Are you thinking of going on an assisted living community tour but are unsure what are the important factors to consider? Allow us at SummerHouse Ashton Manor to tell you about the things that you should look out for to make the best out of your visit.
Staff
Examine the employees’ behavior for friendliness and expertise. While touring a community, do not miss the opportunity to observe interactions between staff members and residents. If the staff members make direct eye contact with residents and are prepared to listen, this is a good sign.
Activities
A good-quality assisted living community is usually one that is active. Check out the community events schedule to see if anything on it would pique your loved one’s interest. Try to watch or perhaps engage in an activity while visiting a facility. From resident involvement rates to the amount of fun that the staff seems to be having, there are several indicators to look for. Inquire about off-site tours as well as the venues and regularity of religious services.
Cleanliness
The existence of certain scents within a facility may frequently be used to determine its cleanliness or lack thereof. Because cleanliness is so important in senior living communities, the presence of bad odors might suggest both long- and short-term issues.
Smells that are localized in one place might just be the result of a recent event, while odors throughout a compound indicate a more serious issue. Do not simply focus on external features when it comes to cleaning and property upkeep. Examine corners, baseboards, window sills, and window wells more closely. You should believe what you see for yourself. Inquire about the resident laundry procedure and the charges involved.
Safety and Security
The success of an assisted living community’s security and safety procedures gives residents and their loved ones peace of mind. If a person needs help in their residence or elsewhere on the premises, inquire about current safety precautions.
Grab bars should be present in both private and public bathrooms. Are there any emergency call lights for the residents? What other precautions exist, particularly after hours?
Food
The elderly can be hard to convince to eat properly and on a regular basis, so the food quality of a retirement community is critical. Ask questions about entrée choices, weekly specials, and regular eating hours. Determine how flexible the policies are in regards to residents who are unable to enter the dining room. Schedule or request a meal sample for your loved one. This is a wonderful chance to get to know several of the residents whilst enjoying some delicious food.
Hygiene and Care
Personal hygiene and personal care are essential in senior care. Inquire about bathing arrangements with the management and staff. Examine the present inhabitants’ hair and nails to see if they are well-kept. Are they well-groomed? Have locals dressed adequately for the weather? Do they appear to be at ease?
The commitment of the members of staff to treat people with decency and respect reflects their dedication to personal care. Inquire about medication help, physical therapy, and specific food requirements.
