Let’s be honest. The family decision about where your parents should reside in their later yearsis one of the biggest you’ll ever make. From health and wellness to location and space, from independent living to memory care, there’s a lot to consider when picking a senior living community. You’ll want to meet and get to know the owners, operators and staff of the assisted living community. You’ll want to talk with residents and their family members. In short, you have a lot of homework ahead of you to get to know each senior living community you take a tour of. Here are some things to think about.
First impressions: when you tour each facility, are you left with a good overall feeling?
Take notice of the small details:
- Was the reception staff warm and welcoming?
- Did they seem to know residents on a first name basis?
- Did they offer you the chance to speak with residents to answer your questions?
Got a warm welcome and feel good about your reception? Good,now try to obtain a point of contact from someone at reception who can answer some questions. If this person is well informed and considerate, you’ll start to establish whether this adult daycare or senior living community is the right fit.
Location: does it work for your parents and the rest of the family?
Among the first things to consider is whether the location of the independent living facility works for family members and parents who still drive.
- Are all the amenities they want nearby?
- Will other family members have to drive far?
- Is the facility close to pharmacies, restaurants, theaters, and other necessary landmarks?
Even if you can manage to meet most of these requirements, there are still other things to consider.
Facility accommodations: will you be offered skilled care and help with mental wellness?
There are the lifestyle questions about group events, meal times, and information about activities. And then there are the concerns about whether Mom and Dad will get the help they need at any stage. From simple housekeeping to assisted living, memory care, and skilled care for the finite life stages, you want to ensure your parents will have everything they need. If you’re unsure about security and other skilled accommodations your parents will need, ASK! This no time to be shy. As parents age, things like assistance with bathing and eating, or help getting to group events, are really quality-of-life issues.
Apartment or condo space: Enough bedrooms and bathrooms? What about living space?
Found the perfect location but it’s too small? Perhaps you should keep looking. Often, people try to “make it work” because of proximity to amenities, dining, and entertainment. But your parent will be living and spending most of their time here. If there isn’t enough space for what they really need or enjoy, an option a little farther from the family or amenities can be well worth the trade-off.
Mental wellbeing and medical considerations: Does the facility you like offer respite stay or hospice care?
Although not all senior communities offer the same levels of skilled care, you’ll definitely want your parents to have access to daily care as they continue to age. Mental welfare checks and a staff that regularly interacts with your parents should not be considered a “bonus.” They’re essential early-warning monitors. Frequent updates from staffers keep you up-to-date on the care needs and health of your parents.
For declining mental health or for parents with Alzheimer’s disease, mental health checks should be a routine part of any day. If they’re not, find another facility where assisted living is more comprehensive during the advanced stages of the disease.
Independent living: What kinds of events and access to dining will your parents have?
From the time they arrive at a senior living facility, your parents will likely want access to events, dining, and other avenues of entertainment. So, go on a guided tour with your parents before they move in. And, if you choose that senior facility, go again after their first weekend to help acclimate them. For younger assisted living members, more activities may be available. If residents are able to travel off-campus for more options, discuss that with the staff. And, you’ll want to know which amenities are available to residents who no longer drive or can leave campus alone.
Safety and security: What have the staff been trained to help with, and are they qualified?
Beyond any other hurdle you’ll clear to find the perfect place, safety and security are tantamount. You’ll want to ensure that all staff members are CPR and first-aid certified. You will also want to know that there’s a registered nurse or nurse practitioner onsite and ensure that onsite physicians work in tandem with your parent’s primary-care doctor.
If you’re able to line up most of these items, you’ve found the ideal assisted living facility for your parents! Keep them close, ensure their safety, offer dining and entertainment options, and get them the assistance they need. Now, just visit often and stay up-to-date with the staff, and you’ve got this covered!