As your parents age, you will do anything to keep them happy and comfortable into their golden years. For many families, this means helping a loved one transition into assisted living. These retirement communities offer an environment that specifically supports a senior’s physical, emotional, mental, and social well being. And with so many options, it can be tricky to find a facility that encompases all of your parent’s needs.
Fortunately, by touring several options and asking the right questions, you can ensure that your loved one is supported in their new home. To start sorting through possible communities, be sure to ask the following key questions.
What types of units are available?
Most assisted living communities have various types of apartments to suit all of their residents. Some common living units include one-bedroom apartments, shared apartments, shared rooms, and individual rooms. If a facility has several types of units to choose from, your loved one can start in a one-bedroom apartment and switch to a more personalized care situation as their health needs change. They may also require more attention from staff from the start, so ask which units will be best for this care.
You should also ask about the bathrooms in each unit. Do the apartments all have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms? Are they adequately equipped to prevent falls? Ask similar questions about the kitchens, so that your loved one will be safe while cooking.
Can we sit in on an activity?
The best assisted living communities have a wide range of activities available for their residents, and you want a facility that supports your loved one’s interests. This can include classes, clubs, social events, and outings. While you should certainly ask for a list of available activities , nothing beats observing one in action.
Take 10 minutes out of your tour to sit in on a crafting class, group exercise session, reading group, or bingo game. Observe the residents carefully. Do they look happy? How is the staff treating them? Are they actively socializing? Is the space clean and comfortable? All of these details can be key indicators of how the facility’s quality.
Do you keep a specific care plan for each resident?
When your loved one transitions into assisted living, they should be treated as an individual. This means that the facility staff should have a file on record with their care needs, medical conditions, medications, health history, and a list of medical providers. Talk to a facility manager about how the staff ensures that each resident's health needs are being met. Many assisted living and retirement communities also offer transportation to doctor’s appointments and will include additional medical supplies in the price of the facility. It’s also essential to know how often this care plan is updated.
What if my parent requires extra care?
As seniors age, health changes can be difficult to predict. This is why you want their assisted living community to be ahead of the curve. Ask if the facility fulfills a patient’s need for physical therapy and specialized nursing. Some retirement communities also have a memory care facility on the property for residents who develop dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, so ask about the details of these services. You should know how the staff helps residents transition into this type of extra care and how they involve the family.
By staying diligent and understanding your parent’s priorities, you can find an assisted living community that helps them thrive. While this decision can be intimidating, it will ultimately help your loved one lead a more healthy and fulfilling life. Start the search early and bring a list of questions to every visit. The effort will be worth it when you see your parent laughing with friends at their new residence.
