4 Things To Look For When Touring An Assisted Living Facility
Do you need to find an assisted living facility for your mother or father? Finding the right facility for your parent may be a stressful process. While there are many great facilities out there, you no doubt want to find one in which you are confident that your mother or father will be happy and treated well. Taking a tour of a facility is a great way to see what it's like on a day-in, day-out basis. However, even a tour may not answer all of your questions. To get as much information as possible, it can be helpful to look beyond your conversation with the tour guide. Here are four things you can look at to see what the facility is like for residents:
Follow your nose. Any time you have a large number of people living in one building, odor can be an issue. Facilities that take pride in cleanliness are usually free of odor. If you smell something that seems off as you're touring the facility, don't hesitate to ask your tour guide about it. It could be that the facility doesn't change their sheets and towels as frequently as needed. Or it could be that the cleanliness standards in the cafeteria aren't as high as they should be. However, it could be that there was a one-time spill or some other type of accident. Be sure to ask so you can get to the bottom of it.
Visit during activity time. Nearly every facility will talk about its activities for its residents. Social engagement is a big part of a resident's overall happiness. However, it's important that you see some activities firsthand. The biggest reason is that you want to make sure that your parent will find the activities enjoyable. You also want to see how many residents are actually participating in the activities. If no one is participating, then it really doesn't matter whether the facility has activities or not.
Eat a meal there. Dining times are among the most important times of a resident's day. It's their opportunity to socialize with friends and neighbors. Ideally, your facility's dining area will be clean, welcoming, and will have appetizing food. The best way to check this out is to sit down in the dining area for a meal. Your parent can test the food and may even make a new friend or two.
Pay attention to the outdoor area. No one wants to be locked inside all day. Getting outdoor time and fresh air is crucial to your parent's long-term health. Make sure the outdoor area is inviting. Even more, make sure it's secure. This is especially important if your parent has beginning dementia and could wander away.
With some research, you'll likely find a home, like Hopewell In-Home Senior Care, that is perfect for your mom or dad. Ask good questions and trust your instincts.
Share
