Assisted living is a housing option for seniors in which residents get assisted living support with everyday tasks in a comfortable, home-like setting. These individuals are encouraged to maintain the utmost level of independence possible and typically do not require the level of care offered during a nursing home stay. Additionally, luxury assisted living homes provide residents with physical and emotional care, as well as socially engaging activities and events. In addition, these communities offer a range of services and facilities for maintenance-free living, such as daily housekeeping assistance, transportation, eating options, and more.
From large, suburban complexes to soaring high-rises, assisted living residences come in many forms and sizes. The primary distinction between a nursing home stay and assisted living is that the prior provides medical and personal assistance in a clinical environment. In contrast, assisted living facilities provide personal care in a home-like, social environment.
Even if there are some ailments and demands that cannot be addressed in assisted living, the offerings and periodic medical care frequently administered are making assisted living a credible alternative to senior residence homes for an increasing number of seniors.
Finding the right assisted living community might seem like a tough job, but it doesn’t have to be so hard. You just need to know what to look for as you tour different assisted living homes. Here are a few tips to help.
The nose knows. – One of the most important things to be on the watch for is the cleanliness. Look past the furnishings to the baseboards, the corners, and the windows. There shouldn’t be collections of dust and debris. If you smell something, the assisted living community is probably not the right one, as it’s indicative of an issue. That being said, an odor in one part is likely the result of a recent incident. If the odor can be smelt throughout the assisted living community, though, then it’s a problem.
Friendliness is a must. – Pay attention to how the staff interacts with community members as you tour different assisted living centers. Do they make eye contact with members and listen? Are they nice to them? Chances are that they’ll be courteous to you, but what matters is how they interact with those living there. Try to make sure they don’t realize they’re being observed so that you can see how they really treat everyone.
Talk to the people living there and their families. – No one knows assisted living communities quite like the people and the family living there. Ask them how they like living there, and ask family members if there have ever been any issues. Many assisted living communities have resident councils, who’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have, too.
Don’t rush your search. If you do, you may overlook some pretty large red flags. Take your time and tour multiple assisted living facilities to ensure that you find the right one for your loved one. You’ll be glad you did.
If you have any questions about finding the right assisted living community, feel free to share them in the comments.
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