When you or a loved one require assistance with daily living, assisted living is an ideal solution. It provides the safety and security of living within a community while providing you with all the support to remain independent.
Finding the ideal assisted living facility for yourself or your loved one requires visiting and touring various options. Here are some questions to ask during a tour:
Personalized Care
Personalized care is an integral component of senior living. It takes into account each resident’s individual needs and preferences to guarantee they receive the highest quality of assistance possible.
Assisted living communities that prioritize personal care tend to have higher resident satisfaction ratings. This is because personalized attention means staff members have a better grasp on their residents’ habits, allergies and preferences.
Personalized care also promotes meaningful connections between residents and caregivers, which can help combat loneliness and isolation that are often linked to declines in physical and mental health.
Social Interaction
Assisted living communities provide a range of social interaction opportunities. This could include lifelong learning classes, stimulating seminars and cultural events within the community.
Studies have demonstrated that frequent social contact is essential for leading a healthier, happier life. It boosts the body’s immune system, enhances mental clarity and lowers the risk of dementia-related symptoms.
Despite the benefits, social isolation and loneliness remain a problem in many assisted living communities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that nursing homes and other long-term care facilities implement programs that encourage active social interactions among residents.
Meal Preparation
Assisted living facilities should provide nutritious and healthful meals to their residents. Furthermore, they should offer a range of food choices because many seniors appreciate having the freedom to select from different menus.
Caregivers and cooks can create a meal plan tailored to their clients, taking into account both nutritional needs and personal preferences. This ensures an enjoyable, satisfying dining experience for both caregivers and seniors.
Families with elderly loved ones who are unable to shop or prepare their own meals may find relief through senior meal delivery services. These services deliver pre-heated, chef-prepared meals right into your home.
Transportation
Assisted living communities often provide transportation services to help residents get around their community. These trips could include running errands, attending appointments or shopping.
Depending on the area, these services may be included in your monthly fee or an additional cost. Some offer door-to-door assistance while others provide limited assistance with bags or wheelchairs.
These services, similar to taxis, are tailored for the elderly and disabled. Commonly referred to as “door-to-door” or D2D services, these transport riders from their residence to a vehicle, then onto their destination – then back home again.
These services can be beneficial for seniors, but it’s essential to factor in the logistics of getting on and off these vehicles. Paratransit systems must be booked ahead of time, with pick-up times usually lasting a minimum of 24 hours.
Housekeeping
One of the advantages of assisted living is its housekeeping services, which help residents stay organized and tidy. This helps them avoid falls or other health complications caused by a dirty home or cluttered room.
Additionally, housekeeping services help prevent seniors from throwing away food or forgetting to take medications. A reliable housekeeping service will guarantee their seniors get enough nutrition to stay healthy, as well as prepare weekly or monthly medication trays.
When hiring a housekeeping service, look for a company that conducts background checks and drug tests on its employees. Doing this helps avoid scam artists who target elderly individuals to steal from them.