Deciding to move your elderly loved one to an assisted living facility can be difficult but choosing the right community can go a long way to alleviate everyone’s concerns and ease the transition. A tour is an important step in that process. Below we share a few things to look for that will help you make a more informed decision and select a community that will allow your loved one to enjoy their life while receiving the help they need with day-to-day activities.
1. Cleanliness. Does the facility look clean and well maintained? Look behind furnishings and check the nooks and crannies. Ask for the housekeeping schedule, laundry procedures, maintenance provided and typical response times, to avoid future surprises.
2. Personal Care. During the tour, ask about personal care, such as bathing and grooming options. Look for evidence. Are residents clean shaven with well-groomed hair and nails? Are they dressed appropriately, taking into consideration activities of the day and weather conditions?
3. Staff Friendliness. Observe staff member interactions with residents. Do they listen and make eye contact? Are they pleasant, respectful, and friendly? Ask about the staff-to-resident ratio. If it is low, there is a greater chance the staff can meet the needs of many residents.
4. Activities. Look at the activities and amenities offered. Is there a good mix of physical, social, and spiritual offerings, including outdoor activities and day trips, keeping your loved one engaged, and mentally and physically active? Schedule your tour to coincide with community activities. Ask ahead of time if you or your loved one can watch or even participate. Note whether activities are well attended and observe staff and resident interactions.
5. Ask about the menu. The dining experience is important, both from a nutritional and social standpoint. Discuss menu choices, meal hours and what happens if a resident is unable to make it to the dining room. While currently not possible, due to the COVID-19 pandemic safety measures, it’s always a good idea to ask if you and your loved one can enjoy a meal during the tour, so you can taste the food, meet residents and ask their opinions about the assisted living community, and further observe staff-resident interactions.
6. Safety & Security. Find out how residents can contact staff if they have an emergency in their living area. What on-site personnel is onsite at night? Is a registered nurse on site? How are resident medication and other medical needs met? What safety features are available in living quarters and throughout the community? Look for accessible bathrooms with sufficient handrails, non-slip flooring and wheelchair accessibility. Ask what measures are in place to prevent those with dementia from inadvertently leaving the community.
Selecting the right assisted living community for your loved one is crucial for both of you, so take advantage of the tour to ask plenty of questions until you are satisfied the facility fulfills your criteria. Use a standard set of questions to compare all communities you tour to help you make an objective choice. If you’re interested in touring The Medallion Assisted Living Residence, our staff will be happy to show you around and answer all your questions. Call 713-778-5702 to arrange a tour date.