How to find a suitable Assisted Living Home for your loved ones or ageing parents

Finding a suitable assisted living facility/home for your loved ones or ageing parents is indeed a tough task. Here, are some of the most important elements to look out for while choosing the facility/home. During your visit, consider the quality of care that your loved one may receive. The decision of "if, when and where to move" resides solely with you, family and your loved one:

1. Observe the level of cleanliness, does the spaces feel fresh and clean. Don’t forget to ask about laundry procedures. Ask for specifics and as detailed as how you would go about doing things at your home. You should keep in mind that you will definitely want the facility to feel just like home.

2. Pay attention to staff friendliness, their attitude and sensitivity to the aged is of high importance. Interact with them, ask questions and make sure to understand their staffing pattern, roles and work hours, last but not the least – how many people are actually involved in resident’s care and what are the resident : care givers ratio. More than the affordability and size of facility it is important that you have the confidence in the management and people involved.

3. Food plays an important role in the wellbeing of any seniors, it is important for you to get an idea of what is served and when, does the facility provide food as per individual diet needs, do they serve beverages of seniors choice, what is the frequency and quantity of food being served, easy access to clean and hygiene drinking water. Are there any restrictions, sometimes untold.

4. All of us like a good dining room experience, it very important to seniors too as to where they eat and how they eat. You must discuss with the Facility managers about dining hours, option and procedures. Check what if the resident is unable to make it to the dining room for a meal, and see if there is a possibility to taste the food they serve.

5. Safety and Security are another area you should give importance to, and are critical to your peace of mind. Make sure that the wash areas are easily accessible and have grab bars, availability of mobility equipment’s such as walkers, walking sticks and wheel chairs at arm’s reach is a must.

6. How are the inmates monitored, are care givers and nursing staff in their visibility. Are there any registered nurses on site? How do staffing patterns differ at night? How does the community assist or manage residents' medication needs? Don't forget to ask specific questions about any other medical needs that must be met for you or your loved one.

7. As you go through the tour process make sure you ask a lot of questions about personal care. Discuss bathing options and bathing preferences. It's a great idea to observe the current residents while visiting communities. Are they clean shaven with well-groomed hair and nails? Are the residents dressed appropriately? Make sure to take into consideration what activities they are involved in and the current weather. Does the staff treat residents with dignity, respect and a smile?

8. As you are touring make sure you think about yourself or your loved one actually living at the community. Do you imagine you or your loved one being comfortable? Do you feel at ease? Are the staff and residents open, inviting and friendly?

Last but not the least, follow your instincts and your heart! ask questions, look around in details and experience the facility.

Priaashraya Assisted Living Homes