According to the American Health Care Association (AHCA), there are about 30,600 assisted living communities in the United States. Choosing an assisted living community for your loved one is crucial as it affects their happiness and well-being.
It’s essential to evaluate senior living options to ensure they align with the preferences and needs of your family members. By taking an organized and thoughtful approach, you can select a community that fosters quality of life, safety, and comfort.
Use these tips to choose the perfect assisted living community for your family member or loved one.
Consider the Needs of Your Loved One
When searching for assisted living services, you need to understand the specific needs of your loved one. Some of these needs include the following:
- Their level of independence
- Any dietary restrictions
- Medical requirements
- Mobility concerns
Knowing these needs allows you to narrow down on specific assisted living communities that provide appropriate care.
According to HelpGuide, you should consider the preferences of your loved one when choosing a senior living community. Some prefer living in areas with few residents and a quiet environment, while others thrive in vibrant communities with many activity programs.
Ensure the community you settle with feels comfortable and safe for your loved one.
Read Reviews Online
Ratings provide first-hand accounts of life in the senior living community. Most reviewers give all the details about the food quality and the staff, whether bad or good. You’ll likely not hear most of this information during your community tour.
Settle for a community with positive ratings from families and residents and a strong reputation for quality personalized senior care. Some online resources, such as senior care directories and state licensing agencies, can give valuable insights into specific communities’ compliance history and performance.
However, some bad reviews may mean the community did not meet the specific needs of that family. Ensure you take a personal tour of the assisted living community and observe factors such as:
- Cleanliness
- The demeanor of staff members
- Safety measures
Choose a Community Close to Home
Finding a senior living community close to your home allows you to visit your loved ones more often without changing your lifestyle. When you regularly see your senior family members, it keeps them happy and limits loneliness and depression.
Additionally, some seniors may prefer staying close to their family, while others dream of moving somewhere different. Consider the preferences of your loved one and select a community that suits their lifestyle desires.
Talk to the Staff
When choosing an assisted living community for your loved one, you’d want to settle on one with compassionate staff that treats residents like their own family. Employees who love what they do and build a good rapport with the older adults give you confidence that the environment is safe and loving for your family members.
Ask the staff how they deal with cases of conflict and find out whether they are dismissive or solution-oriented. During your phone interview or tour of the assisted living community, observe how the staff members respond to your inquiries. Most often, how employees present themselves on the phone is how they treat residents in the community.
Cost
Understand the cost structure of the senior living community and ensure it aligns with your financial planning. During your tour, you’ll need to inquire about the breakdown of the fees involved and any additional charges you may incur.
You can also evaluate insurance coverage options and financial assistance programs that may come into play.
Amenities Available at the Assisted Living Community
Different senior living communities provide varying amenities and levels of care. It’s worth evaluating the assisted living services of each community to ensure they align with the needs of your loved one.
Some of the standard amenities provided by assisted living communities include the following:
- Air conditioning and heating
- Secured coded entryways
- Restaurant-style dining options
- Individual indoor mailboxes
- Kitchenettes
Choose a community with amenities that contribute to an engaging and comfortable life. These amenities enhance the overall quality of life of your loved one and promote emotional and physical well-being.
Social and Recreational Activities
Social and recreational opportunities are essential in ensuring a fulfilling assisted living experience. Consider enrichment activities and social events available at various senior living communities. Find one that aligns with what your family member loves the most.
Some of the typical recreational and social activities include the following:
- Community outings/events
- Enrichment programs like dance aerobics and board games
- Entertainment activities such as movie nights
- Fitness classes to keep residents active
Meal Quality
Proper nutrition is crucial for senior health. Senior living communities that provide personalized meal plans tailored to every resident’s dietary needs can positively affect the senior’s well-being. Personalized senior care gives your loved one proper nutrition, whether they have specific taste preferences or require a special diet for conditions like diabetes.
Always discuss any dietary restrictions or preferences with the staff to see the options available for your loved one. During your tour, ask to see the meals and observe the portion sizes served.
Involve Your Family Members in the Decision-Making Process
Tag your loved one along in physical tours to get their insight on what they think of the assisted living community. Show them brochures and community websites, and share what you’ve learned with them.
According to the National Institute of Aging, transitioning from living with your family to moving to a senior living community can be an emotional experience for both seniors and caregivers. It’s best to involve your loved one in the decision-making process, as it makes them feel a sense of ownership in their new home and find adjusting easy.
Find the Right Assisted Living in Alexandria, LA
Choosing an assisted living community for your loved one can be quite hectic and requires careful consideration. However, the benefits of finding a nurturing and supportive community are worth the effort. Take the time to assess the amenities available in the community and consider the needs of your loved one.
SummerHouse Alexandria is a community providing residents with personalized senior care. Our compassionate staff are equipped with skills to assist residents in daily activities like dressing and bathing.
Contact us to schedule a tour of our community in Alexandria, LA.
