Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
Finding the right assisted living facility is a big undertaking.
When choosing an assisted living facility, a lot of considerations need to be taken into account, including lifestyle, levels of care, activities, and the infrastructure a facility offers its residents. That’s why we offer helpful tips and advice for researching, comparing and finding the ideal assisted living facility to suit your individual needs.
Take a moment to read through our various posts that will help guide you through the process of choosing the assisted living facility that will provide the care you need.
Part 1
Different Types of Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities vary based on factors like age, disability, or military veteran status; they are not just for the elderly.
Assisted living combines housing, organized social interaction, and private duty support as needed for everyday living, including meals, medication management, physical assistance with bathing and dressing, and transportation. It can be helpful for those who need extra care, such as people recovering from a physical injury or illness. It also provides specialized care for those living with developmental disability, dementia or mental illness.
Types of assisted living facilities explored in this article include non-senior, disability-assisted, veteran, and 55+ assisted living.
Part 2
How to Find an Assisted Living Facility
An assisted living facility is designed to assist residents to complete their daily tasks of living, and help with things like medication management and social interaction. When looking for the right facility there are several main factors to consider:
- Physical and medical safety: Check out the facility, staff, licensed medical professionals, and resident safety measures.
- Cleanliness and hygiene: Look at housekeeping and cleaning services, cleanliness of common and dining areas, and availability of hygiene products.
- Food Services: Ask when and where are meals provided, whether allergy or special diet accommodations are available, and about food plans.
- Staff Friendliness: See how the staff interacts with residents, and ask about staff-to-resident ratio, training and style of care.
- Recreation: Ask what kind of activities are offered, and where, and about off-site trips and transportation.
In addition, this article offers several resources for investigating assisted living facilities.
Part 3
Looking for Assisted Living Facility: Who Should I Ask?
Finding the right fit is extremely important, so you should know who to ask to find out more about the assisted living facilities you are investigating. Recommendations of who to ask include:
- Online reviews: See what others are saying about the facility.
- Former employees: Ask about their experience working there and about their observations on resident care, staff interactions and management.
- Current and former residents: Take the tour and ask if you can speak to some of the residents. Take to those who previously utilized the facility as well.
- Ask a nurse or doctor. Since many people are referred to assisted living by their medical professional, physicians and nurses may have insights into recommendations on the right facility for your needs.
- Google it. Check online for news stories, press releases, and other information that is posted online about the assisted living facility you are considering.
