Getting older is hard, and if you know a friend or loved one that is well into his or her golden years, you know that person is not as sharp as they once were. Unfortunately, a lot of elderly people find themselves in a position where they can no longer take care of themselves on their own. You'd like to be there for them 24 hours a day, but it is just not possible to balance your own life with constant care. This leads some people to choose assisted care facilities to ensure that person will be looked after. In fact, over 1.5 million people are housed in assisted care facilities. However, not all assisted facilities are created equal. Here are 5 things to consider before choosing an assisted care facility for your loved one.
Cleanliness of the Facility
One of the most important factors when choosing a facility is how clean the place is. Older people have weaker immune systems, so a messy environment can lead to all kinds of nasty ailments. Check out every room, especially the cafeteria, for dirt, dust, trash around the premises, and foul smells.
Another thing to look at is how well the bathroom facilities are maintained. Be sure to ask the manager or administrator how often each resident's room is cleaned. It would also be wise to see what laundry services are offered, and how often the residents get their garments cleaned.
The Staff
The staff may be the most important element to an assisted care facility in terms of how happy the residents will be. When you visit a facility, make sure you talk to the staff. Are they engaging the residents? Do they really seem to care about their happiness? Watch them in action when they do not know you are looking. If the staff is rude or impatient, you should look elsewhere.
Also, ask about the training of the nurses on staff. Has there been a huge turnover of nurses over the years? Does it appear that they have the proper expertise? This is extremely important for medical emergencies that may arise.
Daily Activities
One of the keys to your loved ones happiness is staying busy. A good facility should have daily activities that the residents can choose to partake in. Typically, good facilities will offer indoor activities and outdoor activities, such as swimming or water aerobics. Speak to a few residents and see how they are liking what the facility offers.
To ensure that the residents are actually partaking in the activities, make sure to visit during an activity. Find a calender with a list of events and activities and go from there. If your loved one sees some activities that he enjoys, the facility might be perfect.
Check Out the Food
One aspect that is often overlooked when choosing a facility is the food. This is especially the case if your loved one has some kind of food allergy. You should ask the administrator what the daily food schedule is. This may include meal times, what type of food is served, and the procedures for feeding the residents.
A great way to get an idea is to test out the food yourself. Sit down with your loved one and share a meal. You will be able to get the gist of the food, while also scoping out other residents' opinions of the food.
Cost
The average cost for assisted living in the U.S. is about $3,550 per month. However, there may also be fees and extenuating services that may raise the price. This is why it is extremely important to sit down with the administrator and have him write up a detailed contract with every expense needed for your loved one. This will ensure that you are not surprised by any random fees later on.
Before signing anything, take the drawn up contract to your lawyer. He or she will be able to point out any flaws and determine if you and your loved one are financially protected for senior care.
No one wants to see their loved one unable to live alone. It is hard to watch the person that has been there for you most of your life deteriorate, but if you follow these tips, your loved one will spend the rest of his golden years having the time of his life!
