5 Tips for Touring Assisted Living Facilities
Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on June 14, 2017
5 Tips for Touring Assisted Living Facilities
Get the most out of your tours of assisted living facilities.
Finding the right assisted living facility for your aging loved one is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. The following tips will help you determine what to look for in assisted living facilities and how to assess them.
- Talk to current residents
The best way to learn more about an assisted living facility is to talk with current residents and ask them questions. Ask them anything you’d like to know, such as whether they enjoy living there, whether there are enough activities, or whether there’s anything they wish could be improved. Request that residents give you their honest opinions about the senior living home.
- Investigate outdoor areas
When visiting an assisted living facility, be sure to visit the outdoor areas. It’s important for your loved one to be able to spend time outside and feel a connection with nature. Does the outdoor area feel safe and secure? What activities are hosted outdoors? Do residents use the outdoor areas during breaks?
- Eat a meal at the facility
Mealtimes are important. Try to eat a meal at the facility, so you can taste the food for yourself and gauge the quality of the food. Check the menu and see if there are a variety of options to choose from. Eating a meal at the assisted living facility will also give you the opportunity to see how residents interact with one another during meals and get a better feel for the community.
- Check for cleanliness
Does the community have a clean appearance? Look at the corners, windows, baseboards, and more to see how deeply the facility is cleaned. Find out what type of maintenance is provided and how often housekeeping is offered. Ask about laundry procedures at the facility as well.
- Talk with staff
One of the most important aspects of an assisted living facility is its staff. There should be a low staff to resident ratio to ensure that staff members have plenty of time to spend with residents and that they can provide them with personalized attention. The attitude of the staff is also very important. Is the staff open, friendly, and inviting? Watch as staff members interact with residents. Evaluate whether staff members make eye contact when they speak with residents and if they truly listen to what is being said.
As you’re touring an assisted living facility, try to envision your loved one living there. Do you think your loved one will feel comfortable and at ease? Listen to your gut when touring assisted living facilities. Even a large, beautiful facility could end up being a cold, uninviting space for your loved one. That’s why it’s important to talk to many different residents and staff members and not just look at marketing brochures and talk to the tour guide. If you follow these tips, you’re sure to find an assisted living facility that your aging relative will be satisfied with.
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