How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Facility

When seniors realize that daily activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and medication management are becoming taxing, its time to start considering assisted living homes. These facilities allow one to keep their regular schedule while having all the daily needs being cared for. However, when there are many to choose from how do potential residents make the right choice. The location may be great, but the home may look run down, or the food is delightful, but the cleanliness is poor.

This time in a seniors life is very emotionally and stressful period. For decades they have been taking care of themselves in a private lifestyle. Now they must get use to a new dwelling and have their daily needs done by a staff member. Seniors will have to communicate the little things which are integral parts of their schedule to make sure they find the perfect assisted living home for them.

Here are five tips that will educate the senior and family when in the market for an assisted living facility.

TIP #1: The assisted resident needs to be very involved in making the decision. They are cognitively alert and all they need is a bit of help with daily living. This will be their new home and they should absolutely love it.

TIP #2: One of the primary advantages of assisted living is that the resident can keep their daily schedule and routine. This puts the fear of a senior losing their independence at ease.

TIP #3: Find out what daily activities are offered at the facility. Some seniors might have a liking towards board games while others might be interested in more recreational types of activities.

TIP #4: Besides for daily activities there is a vibrant social environment. If a parent is seeking assisted living Northeast Ohio, it would be beneficial to find out whom or who does not attend that facility. There may be company which interests them or perhaps a foe whom they would prefer to distance themselves from.

TIP #5: Daily diet and exercise are very important when residing in assisted living home. The living quarters will be significantly smaller which means less movement for the senior. Therefore, its recommended to make sure that there is a program in place which allows the resident to get the proper exercise keeping their bones and joints moving. Combining a daily exercise regimen with a healthy diet will keep one’s mood and body in tip top shape.

Getting to know the facility prior to registering

A clever idea would be to visit the assisted living facility outside of business hours and see how they are ready to show then. Catching the staff off guard will give the potential resident an idea of what to anticipate when living there 24/7, 365 days a year.

Are the managers around? do people seem organized and happy with what they do? Another suggestion would be to use your nose. Always remember “the nose, knows”. You can pick up whether a facility is clean by checking the dining area and washrooms. Does the facility smell and feel homey? These are all important aspects to research prior to registering at an assisted living in Northeast Ohio.

While you’re in the facilities try to take part in a meal. Is the food tasty and warm? Was it delivered by someone with a friendly smile? It’s good to socialize with friends but its most important to see loved ones as often as possible. One may come across a beautiful assisted living home with a great price but without family what good is that.

When visiting the home of choice bring along someone who is financially keen. This can be a son, daughter, or financial adviser. Sales personal at assisted living communities can put the pressure on for a decision to be made. They may say something like this:

“IF YOU JOIN BEFORE THE MONTH IS UP WE WILL GIVE YOU THE FIRST MONTH’S RENT FREE “

Be sure seniors get an opportunity to make a clear and cognitive choice independently.

Always remember that if you need assistance with senior care in Northeast Ohio, make sure to get your hands on the latest senior comfort guide. In it you will find a complete guide to top rated assisted living homes for Ashtabula, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull and Wayne counties.

Want to get the guide sooner? Download a digital copy now. If anyone wishes to be a resource of the print guide of digital guide, please feel free to reach out to me at 216.292.8485 or email info@seniorcomfortguide.com . Alternatively you can grab this link and publish it across the web: Senior Comfort Guide

Author: Vivian McNeil