There is now a wide and diverse range of assisted living communities that are designed to meet the needs of different groups of people. If it is your first time looking up a community, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of choices that you have.
At SummerHouse Grayson Valley, our team understands the struggle that you and your loved ones are going through as well as the importance of finding the right fit for the best senior living experience. To help you on your journey, we have compiled a short guide on choosing the right assisted living option for your loved one.
Cleanliness And Design Details
When choosing an assisted living community, it is crucial that they meet the basics for what will make your loved one comfortable. This means having good cleanliness standards as well as curb appeal and design details. Without these, it might be better to consider another assisted living option.
Look out for how well the outdoor areas and entryways are maintained within the community. For example, whether or not the grounds are manicured and if the floors are dirty or dusty. On top of this, observe whether or not there are safety and accessibility features. These include handrails, elevators, widened doors and hallways, as well as wheelchair ramps.
Lastly, make sure that during your initial tour, you actually enjoy being in the community. Elements that make this possible include comfortable furniture, bright and warm décor, as well as friendly team members. Take note of the surrounding environment as well.
Get to Know The Team
One other main driving consideration is whether or not the team will truly care for your loved one. This means observing any one-on-one interactions between team members and residents as well as checking on any accreditation, training, and background checks.
Some important questions to ask include:
- What is the team member-to-resident ratio? How many team members are on duty during the night and during the day?
- What is the current turnover rate for team members?
- Is the team able to administer medications? If not, are there licensed healthcare professionals are that are available to help during the day or during emergencies?
- How is the community audited? What do they check for?
Community Programming And Amenities
Other than the environment and the team, it is also important to know how the assisted living community is able to value add to your loved one’s life. This means ensuring that they can engage your loved ones and provide opportunities for them to explore their current hobbies and future interests. A good gauge to have is the events and activities calendar that they have.
At SummerHouse Grayson Valley, there is a dedicated full-time Director in charge of ensuring that there are always many different programs to suit all interests and personalities. This can include themed parties, educational lectures, and fitness programs. Having different events every single day ensures that your loved one will have things to look forward to and to remain engaged.
