by J. M.

Created on: April 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 29, 2008

INFORMATION ON SENIORS ASSISTED LIVING

Whether it is you, or a family member who needs assisted living, the search for a suitable facility is often quite challenging.

Don't be afraid to ask questions from the staff of any facility you consider. If they don't have time to answer your questions - it might mean that this assisted living facility does not meet your needs. If they don't have the time to talk, they probably don't have the time to provide appropriate care.

When you walk into a facility for the first time, what does it feel like? Do the people who live there appear to be happy? How does it smell? Is it clean? Can you see staff available? These are just a couple of things to take into consideration when you are looking for assisted living homes and/or assisted living facilities.

Some other things to consider are listed below.

STAFF NUMBERS

How many staff are available to assist? Pay particular attention to how many staff are on at night. Make sure that the level of care you require is consistent with the level of staff available to provide that care. Also consider whether the staff are qualified? What training do they need? How long have the staff been with the facility? How long has the manager worked for the facility? These questions will assist you to gain an impression on whether the facility's staff are happy with the care they are able to provide.

LOCATION

Is the facility located near family or friends who will visit? Is public transport available? Is the facility near to shops and other facilities that you will need to access?

PATHWAYS TO CARE

What level of care is provided at the facility? Can the facility provide additional care should the need arise? What happens in the event that a person's care needs change? It is difficult to transition into assisted living, so ideally look for somewhere that can increase the level of care, should the care needs increase. Some assisted living homes are co-located on site with higher level residential care, for an easier transition, should the need arise.

FOOD

Check what sorts of foods are offered. Ask to see a menu for the month. Are the meals suitable? Are the foods nutritional? Some facilities do not offer a cooked evening meal. Look to see if the facility offers choices and if it provides for special diets or for diverse cultural needs. Ask how resident choices are included into menu planning.

SOCIAL ACTIVITY

Ask whether the facility has a social activity program. Many offer bus trips, outings, walks, games, bingo or craft days.

COSTS

When you visit a facility, ask the staff for a break down of what is provided and what is not. Sometimes additional costs are incurred by families, such as laundry, medical services, transportation costs and activity costs. Make sure you are aware of the total cost of care and whether this suits your budget.

When you are visiting facilities also know that the way a facility looks, does not always reflect the level of care provided. Beautiful new buildings do not mean that a person is cared for well. Old buildings do not always indicate poor care. Look further than the actual building and ask lots of questions before deciding on assisted living housing.

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