Where to Start?

The decision to move to an assisted living facility and leave your home can be a difficult choice for you and your family to make. But the transition can be made easier with careful planning and consideration. It’s important to consider your needs, level of care and desires prior to choosing any facility, to ensure that it’s the right place for you or your loved one. A little research goes a long way. Here are the top 10 questions to ask yourself, before making the big move to an assisted living facility:

1. Do you or family members worry about your safety?

If you find it more and more difficult to get out of bed in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom , or you fear what would happen if you were to fall and not be able to get back up, an assisted living facility may be able to ease your worries. Residents of assisted living facilities enjoy peace of mind, knowing that there’s someone on staff to check on them periodically. If mobility is becoming increasingly more difficult, an assisted living environment may be just what you’re looking for.

2. Has maintaining your home become a nightmare?

If responsibilities at home, such as doing laundry, preparing meals, cleaning, running errands or grocery shopping have become increasingly overwhelming, assistance may be needed. At home there are many tasks that require your attention and effort, but at an assisted living center there is on staff help with these duties. Laundry service, meal preparation, and grooming care are all provided.

3. Do you require more assistance than family members or friends can provide?

If daily activities are quite stressful for you and your family members, an assisted living facility may be the answer. Living far away from your family or not wanting to put the burden on your children may result in obtaining care from an assisted living center.

4. Do you feel lonely or isolated when at home?

Social activities at assisted living centers play a large part in the selection process. Whether you’re a active social butterfly or long to be a part of a regular social circle, care centers can provide this outlet. The staff at assisted living facilities understands that feelings of loneliness and isolation can lead to depression; therefore, most centers offer a wide range of social activities and recreational opportunities.

5. Does the assisted living facility feel like home?

This could possibly be the most important question to answer when looking for assisted living care. This question is also very personal. Most facilities not only vary in care levels but also in activity level. If you prefer a busier and more active environment, then a small and quiet facility may not be the right fit. Choosing the right care center that suits your level of comfort is important to your happiness.

6. Are there activities on offer that interest you?

Similar to the social aspect of a care facility, the availability of activities can also be of significant importance. Some facilities offer onsite recreational opportunities while other offer transportation to and from these amenities. Some assisted living facilities offer a gym, chapel, library, game center or coffee shop.

7. How's the food?

Food is a key element when selecting the right assisted living center. The food should be nutritious and appetizing. Family members can assist in making this judgment call.

8. How do the local residents look and sound?

When looking at assisted living facilities it is crucial to informally interview some of the residents. Ask yourself if the residents seem happy and if they seem to be getting along with one another. It is also important to determine if the residents seem to be people you would enjoy getting to know and having a relationship with. Speaking to some of the residents one on one will provide you with very specific answers to some important questions in determining the right fit.

9. How are health emergencies and continuing health care handled?

It is important to inquire how health emergencies are handled at the assisted living facility. Also, care requirements for ongoing conditions need to be addressed. Some care centers offer minimal care and would transfer the resident to care center if a higher level of care were needed, while others have onsite skilled nursing staff members who would be able to address special needs.

10. Is the facility operating in compliance with state and local licensing requirements?

One of the most important things to determine about the assisted living facility before moving in is if they are in compliance with both local and state regulations. Every state has different standards to comply with so it is important to check with local agencies to ensure the facility is licensed and operating as it should. The Better Business Bureau also offers information regarding complaints against the facility.

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Publish Date: Tue, 01/25/2011 - 13:29
Categories: Assisted Living