If you or a loved one need help with daily living tasks, such as bathing, dressing, or keeping house, then you can find help in an assisted living center. However, how do you know which one to choose? For starters, you can try Seniorly assisted living, the best senior housing search solution, to research the housing options. Then use these tips when touring a facility to find out if it’s a good fit for you or your loved one.
Ask for the Staff to Resident Ratio
Before touring a facility, ask how many staff members there are for the residents living there. There should be enough staff on duty during the day to easily take care of all the residents’ needs without having them wait too long for help.
Each state has laws governing how many staff there should be for the residents, so check to make sure the facilities you’re considering follow those laws.
Also, when asking for the information, clarify that you want to know about those directly involved in resident care as some facilities will include office staff in that ratio.
Check Level of Cleanliness
Look around the facility to observe its level of cleanliness. Look at the windows, in the corners of the rooms, both high and low, to ensure they are clean. Observe with your nose as well because it can reveal problems at the facility.
When observing the cleanliness of the residential areas, try to observe the residents too. Those needing help with bathing, dressing, and haircare should look as if they and their clothes are clean. If not, it could mean they are understaffed.
Observe the Activities
Try to schedule a tour during some of the activities that you or your loved one would be most interested in doing. Most assisted living facilities offer a wide range of activities at the facility, as well as outings for their residents.
Most of the facilities offer shopping trips, movie nights, games like bingo, art and exercise classes to keep both the mind and body active. While there, participate in the activity and chat with the residents to see how they like living at the facility.
Find Out Security and Safety Procedures
Ask the staff about what happens in an emergency, especially if you live in an area that gets hurricanes, tornadoes, or has other severe weather patterns. Find out if there is security on-site, especially at night, to ensure that the residents are safe.
Look inside the rooms or apartments to make sure grab bars are in the bathrooms and throughout the facility. Also, ask about how residents contact staff if they need emergency help, especially at night when staffing levels are usually lower.
Eat a Meal at the Facility
One of the most important aspects of getting good care at a facility is proper nutrition. While touring an assisted living center, find out about resident dining hours, options, and what happens if they cannot leave their room.
Consider joining the residents in a meal to try the quality of the food for yourself. Also, while observing how the staff handles the dining area, speak to some of the residents to find out more about the facility.
It’s important to learn as much as you can about each assisted living center you’re considering moving into or helping a loved one select. Don’t hesitate to be nosy and ask as many questions as you can.
Most of the staff will answer your questions honestly. However, if they seem reluctant to give out information, reconsider the facility as an option as the staff may be hiding something.