As your parents or family members get old, it can become difficult for them to perform everyday tasks independently. They may require help with bathing, dressing, or even taking medication. At such times, shifting them to an assisted living facility can be highly beneficial for them. But how do you know which facility is ideal for your parents or loved one? Listed below are a few tips for choosing assisted living in Crown Point:
Consider Your Budget and Affordability
The cost is one of the most critical factors to consider when looking for an assisted living facility. You don’t want your parents or senior loved ones to like a facility only to realize it doesn’t fit your budget. If required, work with a financial advisor to see if you or your parents can budget their stay at the facility. Then, create a short list of the most reputed facilities in the areas you prefer and get their cost estimates. Once you have the costs of the various facilities, you can further narrow down the list based on which ones you can afford.
Go Through the Facility’s Reviews
Going through the reviews of a facility online can help you pick a reliable assisted living facility for your parents or seniors. Reviews will give you first and second-hand accounts of the life and services of the facility. You will get to know about both the good and bad experiences of residents and their families. However, don’t just depend on the reviews. If you can, try to speak to family members of some of the residents or schedule a tour of the facility to see what it is like for yourself.
Evaluate the Staff
You want the staff at the assisted living facility to treat your parents or senior family members the way you would. While this is too much to expect, you must look for signs of high levels of compassion for older adults. Speak to the staff at the facility you are considering and see if they enjoy their work. When you visit the facility, see if the staff shares a good rapport with the residents. Observe the staff members that are not part of your tour and see how they behave with the residents. When you go through the reviews of the facility, check if there is anything about staff behavior.
Speak to the Staff
While you can research most assisted living facilities online, speaking to the staff members will also give you a lot of valuable information. Questions to ask the staff members include:
- How many staff members will be involved in the resident’s care?
- Will the staff be available 24/7?
- What is the facility’s visitation policy?
- What kind of security and safety measures does the facility have?
Search for Public Records
Most assisted living facilities are regulated by local and state government bodies. As a result, any important records about them are released to the public. Look for health inspection reports or reports on safety violations when researching these facilities. Read up about the violations and their implications on the services provided. If you notice any violations of health or abuse by staff members, it would be best to not choose that particular facility.
Consider the Location
Ideally, you want to find an assisted living facility that is close to home. That way, you can visit your parents or senior family members whenever you want. In addition, you will be able to visit quickly in case of emergencies.
Check if the Facility Offers Memory Care
Finding a facility that offers memory care is important, especially if your parents suffer from memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Memory care involves providing set routines to reduce stress levels for all residents with memory problems. Facilities will require specially trained staff with experience handling unique circumstances that are related to Dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Find Out if they Offer Transition to Next Level Care
When researching facilities, shortlist ones that offer a smooth transition to next-level care. For instance, ask the facilities if they are connected to home health aides or orange county hospice care providers. Check if they can provide referrals or coordinate transfers during the transition.
Ask About Amenities
Find out about the different amenities offered at the facility you want to pick. Common amenities that most facilities offer include:
- Housekeeping services
- Communal dining areas
- Gyms and fitness rooms
- Massage therapists
- Transportation services
- Barbershops and beauty salons
- Medication management.
Ensure the facility you are planning to pick offers at least some of these amenities.
Picking the ideal assisted living facility requires careful consideration. Facilities like Two Hearts Homes for Seniors offer personalized care and attention to all residents. They provide 24-hour supervision, have on-site doctors and nurses, provide personal and grooming assistance, and ensure your loved ones are comfortable and happy.
