How to Find the Right Assisted Living Home for Mom and Dad
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on August 24, 2016
How to Find the Right Assisted Living Home for Mom and Dad
What to look for when assessing senior living communities
Our parents took care of us and kept us safe when we were children, so once they get older, it’s our turn to return this love and care to them. While some of us care for our aging relatives at home, this isn’t always a possibility for everyone. Many families find themselves searching for assisted living homes for their aging loved ones. An assisted living home is a residential option for seniors who need help with daily living activities, like cooking meals, getting to the bathroom, and going to appointments.
Assisted living facilities provide 24-hour support and care while offering privacy and encouraging independence. There are a variety of assisted living facilities to choose from. While this can make the process of finding the right facility seem daunting, the good news is that you’re likely to encounter a facility that is perfectly suited to your elderly parent’s needs.
Get Your Loved One Involved in the Search
The more your loved one is involved in the search and selection process, the better. While it’s okay that you do most of the legwork for them, you want your loved one to feel like their preferences and desires are taken into account.
A good place to start when searching for an assisted living facility in your area is browsing a senior living directory. An online residential care directory that lists assisted living homes throughout your area will allow you to easily compare and contrast amenities and narrow down your options.
No amount of viewing photos, videos, reviews, floor plans, and brochures will substitute an in-person visit. Try to schedule tours during mealtimes or activities and events, when residents are out and about. This will give you a better feel for the atmosphere and friendliness of the community.
What to Look for in Assisted Living Staff
While amenities are important, what matters most are the other residents and staff. The best assisted living facilities have an active social life and warm, caring staff. An assisted living facility is a place where your aging loved one should feel safe, secure, and engaged. They should have the ability to develop new relationships there.
When looking at different residential care homes, visit at different times and ask current residents and their families for feedback. Observe whether staff members have time to speak to you and engage in conversation or if they seem rushed. Do the staff members interact in a warm and friendly manner with residents or do they seem stressed and overwhelmed?
The attitude of the staff is very important in an assisted living facility. Staff members should regularly interact with residents, listening to their needs and making eye contact. As you tour communities, think about how your loved one would feel there and whether you could imagine them living there.
Connect Your Loved One to the Elder Care
Achieve peace of mind and find the right residential care facility for your mom or dad at Senior Living Link. We’re your one-stop resource for finding senior care. Senior Living Link is an online assisted living directory that helps families find senior care options in their local area. Our nationwide directory features facilities in Washington, Florida, California, Texas, New York, Georgia, West Virginia, and throughout the United States. Find a senior living community near you!