It’s difficult to decide on an assisted living facility for your loved one, especially when you are not exactly sure about the factors that should be considered. The situation becomes even more challenging when you don’t have an option to visit the places in person before making your final decision. But there are some things you can do beforehand to make this process easier. Here are factors to consider.
Level of Training of the Staff Members
The staff members should be well-trained in various aspects, such as
- Caring for dementia patients.
- Handling elderly with mobility impairments.
- Feeding those who can’t feed themselves and more.
This will also help them find a job easily after work, as they will be qualified for many positions that require training and experience.
Staff to the Residential Ratio
The staff-to-resident ratio is crucial in determining the quality of service one can receive when living in an assisted living facility. If there are not enough staff members, the residents will not get the care they need.
Freedom and Comfort
Assisted living facilities provide residents with a range of activities, meaningful daily routines, and opportunities to interact with the community and socialize. Many facilities offer socialization and interaction opportunities, such as volunteering.
Customized Care Plan
A customized care plan is a perfect solution for people who need extra help and care in their daily life. The plan should be designed by considering individual needs and requirements, such as dietary preferences, mobility aids, medication requirements, and physical disabilities. While this may seem like a tremendous task, many facilities have resources to help with this process. Residents can work with the social worker or case manager to get started.
Availability of Social and Entertaining Facilities
It will be beneficial for residents to have access to different social activities to stay engaged with others. They should also have easy access to recreational activities, so they can enjoy themselves while taking care of their health. Without these types of activities, many people may fall into a state of depression.
Conclusion
Assisted living facilities are an option for seniors who need some help with everyday living. It is often the most affordable way to live in retirement. The key questions to ask are what your needs are now and what you might need in the future. Knowing the answers to these questions will help make your decision about St. Augustine assisted living less stressful and easier.
