If your aging parent needs some help with activities of daily living but doesn’t need round-the-clock skilled nursing, you should consider looking into assisted living facilities near me. You are probably wondering – why an assisted living facility and not a nursing home? Well, the transition from total independence to a completely new environment with partial independence can be daunting. So, the option that you pick should offer some level of independence that’s close to the one your loved one is used to. A nursing home isn’t it.
Assisted living facilities, on the other hand, are built on the idea of maximizing residents’ independence, socialization and well-being while still providing a home-like environment. With the huge number of assisted living facilities available throughout the U.S., the sheer amount of options can be overwhelming. Nevertheless, making the ideal choice can be made easier if you start the search prepared. You should think of the search process in these 3 steps:
1. Think About Your Loved One’s Immediate & Long-Term Needs
Firstly, you should consider the assistance features your loved one needs now, as well as those he/she might need in the future. This is particularly if he/she suffers from a progressive condition, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Thinking about your loved one’s immediate and long-term needs at this point will help you narrow down your search to those assisted living facilities that provide the kind of care your loved one needs.
Secondly, you should think about the features and amenities your loved one will need have access to. For instance; he/she may desire a patio for entertaining, a kitchenette for preparing special meals, or a spare bedroom for his/her visiting guests. There are also some assisted living facilities that come with extra amenities, including art studios, movie theaters, swimming pools, and on-site bars, salons, and cafes. You should also consider whether your loved one would like to move in with his/her favorite pet or furniture.
Thirdly, you need to consider your loved one’s preferred location. Seniors prefer a location that is near their children and grandchildren. If your loved one has an ailment, he/she may prefer a facility that is near his/her a healthcare provider or a major hospital. There are also those who may prefer a facility that is close to shopping and entertainment spots. Therefore, it is important to think about your loved one’s needs and desires for a long-term residence.
2. Find Facilities That Match Your Loved One’s Needs
With your loved one’s needs in mind, you can now go ahead and narrow down your search to those facilities that match those needs. While most facilities offer the usual housekeeping, dining services, medical management support, and exercises & wellness programs there are others that offer tailored services based on specific health needs.
If your loved one will need personalized care, it’s important that you choose a small assisted living facility. Facilities that accommodate a few residents at a time tend to provide more personalized care. It’s also best to check the staff’s availability so you can know of their ability to handle emergencies. Facilities that have their staff available 24/7 can provide round-the-clock care to residents.
3. Schedule a Guided Tour of the Facility
After finding an assisted living facility near me that meets your loved one’s needs, you should visit the facility with them for a guided tour. The first thing you should do is to assess the physical appearance and layout. The important aspects to consider regarding the physical structure and interior include:
• Cleanliness: Look out for dirt, stains, and odors.
• Décor: Ensure that the interior is tastefully decorated.
• Security Features: Look for safety locks on windows and doors, CCTV cameras, etc.
• Safety Features: Look for smoke detectors, overhead sprinklers, call buttons, emergency exit guides, grab bars, etc.
• Common Areas: Find out how easy it is to access the dining area, the entertainment lounge, etc.
The next thing to assess is the general mood of both the staff and the residents. Note whether the staff is friendly, compassionate and attentive. Also check whether the residents are well groomed, happy and lively. You can also ask the residents how they feel about the assisted living facility.
Lastly, you need to assess the contract that outlines all the facility’s rules and regulations, as well as all the applicable fees. Also, be sure to find out if the facility is eligible for Medicare, long-term care insurance, or any other payment program.
Assisted Living Facilities Near Me
If you are living in Florida, there are four Heidi’s Haven Residential Assisted Living Facilities near you. We have two facilities in Leesburg, one in Lady Lake and another in Fruitland Park, Florida. We are privileged to serve The Villages in addition to surrounding Marion & Lake Counties.
