The decision to move a loved one to a retirement living facility is like choosing a college for your child. Many questions and concerns go through your minds and finding the right college is of utmost importance. We tend to look for colleges that best suit our child similarly, we must look for a retirement living community that best suits our loved ones.
Retirement living communities and care for your loved ones’ needs can inspire your loved ones with a new sense of purpose and a plan for their lives. We have many good choices, but the key lies in choosing the right community for our mom or dad. Read our blog on how to choose an ideal retirement facility here.
Deciding what facility to choose is a big decision and they deserve the best care possible. The right facility opens new doors to their growth. It will also allow them to connect with other people while providing a safe community to live out their retirement years. Your questions and queries deserve as much importance as you need to make a decision. There is no small or big question. You can ask better questions to get the information you need to make the best possible decision.
Most facilities offer options of living arrangements in various sizes, layouts, and locations. From apartments located in the center of a community that offers quieter homes on upper floors or ends of hallways. Consider where your loved ones will be happiest and in what kind of floor plan. Do they offer the smoothest transition from their current residence to the one that offers assistance with the activities of daily living?
One important thing as well, ask which utilities are included in the rent. Cable, Internet, Emergency call systems, etc.?
Most often we choose senior living communities for our loved ones is because they feel increasingly isolated in their own homes or when they are unable to take care of themselves or are in need of assistance in day-to-day life. Do they allow their residents to bring personal belongings that are familiar to them to help with the transition? Do they provide familiar surroundings that reassure the resident’s sense of safety and promote purposeful meaning to each day? It is important to know if there will be compassionate interaction with residents that reinforces socialization and may help reduce depression which can result from fear of isolation and loneliness.
We all know that safety issues figure prominently. Ask what the facility does to ensure your safety. Think about questions like:
Remember, Their primary purpose isn’t reduced to one role. They are responsible for overall care, regardless of the function.
Excellent staff is the heart of an excellent facility. Ask about the specific training and qualifications of the staff at every level. What experience and training do they have? What medical providers are available for them? Who will be interacting and caring for your loved ones on a daily basis? How many hours of training do staff receive, and what sort of continuing training and education must they complete?
Seniors require delicious and healthy food. The more meal options that are available, the more likely it is they’ll find something delicious and healthy that they will enjoy. Good nutrition is important in the recipe for good health, and that means healthy food options should be available for them. Also, ask how the community accommodates special dietary needs such as vegetarian or low sodium.
Ask what the facility does to ensure you and your family know about upcoming changes in the facility. A weekly or monthly newsletter? An email list? A facility message or discussion board? It’s a big red flag if communication runs only one way.
Any good facility has a long list of positive reviews. Ask if you can talk to some existing residents or their families to get a feel or feedback for what life at the facility is really like.
Prices and costs are a major factor in your decision. After you’ve taken a look and decided that a facility is on your list of choices, get a clear cost breakdown and what’s included.
What is the base price per month or year?
How are costs paid, and will they change over time?
What is the cost for the amenities and living arrangements I saw on my tour?
What specific amenities are included in the base price? Regular visits with staff? Laundry? Meals? What add-ons do I have to pay for and at what cost?
A reputable assisted living community should never object to allowing you to spend time there evaluating whether it is a good fit for your loved ones. Whether it is stopping in for a meal or attending a class or activity time at the facility, you should expect welcome and transparency at every stage.
It is important to know what your long-term plan is in case you find your loved ones with memory issues or increasing physical problems in the future. Find out whether the facility offers memory care services or is connected to a skilled nursing facility, and how that can benefit you if need be.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Tough Questions
People who ask lots of questions get better information. The same principle extends to the search for senior living communities and facilities for your loved ones. By asserting their needs and asking whether a community is equipped to meet them, you can steadily narrow down the list of options for them. There’s no perfect senior living community; however, there is a perfect senior living community for them that can provide more personalized and unique care for their unique needs. We at Village Green offer home environment care in a loving family atmosphere for your loved ones. Village Green allows residents to continue living with dignity, respect, freedom, and choice. Our home enables seniors with Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and other memory impairments to maintain the highest quality of life while providing peace of mind to their family and friends.
Schedule a Visit with Us today!
