Around the country, more than 28,900 individuals are living in assisted living communities with nearly 1 million licensed beds, according to data from the American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL).
If you have a loved one that is considering assisted living as an option for their future, there are several things that you can consider to help ensure that you find the right place for your loved one’s needs and lifestyle.
Location
For many individuals considering assisted living, location will be essential. That’s because many patients are looking for a facility that will allow them to stay close to their friends and family.
Caregivers
One of the most important factors to your loved one’s happiness at an assisted living facility is ensuring they like and get along with the caregivers and staff at the facility. An in-person visit to any potential facilities you are considering can help determine if you feel like you or your loved one has the right chemistry and feels comfortable with the caregivers that will be in their life daily. During your visit, there are some essential visits that you can ask the staff to help you get a better feel for how it will be living there, including:
- How many caregivers are on duty overnight and during the day?
- What kind of experience and training does your staff have?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
- Do you have a registered nurse, licensed vocational nurse, or certified nursing assistant on staff 24/7?
- Are staff members available to assist with activities of daily living if needed, such as dressing, eating, hygiene, and grooming.
- Which organizations audit the facility?
Services
The services offered to patients vary from facility to facility. According to research from AHCA and NCAL, the typical services include:
- 24-hour supervision and assistance
- Exercise, health, and wellness programs
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Meals and dining services
- Medication management or assistance
- Personal care services
- Transportation
Food
You want to be sure the facility you are considering will offer the best to your loved one and this includes the meals they will be eating on a daily basis. When you are visiting the facility, be sure to get a bite to eat if you can. Some questions you will want to ask about food and meals, include:
- How many meals are provided per day?
- Does the menu change daily? Is the food prepared daily?
- Can meals be tailored to a resident’s specific dietary needs, restrictions, or special requests?
- Can meals be prepared for special occasions, such as birthdays and holidays?
Cost
How much does assisted living cost is one of the most important questions you will ask when considering an assisted living facility. According to Genworth Financial, the average cost of assisted living in 2020 was $4,300 per month. This cost will vary from state to state, and will also increase or decrease depending on the level of care your loved one needs and the amenities that your facility offers to patients.
Finding the best-assisted living facility for your loved one can be stressful., but important decision. Once you know, however, what to look for, you can make the best decision possible.