7th October
The search for the best assisted living facility for a senior or disabled member of the family begins with a lot of research, discussion, and some legwork. Anyone who has explored their choices knows that this matter is not to be taken lightly. Before the decision is made, relatives and would-be residents themselves typically visit future assisted living facilities. Here are eight tips you can use to optimise your tour.
Narrow down your choices by discussing your loved one's preference
Will they benefit in a luxury community? Or would they feel better in a laid-back setting? What kind of activities do they like and want to participate in? Each assisted living environment has its distinctive style, and you would want to find one where your loved one feels at home.
Know your options of area doctors and hospitals
Explore local doctors and hospitals, too. Check for certificates and credentials of and practitioners the Care Home partners with. Is your favorite usual practitioners close, or is your loved one going to have to shift medical professionals?
Evaluate the staff-to-resident ratio
Do the workers tend to be overwhelmed and overworked? Or are they pleasant and look happy? Does the community seem to have enough staff to take care of the residents? These are all essential points that need to be explored.
Watch how the residents are handled by the staff
More crucially, though undoubtedly linked to the ratio of workers to residents, is how the staff handles the residents. Try to be a careful investigator to see how workers act when they think no one is watching.
Take a virtual tour
The formal tour will connect you to all of the community's services and amenities. But it's only when you stroll down the corridors, visit the cafeteria, and watch the unchaperoned classes that you'll see what the culture is like. But in times like these when an on-site tour is not advised, go the virtual route and have the tour conducted via FaceTime or Whatsapp instead. A benefit to this is that your loved one can watch the whole thing, too!
Ask about security procedures
When you visit the facility, make sure you see that it's safe enough for the elderly or disabled. Are there any bars in the bathroom? How often is a nurse available? Are the floors slippery? How do they handle the medications of the resident? Also, you might want to inquire how the facility treats certain medical emergencies or the night shift hours for staff members. Since the elderly are usually sleeping at night, some facilities minimise the number of workers on duty.
Get feedback from the residents and their families
Ask residents and families, both past and present, for their frank opinion about the community. Lots of communities have a resident council who would be able to answer any of your questions. You can also search on Google for reviews and recommendations from families who posted their impressions and experience with the place.Trust your instincts While touring, whether virtually or on-site, make sure you think about yourself or your loved one actually residing in the community. Do you find that you or your loved one is comfortable? Do you feel comfortable or at home? Are the staff and residents supportive and friendly? Always remember to follow your gut or in this case, your heart!
Wellbeing Care offers premium Residential Care Home and Day Care for the Elderly and Supported Living for people with Learning Difficulties. We provide care for people with Dementia, Alzheimer's, Respite Care and End of Life Care.
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