MOVING TIP AND TRICKS BLOG

Choosing the Right Senior Facility

Selecting a standout assisted living facility for your loved one is one of the most impactful decisions you will need to make regarding his or her wellbeing. Finding the right home for them can be overwhelming, but fortunately there are plenty of resources to aid you in your search.  It is crucial to do extensive hands-on research to discover the best fit. Here are a few things to keep in mind while you do your homework.

1. Facility cleanliness

First impressions are key. Does the facility appear clean and well-kept? Inspect the cleanliness of the rooms and community areas. Don’t be afraid to be a little nosy. Check cleanliness of showers, sinks, baseboards, windows, air-conditioning units, and all nooks and crannies. Does it smell fresh? Trust your nose, smell is a telltale sign of cleanliness. Overall the atmosphere should be clean, cozy and cheerful.

2. Proper amenities and ample care

Are the amenities modern? Make sure appliances are new or in pristine condition, easily accessible and user friendly for seniors. Grab bars should be appropriately and conveniently placed near the toilet and bathtub. Televisions, radios, computers and other devices should be set up for simple, hassle-free operation. Emergency help buttons should be readily available and accessible throughout the facility and rooms.

3. Personal care

The staff should appropriately dress and care for any personal hygiene issues (if assistance is needed) in a polite and respectful manner. It is important to know bathing routines and options. Additionally, notice how well other tenants are groomed and dressed. Bedding should be cleaned and tenants laundry should always be kept up with.

4. Staff interaction

Be very observant and note how the caretakers interact with tenants. They should appear experienced, calm, patient, understanding, helpful and fun. A great way to experience and observe the quality of care is to sit in on an activity, or tag along on a community outing. It would also be beneficial to view a calendar of scheduled activities and events for upcoming months. It is critical to determine if activities, outings, entertainment, and religious services meet your loved one’s needs.

5. Food quality, options and meal plans

Is the food edible? This may sound silly, but often these establishments are not renowned for their fine cuisine. It is recommended to do a bit of detective work and sample the meals offered to the residents. If your loved one is a picky eater, you may need to find out if there are alternative meal options, such as catering services or eateries close by. You must also determine if the the food quality relative to cost of an individual meal, or plan is reasonable. Lastly, you will need to find out the rules if a resident misses a meal or needs food outside of dining hours.

6. Do plenty of research

The internet is a wonderful place to find an abundance of reviews and testimonials to make an informed decision. Websites like SeniorAdvisor.com supply trusted information on facilities in your area. If you want to be more hands-on, talk to current tenants’ families or reach out to a senior move manager.

Trust your gut. This is the most important indicator in finding the right home! If you desire additional help from someone who has been around the block, trust in a senior move manager. Senior move managers are highly qualified and well-versed in dealing with this transition stage. They will provide insight and alleviate many headaches that are associated with senior moving.

FB- 6 things to keep in mind while searching for a senior facility for a loved one.