Tips For Selecting An Assisted Living Facility For An Aging Parent
As a person ages and finds it more difficult to be self-sufficient, an assisted living facility may become a great option, especially if a person suffers from bad health and needs nursing care. It is not uncommon for adult children to play a major role in selecting an assisted living facility for their aging parents. If you feel that it is time for one or both of your parents to move into an assisted living facility, use the following tips to find the best one:
Ask about Staffing Ratios
Living in an assisted living facility should be comfortable for your parents, and you should have the peace of mind of knowing that they are being well cared for. The staffing ratios at an assisted living facility can tell you a lot about the level of care that is provided to residents. Make sure you ask about the staffing ratios during the day and how they change at night. It is also important to find out how many nurses are onsite each day to provide patient care.
Availability of Activities
Just because a person is elderly and may not be in perfect health does not mean that he or she will just want to lay in bed all day. Many people who live in assisted living facilities have a variety of interests and hobbies. When searching for an assisted living facility for a parent, look for one that offers a variety of activities on a regular basis. Your parent is more likely to be happy living in an assisted living facility if he or she is able to stay active and socialize with other residents with similar interests.
Attending to Health Problems
Don't forget to ask an assisted living facility their policies about attending to both emergency and non-emergency health problems. You should also find out the level of medical care that can be provided at the facility. It is not uncommon for elderly people to develop new health problems, so you will need to know whether or not the assisted living facility will be able to care for your parent if that happens.
Comfortable Accommodations
You know what kind of accommodations will make your parent feel comfortable, so take their feelings into consideration when looking for an assisted living facility. If possible, take your parent with you when you tour the different assisted living facilities in your area so you can ensure that he or she feels comfortable in the facility that you select. Places like Windsor House Greenville can help you find the care environment you need.
