Your aging parent is finding it impossible to do things around the house, and you find they need constant assistance with daily living. This means you need to start researching assisted living facilities. Looking for senior care can be overwhelming, and you may be uncertain where to begin, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to assist in your research; here are a few ways you can start from.
1. Online search.
Simple Web research can be very helpful rather than going to the facilities; this can help select which senior care facilities you would like to take your loved ones. Find out everything about the facilities that are near you and what services they offer on their websites.
When contacting your research, bear in mind the following
· Safety – is the facility in a safe neighborhood,
· Location – is the facility near these important places like shops, pharmacies, hospitals, and other important places and is the Location for family visits.
· Reviews – what are the reviews of the provider?
2. Start your search early.
It is always better to begin your search early; these make it easier to look for exactly what you want. Make a list of the senior care facilities and rule out the ones that don’t fit your preference are very important. Preparing early is important rather than waiting for the last minutes considering your loved one needs the best. Finding out things you are very critical of rather than going with the words of others.
3. Phone research.
Make calls to the few assisted living facilities providers you have selected from the list you made to narrow down your search. Make sure to ask questions to help you decide; here are a few questions that can help you when making a call to the providers.
· What are the monthly charges? If not monthly, how much do they charge for their services?
· What type and size unit is available?
· What training does the staff have?
· What type of payment do they expect?
· What is the ratio of staff to resident?
· Do they organize tours for the residents, and how long does it take
· Do they have activities and social interaction?
· Do they have private rooms and washrooms?
4. Recommendations
Ask relatives, friends, and neighbors about their experience with the assisted living facilities they have taken their loved ones to see the one that suits your needs and later check it out. Recommendations can help narrow down your search eventually. Ask if they are proud of their choice or wish they researched more; even talking to the loved ones in the facilities can also help ascertain if they are happy.
5. Cleanliness, design access, and accessibility features.
The senior care facility you choose should be clean and accessible for physical and mental well-being. Take into consideration your first impression upon arrival in the facility; the first impression is vital.
Pay attention to the following details before you make the ultimate decision.
· Social areas that encourage mingling like the dining room, events hall, and lounge
· Accessibility features like wheelchair ramps, elevators, and widened doors
· Safety features like grab bars, guardrails
· Cleanliness in and around the facility
6. Doctors referral
Talk to your loved one’s physician; this can also help in your research. Ask the doctor if they have ever recommended a senior care facility to other patients, and the doctor can always refer you to a facility that best suits your loved one. Be keen on the doctor priorities are in assisted living facilities.