Assisted living is always a tough subject to broach. Whether you are considering it for yourself, or you’re looking to help a family member live a better, safer life, it’s definitely a complex thing that requires good communication, research, and the willingness to reach out and ask for help. While there is a lot of fear about changing an aspect of life that we’re used to and starting something new and different, the transition doesn’t actually need to be all that stressful. Every person’s needs are different, but picking something that suits you and your family members can actually be a liberating experience that lessens the burdens and the worries of our minds. To make sure you’re making the right choice, here are five things that you need to bear in mind.
Services available
What kind of services does the elderly care facility have to offer? Is there an in-house doctor? Is there a physical therapist that can help you stay active or recover from injuries? Is there a barber to help you maintain your hair? Amenities such as grocery store, spa, Wi-Fi, and a good restaurant are something to bear in mind. Think about what kind of things you want to always have access to and prepare a list of questions when visiting a potential nursing home to check whether everything is satisfactory. It is important to find a carer who will be able to meet your exact needs in all aspects of your life.
The kind of life you want to lead
You have to think about what you want your life to look like in a realistic way. Assisted living is nothing more than a means to an end, a way to help you keep your freedom and stability and make sure you live in comfort and safety where there’s always someone around that can help you. If you want to retain your independence, you will absolutely be able to do that in a nursing home as much as your own house. If you have hobbies and interests, we encourage you to find a facility that lets you engage in those because there is simply no reason not to do all that you were doing before, only with more help around you.
Health concerns
The biggest question should be about your health and level of independence. Do you need a lot of help with maintaining personal hygiene? Mental health is also important, and children who are taking care of elderly parents whose mental health has deteriorated and need to be constantly watches should look into facilities that provide quality dementia care and are able to monitor their patients properly. When visiting nursing homes, make sure to describe your parent’s physical and mental state to the very last detail to help the care providers determine whether they can provide everything they need.
The living space
Always take a tour of the home. Look at the rooms, look at the garden, and pay special attention to cleanliness. Is the place neat and tidy? If it isn’t, there’s a good chance the facility is either understaffed, or that there aren’t proper regulations set in place. Check out the common room and the bathrooms as well, look at the furniture used. What is the atmosphere like? Are the decorations restful, can you imagine yourself sitting down somewhere and enjoying a book? You can also approach other residents and ask them about their experiences, ask them about the staff and whether they are organized and caring, whether they’re always available to provide help.
Activities available
A good elderly care facility will always have a range of different activities and a schedule of fun nights and entertainment. Your social life is important, so look for places that organize game nights, arts and crafts, and physical activities that will keep you fit, healthy, and stress-free.
Assisted care is really what you make of it. Remember that you get to pick the kind of facility that suits you, so do your research and find a place that you think you could enjoy.