Questions to Ask Before Deciding on a Senior Living Community
There are over 30,000 assisted living communities in the US, so how do you find the right one for your loved one?
It's about asking the right questions. Different communities offer different benefits to their residents. Some have specific programs, like memory care, while others are more generalized communities for the elderly.
You always want the best for your aging loved ones, but it can sometimes be overwhelming to help them choose the right senior living community. In today's post, we'll tell you what questions you should ask when you're surveying the options.
Seeing someone you love get older is never easy. Keep reading and we'll help you find the perfect senior living community that makes the transition to assisted living so much easier.
How Much Does the Communtiy Cost?
It's always good to get down to brass tax right away. Every community in the country has different pricing structures, so it's important to get prices from a few different options. Armed with this information, you can determine which communities fit your budget.
Finding something affordable is important, but it's also important to understand that cost and value are two different things. You want to find a community that your loved one is going to thrive in, not simply the cheapest option. With assisted living, you get what you pay for.
When you get a particular quote, make sure you know what it includes. Some communities charge extra for bigger rooms or access to different programs. Get a clear picture of what you're getting for your money before making any decisions.
How Do You Ease the Transition?
Entering assisted living is a major transition for elderly parents or grandparents. It can be intimidating, so you want to find a place that truly embraces the term, "community".
Find out how the community will ease the transition for your loved one. You don't want them to have to fend for themselves as soon as you drop them off.
There should be someone there to implement them into the community, show them how things work, and introduce them to staff and other residents. Communities that treat your aging loved ones like their own family make this transition easier for everyone.
What Are the Rooms Like?
Great assisted living communities emphasize the community aspect of elderly care. That being said, your loved one needs to have their own space to call home as well.
It's important to get a detailed description of the senior living arrangements and their amenities before choosing a community. If you're not able to attend an in-person tour, make sure to get plenty of photos of the room they'll be inhabiting.
Think about more practical questions as well. Does your loved one need a walk-in shower or a grab bar? Will there be a full-size kitchen or a balcony for them to enjoy some outdoor time?
The more information you can glean about the living space, the easier the decision will be.
Is Food Included?
Nutrition is a very important aspect of elderly care. Getting a balanced diet can help protect them against things like heart disease, type-2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and even some forms of cancer.
Your loved one may want to cook for themselves, but they should also have the option of eating delicious and nutritious meals that are cooked for them. A good assisted living facility will have an in-house chef who creates a rotating menu full of foods tailored to your loved one's dietary needs.
At Woodbury Mews, for example, we've got the Gourmet Bites Cuisine. Our chef creates protein-packed, balanced meals in bite-sized portions that are perfect for all residents.
How Many Staff Members Are There?
You should try to get a sense of how the community is staffed. When your loved one enters an assisted living community, they must have all the help they need to enjoy a fruitful lifestyle. If the facility is understaffed, you can't be sure that it can accommodate its residents properly.
You'll also need to find out what type of training the staff members have. You want to find a community with staff that can foster a sense of community every day, but who can respond to emergencies whenever necessary.
Find out how often nurses and physicians are around to deal with appointments. Your loved one's health is the number one priority, so you need a community that takes it seriously.
How Do You Keep Residents Safe?
Safety is a major concern for anyone putting their aging loved ones into senior care. Find out what kind of security measures are in place to prevent those with memory issues from getting lost. Look into the accessibility of the actual facility to determine how easy it'll be for your loved one to move around.
Ideally, the facility should accommodate all residents, regardless of what physical or mental ailments they may have. A good community will provide different programs to promote health and wellness among residents.
What Social Programs Are Provided?
As much as a community needs to foster a sense of health and safety, it should promote social activity among residents. Find out what kind of social programs the community has in place to bolster your loved one's social life.
Some communities have games nights, while others have organized outings every few weeks to get people out of the facility. Check the community's website to see what's on the activity calendar, but don't be afraid to ask how they make sure your loved one is spending time with their peers.
Find the Perfect Senior Living Community for Your Loved One in Woodbury
If you ask these questions, there's no doubt that you'll find a great senior living community for your loved one. You must do your due diligence before putting someone you care about through this kind of transition. If you find the right community, they can live their best life.
For those in Woodbury, NJ, the best possible place for your elderly loved ones is Woodbury Mews. We offer independent living for all residents, as well as fine dining, memory care, and a variety of amenities and programs. To learn more about how we'll care for your loved one, contact us today to set up a meeting.