Did you know that about 34 million Americans act as caregivers for someone over the age of fifty? Unfortunately, as individuals grow older and develop health issues, they may not be able to handle all of their needs alone. And in some cases, their relatives are not able to take care of them, especially if they need full-time care and supervision.
Thus, for many, the best choice is
to relocate their elderly loved ones to an assisted living community, where
they can stay healthy and safe. But, of course, this is a huge decision and
difficult for many people to make.
This post will share some factors to
consider that make choosing a quality facility easier. So, keep reading to
learn more!
Use
Online Reviews
If there are several assisted living
communities in your area, you can make a shortlist with the help of online
reviews. They tend to give opinions of what it's like to live in the facility
and the experiences they have had there with staff.
However, some reviews may be overly
harsh or reflect opinions you may find to be untrue. So, if you aren't sure
whether a facility is a good fit, it is best to schedule an appointment for a
tour. But, if you read anything about neglect or abuse, be sure to cross the
facility off your list!
Talk
to Staff Members
During your tour of the assisted
living community, take advantage of the opportunity to speak with various staff
members and observe their attitudes and interactions with residents.
Your impressions will tell you a lot
about the senior care your parents will get and who they'll come into contact
with from day to day. If you feel uncomfortable or find the staff rude or
dismissive, it's best to move on.
Location
Even though your parents will be
safe in the assisted living community, you'll want to be close by in case of
emergencies and for regular visits.
Choosing facilities that are farther
away may make it more difficult for you and other relatives to see them
frequently, which may cause them to feel lonely. So, try to choose the best
assisted living community near your home.
Quality
of Meals
As your parents continue to age, the
quality of their meals is crucial to keep them healthy. So look for an assisted
living facility with a nutritionist or medical professional to plan their
meals.
Of course, it's also important that
your parents enjoy the taste of the meals provided. Thus, it's a good idea to
ask other residents about the meals they eat there and even ask staff to
taste meals personally.
Memory
Care Services
If either of your parents suffers
from Alzheimer's or dementia, you will need to find a facility with memory care
services, such as Rowntree Gardens. These facilities give your loved ones a set routine, which
helps to lower their stress levels.
Moreover, these residents also
receive care from trained staff who help them navigate the day and do
activities that support their cognitive function.
Find
the Best Assisted Living Community for Your Loved Ones
Although choosing an assisted living
community can be a real challenge, using the tips in this post will help you
find one where your parents feel safe and well cared for. So, get started by
researching senior living facilities in your area. Then, bookmark this post so
you can refer back to the advice!
If you found this post helpful, be
sure to browse more of our lifestyle content that can help you make smart
decisions!
