A person who is aging may experience partial loss of independence due to mental or physical problems. When this occurs, family members may want to consider checking out Assisted Living Centers. These senior living facilities allow elderly people to maintain some independence while offering care in a controlled setting. Use the following guidelines to research these places.
Start researching Assisted Living Centers by talking to people who live in these centers. Ask them about the quality of care they receive. A person can also talk to family members of these people. Ask them how they chose the respective centers for their family members to reside in. Ask probing questions without getting too personal about the person’s medical condition or situation. Choose two facilities to visit.
Visit an assisted living center a few times before forming a preliminary opinion of it. Take a formal tour of the facility. This is usually lead by a member of the management team. Before going on a tour, read about the facility and the amenities it offers. A facility will usually have literature available for interested parties to read. As a person walks through a facility, the overall condition and atmosphere of the place should be taken into consideration.
Look at the residents of the facility. When possible, talk to a few in private. Ask them about their experiences with the facility and if they are happy residing there. Avoid doing this during medication times. Plan to eat a meal at the facility. This will give a person a chance to taste the food and interact with many residents. It’s advisable to return to the facility when a person is not expected. Does the staff help the residents? Are there planned activities? These factors should also be considered before choosing a facility for a loved one to life in.
Getting older sometimes means needing more help. This help can be given while a person still takes care of many daily activities.
