If you’re considering an assisted living facility for yourself or your aging loved one, there are a lot of factors to consider. This can make the decision process overwhelming.
However, with some research and a few critical questions, you can find the perfect place for your loved one.
Rooms
There are a few different types of rooms available at assisted living facilities like St. Augustine assisted living. These range from single-room studio suites to two-bedroom apartments with a kitchen and a balcony or patio.
Most of these rooms come with amenities to help residents feel at home. They may feature things like TVs, telephones and walk-in closets.
The most impressive rooms are usually found in larger assisted living communities with multiple floors and apartments. They offer several other perks, such as swimming pools and onsite medical services.
Choosing an assisted living facility is an important decision that should be made carefully considering your loved one’s needs and preferences. Ask family members, friends and professionals such as doctors or nurses for recommendations. This should give you an idea of the best place for you or your loved one to call home. It will be less stressful if you do your research ahead of time. The most important thing is to ensure your loved one is happy in their new surroundings.
Meals
Assisted living facilities serve meals to help their residents maintain good health. The menus should be designed to provide the proper ratio of protein, carbohydrates, dairy products, vegetables and fruits.
Meals should also include the proper amount of fiber and nutrients. They should be prepared at the appropriate temperature and sanitized to avoid the growth of bacteria.
Seniors have different dietary needs and preferences, so they deserve meals that meet those requirements. Assisted living dining services should follow federal guidelines and standards to ensure that all meals are healthy and nutritious.
Some assisted living homes also offer meal packages, allowing residents to choose meals for a specific period at a fixed price. This will enable them to eat a meal whenever they want and can also be helpful for seniors who have guests on certain days or for those who are more giant eaters than others.
Activities
Assisted living facilities offer a wide range of physical and mental activities. These activities may be held onsite or in the surrounding community.
Depending on the facility, they may offer day trips to cultural or fun places. This can be a great way to get out of the facility and spend some time with your loved one.
Many assisted living facilities have cultural, exercise, culinary, and craft clubs that meet regularly. These groups meet outside the regular daily activities and are a great way to meet new friends.
Many senior communities have indoor concerts where a musician or musical group plays various lively songs at multiple locations. This is a beautiful activity for residents who may need help getting out and about or if the weather isn’t suitable for spending time outdoors.
Staff
When looking for an assisted living facility, asking questions about the staff is essential. You want to know if they are friendly, helpful, and clean.
You also need to find out what kind of care they provide. A typical assisted living community will offer personal care, meals, housekeeping, transportation and social programs.
They will create a written care plan for each resident and reassess that plan as needed. This helps them meet individual needs and makes the residents feel at home.
Size is another significant factor, especially if you’re looking for a small group home with a lower staff-to-resident ratio than extensive facilities. These smaller homes are generally located in residential neighborhoods and allow for more personalized care.