No doubt it is a tough call to make when you have to decide it is time to move your ageing parent to an assisted living facility. You will first need to make that tough decision on the right time to transition from home to an assisted living facility. It needs no mentioning the second toughest decision you could make is to choose that perfect facility that your elderly parent will spend their sunset years. At the very least, you want to find a facility that will satisfy the needs of your ageing parent by complementing their personality and lifestyle. You also have to find a facility that is within your budget. Here is a basic guideline to make your work a lot easier when it comes to assisted living facilities.
Well of course you know by now an assisted living facility is for that elderly person that wants to lead an independent lifestyle but needs assistance with some individual needs. Some of these needs include personal grooming, bathing, dressing, meals, personal mobility, reminders to take medication, transportation etc. Some facilities will even go an extra mile to provide 24 hour security services, housekeeping, emergency call system, access to health care services, social and recreational activities, exercise and fitness programs and personal laundry service.
You should know by now the number of assisted living facilities out there is very high, all waiting to get your attention and hopefully have you commit your loved one to their care. The first step would be to come up with a shortlist of the top rated service providers in your neighborhood. It is advisable you find a facility that is within your reach for logistical purposes especially when you will need to visit your elderly parents often. With your shortlist at hand, the next important step is to plan to visit the top three facilities on your list.
Here are some questions to guide you into making a wise decision. No doubt you need well trained and very compassionate staff members when it comes to handling the elderly. While at it, get to establish the staff to resident ratio in your facility of choice. More importantly, seek to establish how the members of staff take care of the seniors. The best facility will ensure all its residents have well documented care plans so as to have all needs of the residents met. Rest assured an assisted living facility that is ideal for your ageing parent is available but only when and if you take the time to search for it and ask all the relevant questions.