Common assisted living questions to Consider
Assisted Living is a LIFESTYLE CHANGE
Assisted living is a safe place for your aging parents may it be when they need medical care round the clock or merely an extra hand for daily task as preparing food or cleaning up for themselves. It guarantees a place where they can thrive, be happy, stay healthy and shown significance in the community.
But choosing the right one is not just a task to be ticked off from a list of overwhelming options. The process can indeed be long and stressful which makes you jump off to hasty choices or worst give up personal involvement all in all.
We at Heartwood Seniors can enlighten you on the importance of assisted living for your loved ones and how it can benefit the both of you in the long run. By being well-informed and openly laid with significant options and possibilities will make you feel confident to make the choice together with your folks or yours only on their behalf if unable to do so.
Below are things to consider when choosing the best-suited assisted living facility. If on tour or in contact with the Director some specific questions can help you decide and have that peace of mind too.
LOCATION and PHYSICAL SET-UP
“WHERE IS THE BEST SENIOR CARE FOR MOM?”
“What types of apartment are available?”
“Do you have outdoor space?”
Most children start living their own lives when they reach legal age and by the time their folks start needing care, they themselves start a family of their own, jobs and careers to juggle or schedules to set. In as much as they want to take care of their parents, circumstances may hinder that privilege.
When the need arises, folks need to accept the importance of home facilities, but throw guilt away because by doing so you show how much you care by placing them in the best and rightful place where they can be taken cared for. As such you would want it to be accessible for you too, to bring the kids to visit grandma and still share stories, and express to them the value of caring for the elders.
Indeed we all will go through this stage, it is truly inevitable. Think that in a few more years, this might be you then, and you would definitely want to be surrounded by grandchildren instead of just the friendly staff and intriguing housemates.
SERVICES
“THE RIGHT CARE IS THE BEST CARE”
“What is the staff-to-resident ratio?”
“Can staff administer medications?”
Different facilities offer varied services and are not created equal. They are at a certain degree a good fit for general needs but there is one to provide for both general and specific needs.
A love one may just need minimal support on daily activities with simple medication management. Subjecting them on a senior housing with constant care and monitoring by traditional hospital staff may make them feel trapped and agitated.
Some elders need serious medical interventions yet still have cognitive capabilities and still prefer a bit of freedom for choices. A balance of reliable medical support by trained medical team and
SERVICES
“THE RIGHT CARE IS THE BEST CARE”
“What is the staff-to-resident ratio?”
“Can staff administer medications?”
Different facilities offer varied services and are not created equal. They are at a certain degree a good fit for general needs but there is one to provide for both general and specific needs.
A love one may just need minimal support on daily activities with simple medication management. Subjecting them on a senior housing with constant care and monitoring by traditional hospital staff may make them feel trapped and agitated.
Some elders need serious medical interventions yet still have cognitive capabilities and still prefer a bit of freedom for choices. A balance of reliable medical support by trained medical team and
STAFF
“A PERSON WITH A LOT OF LOVE GIVES THE BIGGEST CARE”
“What kind and experience and training does your staff possess?”
“Do you have on call doctors or nurses on 24/7 availability?”
Whether he is an early retiree still wanting to be on top of his game, or older and frail but still wanting to make choices, they need a friend and caregiver rolled into one. The companionship is indeed a priceless commodity in this stage of their lives and entrusting our loved ones to responsible people to give care in our place is essential.
Home facilities are not institutions that have nursing staff and medical aids marching in and out of rooms of patients to go about their daily tasks. This is a place where elderly care is not a job but a passion and purpose fulfilled for the staff.
Vigorous training and experience cap their medal of excellence along with their commitment to ensure the residents feel safe, secure and vital in the community.
Licensed staff is mandatory but continuous training and immersion takes them apart from ordinary employees. In most cases, the staff not only renders services like what hospitals do but in the long run becomes the resident’s second family. A relationship that is strengthened through trust and honesty, established by compassion and respect to their residents.
FOOD
“A MEAL PREPARED WITH LOVE is a MEAL HEARTILY EATEN”
“Do you have meal plans or scheduled snacks?”
“Is there a nutritionist and cook?”
A chef strikes balance on taste and presentation effectively on a plate served with care, making every meal a sumptuous experience to look forward every time. They do not compromise the health benefits by ingredient substitutions. And best yet for some have home grown organic food source to maximize the health benefits as well as lower costs through renewable farming.
A nutritionist checks in if the meals can both sustain and replenish accordingly the needs of the residents. They do not just prepare a meal merely to feed residents but let them have the best nutritious meal that in some instances may possibly be the last of the very few ones they could.
ACTIVTIES
“ENTERTAINMENT should be STIMULATING and FUN”
“Do you have a LIFESTYLE DIRECTOR?”
“Are your activities tailored fit for the residents?”
We introduce our elders to a new community where they can continue living life to their fullest capabilities. They meet new neighbours, be with new acquaintances or in rare cases experience this lifestyle change together with long-term friends. They would want a place where they get to be happy and excited again.
Their interests should match the existing pre-planned individual activities or social entertainment to keep them engaged and stimulated. The activities should be well thought of to keep them looking forward each day and not just placed on the schedule to keep them busy.
It is time to erase the notion of home facilities where they just wait all day for a dying process to happen or moping for a chance visit by relatives. Instead it will be a new home where they have a chance to have happier days with endless possibilities.
COSTS
“AN INVESTMENT IS REASONABLE while EXPENSE is a heartbreak for a long run”
“What is the monthly cost and services included?”
“Is there insurance coverage?”
“Do you have lifetime upfront fee?”
Most facilities have upfront payments, some are covered by insurance although some may entail personal cost. Be in the know on benefits and coverage so Mom has no need of to transfer during an unconventional moment because of consumed resources.
In most cases, a house gets sold to fund transfer and stay on an assisted living complex but it should be noted that this is for the long haul so enough budget should cover the entire cost in medical and housing expenses.
Getting the value of your many years of effort while still working is an investment and fulfilment, whereas paying off redundant services is a waste of time and money. Check out the kind of facility and consider it when balance of medical care and lifestyle is promoted.
TOUR or STAYCATION
“EXPERIENCE IT TO ERASE ALL DOUBTS”
“Do you offer a discharge policy?”
“What are additional services for possible resident change?”
Some facilities offer a trial period of stay to show how confident they are on their competence on elder care and committed on long term contentment. In some instances, appointments can be scheduled and a tour can be done to really evaluate if it is the right fit as a community.
Whether mom packs a suitcase and is like off to a hotel, a staycation or Respite Care can give her a chance to feel the vibe of her future home. This ensures that she can contribute to the decision making for the right facility to stay because after all it will be for the longest time possible.
Take into consideration the preference of your love ones too, not only are they entitled on choices as they are the ones to stay and live there but because the kind of facility you both choose will impact the relationship you still can share in the days ahead.
SAFETY and SECURITY
“IF YOU FAIL TO PLAN, YOU PLAN TO FAIL”
“Does the facility have safety plans or supplies for disasters and the like?”
“Is it equipped with medical emergency supplies and equipment?”
“Do you have enough staff to handle emergency resident transport?”
“Are they well trained to handle emergency situations or natural disasters?”
Maintenance staff or non-medical staff works closely with the medical staff for the total safety and security of residents. Some residents tend to go around more and may end up wandering outside the vicinity so close monitoring on infrastructures should be the key.
Home facility associations have established emergency care plans and disaster operation manuals for strict compliance. This should be updated and well disseminated to all the staff members of the home facility.
Another equally important matter to look through if the staff and residents undergo assessment in all aspects prior to admittance or hiring process. This gives the extra peace of mind and assurance to ensure a harmonious stay in the facility.
Lastly, have the initiative to ask on any concern in hopes that you will be enlightened and less burdened with the responsibility of choosing. Having all of that in mind, take a tour and make the best choice.
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