Choosing an assisted living facility for your senior parents is a necessary step in ensuring their wellbeing. With age, your parents need more care and attention, which you may not be able to optimally provide. Through an assisted living facility, they can experience personalized care and comfort in the hands of experts. They can also receive better medical attention, which safeguards their overall health and safety. Additionally, they can find companionship and a sense of belongingness with like-minded individuals.

With so many facilities to choose from, you’d want to scrutinize each thoroughly to ensure that your parents have a great experience. On that note, here are some tips to consider in choosing the right assisted living facility for your senior parents.

 

1. Consider Their Comfort

One of the factors that should guide you in choosing senior living centers is your parent’s comfort. It is best to physically visit the place to check if they have adequate facilities such as bedrooms, washrooms, and lounging rooms. Resting areas should be furnished with comfortable chairs, while sleeping rooms should have premium quality beds. Outdoor furniture should also be abundant to allow them to bask in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. Also, consider the facility’s supplies to ascertain that your parents’ stay will be enjoyable.

2. Check The Staff-To-Resident Ratio 

A well-staffed facility makes it easier for your parents to receive appropriate attention. Your parents may have special needs that need to be taken care of. If a given worker has to attend to so many patients, some will suffer as there’s only so much one can do. Therefore, it is necessary to choose the most efficient facility by looking at the staff-to-resident ratio.

3. Take Into Account The Quality Of Services 

Your parents must receive services that positively impact their overall health. As such, it’s essential to consider their expertise and quality of services. During your visit, you can ask for staff qualifications and accreditation to ensure that your parents are in competent hands. Enrolling your parents in a facility with trained and qualified personnel is ideal. Keep in mind that poor services may take a toll on their health and must be avoided at all costs.

Additionally, ensure the home has safety protocols that are suitable for older adults. This way, you’ll be certain they won’t hurt themselves at the facility.

4. Go Through Their Menu

Diet is another critical factor to consider when choosing an assisted living facility because it plays an important role in your parents’ overall health. For this reason, you should ensure that they have access to well-planned meals.

A quick menu scan can help determine if you’re making an excellent choice. Make sure that they prepare meals that are compatible with your parents’ needs. For instance, if they’re sickly, plenty of vegetables and fruits would go a long way toward nourishing their bodies. Also, consult on dietary preferences if your parents have food restrictions.

5. Consider The Location

Choosing a facility closest to home would be best. This way, you can schedule visits and check on them regularly. Even if they’ll be spending most of their time at the facility, visiting them once in a while can make them feel cared for. It can help them feel settled and gradually help them to adjust in their new home.

Note that facilities have different policies on visiting hours. Before enrolling your senior parents in one, consider a senior center with visiting hours that are compatible with your available time.

6. Evaluate The Cost

It’s best to evaluate the cost of enrolling them into a facility. Since the price range varies, go for one that you can afford. The cost is influenced by the quality of services and the care your parents need.

It’s best to visit a facility to discuss their rates and get an estimate. Compare several facilities and their rates, and settle on one that has the most value for your money.

7. Consider The Activities And Events

Extra activities such as exercising, yoga, and games are all added advantages. Instead of living a lonely life, the facility should have ways to ensure that your parents can continuously improve their wellbeing. For instance, senior games such as puzzle-solving can enhance their cognitive health, while exercises and meditation or yoga help improve their mobility, stability, and muscle support.

Therefore, when choosing an assisted facility, inquire about the activities and events that the facilities offer. This way, they can make the most of their stay. 

8. Ask For Referrals

One way you can learn about the services in an assisted living facility is by asking for recommendations and referrals. Someone in your circle may have already enrolled their parents in a facility, and their referrals may shed light on the center’s performance and services. This helps in gauging their services and in choosing the most appropriate one for your parents.

You can also search the internet for such facilities around you. By reading the reviews, you can learn a thing or two about the facility, allowing you to gauge its suitability to your parents’ needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right assisted living facility for your senior parents is necessary if they need extra care. Because this will ultimately become their new home, it is important to ensure that the facility offers the best services and meets your parents’ expectations and needs. This way, you’ll be certain they’ll be comfortable in their new home.