If your loved one needs to move into an assisted living facility for their health, care, and comfort, then the more you know, the better. Choosing the right facility can be a daunting task. Asking lots of questions when comparing communities to get a better idea of the policies, community overall, and the environment is crucial to finding the best fit for your relative. This will ensure your loved one is getting the best care, and you have peace of mind.
If you’re looking for the right assisted living facility for a parent, grandparent, or other senior relative, we’ve put together a list of some important questions to ask that you might want to use as a starting point.
What Amenities are Available?
Find out what amenities are available at the community before you decide. Learn more about the activities and services that they provide for residents, such as recreational activities, socialization, transportation, and meal plans. The more that’s on offer, the better – assisted living communities with a lot of services and amenities available can help residents feel more engaged with the community and their own lives. This assisted living community in Westmont, IL offers a wide range of options for residents.
What is the Staff-to-Resident Ratio?
Knowing how many staff members will be available at any given time to assist residents is crucial. This gives you a better idea of the amount of attention your loved one will receive when needed, and helps you determine the standard of care provided by the facility. Bear in mind that some facilities, such as assisted living communities that provide memory care, will have a higher staff-to-resident ratio than others.
What Safety Measures are in Place?
Safety should be a top priority for any assisted living community, so make it yours to ask about the safety measures that they employ. Find out more about the use of buttons and alarms in resident accommodation, surveillance systems, or on-site security to keep residents safe. Learn about the protocols that they have put in place for emergency situations.
What Health Services are Available?
Before deciding, it’s worth finding out more about the health services your loved one will be able to access as a resident. Find out more about the on-site medical services that are on offer along with any off-site healthcare providers that the facility partners with. Determine what services your relative will be able to access on-site, and which they’ll need to travel for.
What is the Visitation Policy?
Ideally, you should choose an assisted living facility that allows you to visit as often as you like, whenever you like. Understanding the visitation policy before choosing a facility will help you ensure that your loved one will be able to get an appropriate amount of time with family and friends if they choose to do so.
How Much Does It Cost?
Finally, don’t overlook the cost. Find out how much it costs for room and board along with any other expenses. Ask about any potential cost changes, should your relative’s care requirements increase or decrease over time.
Once you’ve asked these questions, use the information you’ve got to come to an informed decision regarding paying a visit. Combined with seeing the place in-person, we hope this list helps you find the most suitable assisted living facility for your loved one.