You cannot send an elderly parent or relative to just any assisted living facility. You need to pick a place where they will feel comfortable and where they’ll have all their needs met. You also have to think about logistics if you want to visit them often. Picking the right facility could help them greatly and even add a few years to their lives while a bad one could sap their morale and send them into a depression. Here are some of the things you should look at when picking an assisted living facility.
The General State of the Premises
You can tell a lot about a facility from first impressions, so we suggest that you start with a visual inspection from the minute you get there. Look at the exterior and see if the building looks like it’s well-preserved. A worn-out facade and bad landscaping would be automatic red flags, and it could show that the facility is neglecting other areas as well. It should not be a deal-breaker, but it’s not a good sign.
You can then go in and look at how clean the interior is. Also, pay attention to how you’re greeted and try to see if the workers seem happy or not. Staff zooming in and out without acknowledging you or even looking borderline bothered by your presence is another red flag, but this one is much more of a deal-breaker since it might reflect on the care they offer residents.
What Are the Services Offered?
The next thing you have to do is assess what type of services your parents need. If they need to stay in bed because of a serious condition, for instance, then it’s not an assisted living facility that you need, but a nursing home.
If all they need is help with things like housekeeping, taking medication, or cooking meals, on the other hand, you should look at assisted living facilities like Brandywine. Services like these will also have a memory care unit in case your parent or senior relative is suffering from cognitive decline.
You should also check what type of activities the facility offers and consider looking at their menu if the resident has food restrictions or is picky.
The Location
When it comes to selecting an assisted living facility, it is important to consider the location. The facility should be close to your home so that you can easily visit. It is also important to choose elderly care in Rhode Island with good reviews so that you can get quality care.
Additionally, make sure that the facility has skilled staff who are able to provide excellent care. It is also important to consider the amenities that the facility offers. For example, some facilities offer transportation services so that residents can get around easily. Other facilities may have a pool or other recreational amenities.
These are all things you should check whenever you’re evaluating assisted living facilities. The quality of life of the person you intend to send there depends on it, so take your time.