If you have decided that it might be about time for your loved one to move into an assisted living community, you will want to make sure that you are starting to take some time to research the available options. Remember, not all assisted living communities will be the same and there can actually be some drastic differences between them. To help you find the one that could be the most ideal for your loved one, you will want to read through the following:
Friendly Faces
You want to pay special attention to the way staff greats you when you visit assisted living communities. Do they seem overall happy working there, or do they seem stressed, unpleasant, and stretched way too thin with responsibilities? Pay attention to the vibe you get while there, and don't forget to try to notice how well the residents seem to be acting. If all of the residents that you come across are solemn looking and won't speak much, it might be a good idea to look elsewhere for placement.
Easy Activities
There should be a variety of activities that your loved one can get involved with once they are settled in, should you decide that that is the place for them. This helps keep their mind and body active, even if it is something as simple as a painting group. It also gives them an opportunity to mingle with other residents and make new friends. Some activities that you might find in quality assisted living communities may include Bingo nights, painting groups, exercise classes, and reading time. Residents bound to wheelchairs can take part in some exercises that will get them moving their arms around.
Since it can take a little time to get in touch with all of the different assisted living communities in order to tour their facilities, you will want to get the process started right away. This way, if there is an urgent need to move your loved one somewhere else, you will not feel as pressured for time because you got the ball rolling. You can tour the various communities, ask questions, and talk about the price of each place. You will also want to make sure that you are checking in with your loved one's medical insurance company because they might be able to cover the entire cost. If they cannot cover all of it, they might cover the majority of it.
Contact an assisted living community to find out more.
