions will provide peace of mind that your loved one’s health will be in good hands.
5. What Recreational Activities Are Available?
Many people are worried that when their family member enters assisted living, they will become isolated or depressed. A way to avoid that is by having access to recreational activities.
When you tour a senior housing facility, inquire about its recreational options. Most assisted living communities offer activities like fitness routines, movie nights, and art classes.
Choosing the Right Assisted Living Facility
When touring senior housing facilities, it’s important to ask the right questions. Finding out about staffing, medical care, recreation, and more will help you choose the best assisted living home to meet your needs.
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