Did you realize there are over 49 million Americans over the age of 65? For most seniors, maintaining their independence is a priority. However, there may come a time when the senior citizen in your life needs help on a regular basis.
While aging in place is the ideal scenario for most senior citizens, this is not always feasible.
If your aging parent or loved one seems to be unable to function on their own, finding an assisted living facility may be a good idea.
Most people fail to realize just how many different assisted living facilities there are on the market.
Instead of making this important decision in haste, you need to take some time to research all of your options. Finding your elderly loved one a facility with competent and compassionate staff should be something you are passionate about.
Read below to find out more information about selecting the best assisted living facility in your area.
Avoid Focusing Solely on the Appearance of an Assisted Living Facility
As you begin your tour of the various assisted living facilities in your area, there are a few things you need to keep an eye out for.
Some people base this important decision solely on the appearance of a particular facility. While you want to ensure the facility you choose is in pristine shape, this is not the only thing you need to consider.
Often times, people who make this important decision based on looks alone will live to regret it. Your main goal should be choosing a facility that can provide your elderly loved one with top-notch care.
If your aging parent or loved one is experiencing health issues, this level of care can help them lead a happier and longer life.
Choosing a facility that has experience treating the ailments your loved one has is vital.
Find Out About the Facility’s Turnover Rate
Before you go in to tour a particular assisted living facility, take some time to write down a list of questions.
With this list of questions, you can get all of the information you need to make this important decision.
When speaking with the representative at the facility, be sure to ask them about their turnover rate. The turnover rate refers to the number of employees that have been replaced in the last year or so.
Ideally, you want to choose a facility that has a very low turnover rate.
If a facility has a low turnover rate, you can expect the staff to be more experienced and happier with their jobs. Facilities with higher turnover rates may be unable to provide your loved one with the specialized care they need.
How Active are the Residents?
As a person ages, they need to focus on staying active.
Over 85 percent of Americans over the age of 55 are at a higher risk for high blood pressure. One of the best ways to keep your blood pressure low and your heart healthy is by staying active.
Choosing an assisted living facility that focuses on keeping their patients active is important. Finding out what type of activities a facility offers is vital.
Most assisted living facilities have things like gyms, swimming pools, and other activities for their residents.
While you may have to pay a bit more for a facility with lots of activities, it will be worth it considering how much it can help your aging loved one.
Speak With the Residents Currently Living in the Facility
Looking at an assisted living facility from all angles is the only way to truly assess whether or not it is the right fit.
Once you have interviewed the staff and toured a particular facility, take some time to speak with the residents.
In most cases, the people living in a particular facility with be able to offer lots of good advice and information.
If all of the people you speak with recount the many horrible experiences they have had in a facility, you probably need to avoid putting your loved one there.
Seeking out this insider information can make this difficult decision much easier.
Try to Stay For Dinner
The biggest benefit of putting your elderly loved one in an assisted care facility is how all-inclusive these establishments are.
Your aging parent or loved one will be served three meals a day and all the snacks they want inside these facilities.
On your tour of the various assisted living facilities in your area, be sure to sample the cuisine they offer whenever possible. Most facilities will encourage potential residents to have a meal to see if they like it.
Facilities like Palmcrest offer breakfast, lunch and dinner options on a daily basis. These meals are cooked by skilled chefs and served in a dining room style environment.
Does The Facility Use Written Care Plans?
Making sure the medical needs your elderly loved one have been met by an assisted care facility is vital.
Most reputable facilities provide each resident with a written care plan. These plans are made following a thorough assessment of the resident in question.
When touring a facility, be sure to ask about how often these assessments are performed. Selecting a facility that performs quarterly evaluations is preferable.
With these routine assessments, you can rest assured any new medical issues your loved one has are found immediately.
Take Your Time When Making This Important Decision
The worst mistake you can make when attempting to choose an assisted living facility is getting in a hurry.
Getting impatient during this process will only cause crucial mistakes to be made. By weighing all of your options thoroughly, you can make the best decision with ease.
Are you looking for more content geared towards senior citizens? If so, check out our blog on different types of life insurance and how to choose the best policy to fit your needs.
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