Choosing the proper assisted living facility for an elderly loved one can be a challenging process. As a beloved family member, you want them to receive the best possible care and meet their needs promptly and compassionately. But where do you start when this is your first time searching for care? After all, they don’t teach caring for an elderly loved one in school. If you’re like most Americans, you probably feel a bit overwhelmed and unprepared.
To make your search easier, we have outlined critical points for picking an assisted living community. Included are factors to consider, such as the level of care, amenities, location, cost, etc. If you are looking for assisted living or memory care in the greater New Orleans area, don’t hesitate to contact Peristyle Residences today.
Caregiver to Resident Ratio
The caregiver-to-resident ratio is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting the right assisted living facility. This ratio refers to the number of caregivers on staff versus the number of residents they are responsible for. More caregivers on staff means a better chance of receiving personalized care and attention, ensuring better quality of life and greater peace of mind for the residents and their families.
An adequate caregiver-to-resident ratio allows staff members to devote sufficient time and attention to each resident, ensuring their needs and preferences are met, whether it’s assistance with daily activities, medication management, or emotional support. A higher caregiver-to-resident ratio also promotes a safer environment within the facility and reduces caregiver burnout. Lastly, having sufficient caregivers increases the response to emergencies and health concerns and prevents accidents or injuries.
Online Reviews
With the increase in online reviews, finding the right assisted living facility can be made easier by reading through the experiences of other residents and their family members. The days of relying on brochures and recommendations are gone. Today, online reviews provide valuable insight into choosing the most suitable facility for you or your loved one. Online reviews can highlight specific important aspects and answer any questions, including availability, recreational activities, food quality, hidden fees, or levels of medical care provided. Consider the reviews’ credibility and recency when searching for the perfect facility. We recommend looking at reviews from Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau.
Location
Location is essential when choosing the right assisted living facility, as it can significantly impact the quality of life. Always ensure that the facility you choose is within range of a hospital in case of unexpected emergencies. Additionally, deciding the proper location goes beyond finding a beautiful destination with fancy amenities. Proximity to loved ones and family is often a top priority.
Having family conveniently nearby is irreplaceable, as it provides a robust and much-needed support system. However, not all family members can be in the same city or nearby. In such instances, it’s essential to do everything possible to support an elderly loved one from a distance. Here is a wonderful article with tips on caring for an elderly loved one from another state.
Activities
When finding the perfect assisted living facility for your loved one, keeping them active is a significant part of their health and well-being. Every resident’s hobbies and interests range in various daily activities. The more activities offered, the more active your loved one can engage. Common examples of daily activities range from gardening, dance, swimming, art, music, cooking, and aerobics. Some residents enjoy reading and cinema. Some communities have libraries and movie theatres. Residents who enjoy playing mahjong and card games become socially interactive with other residents, leading to friendship and companionship. Whatever daily activities may interest your loved one, they must stay active and healthy.
Hidden Fees
Assisted living costs vary from state to state and community to community. Many facilities charge a basic fee that includes rent, meals, housekeeping, access to activities, and amenities. Some facilities are all-inclusive but may contain hidden fees. Additional costs can include dressing, bathing, bathroom care, and laundry, depending on the condition and attention your loved one requires. Some residents require medication management, pharmacy or doctor access, blood pressure monitoring, and insulin injections. Be sure to ask about all fees before signing a contract. Also, ask about the conditions for breaking an agreement in the event your elderly loved one is not happy and wants to relocate.
Other Factors To Consider
The following are the top factors to consider when choosing an assisted living community. However, picking the right community for your elderly loved one can be challenging, and more goes into the decision than the above information. Here are several other things to ask while making your decision.
- What are the dining options? Are there homecooked meals, a daily menu, snacks, etc.?
- Does the community provide memory care? If so, what training do caregivers have with Alzheimer’s and dementia?
- Does the community stay on top of maintenance?
- Do you allow outside service providers and medical staff?
- Do you provide transportation to doctors and medical appointments?
- Do you allow pets?
- Do you provide private and semi-private rooms?
- How do you handle violent residents?
Conclusion
Assisted living plays a vital role in the continuum of senior care. In these controlled environments, seniors can enjoy the benefits of personalized care and assistance with daily activities such as medication management, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. Additionally, trained staff members are available around the clock to ensure residents’ safety and provide any necessary support. The problem is that not all communities are created equally, with the same quality of care and intentions. Make sure you do your homework and ask the right questions before moving your elderly loved one into a community.
If you are looking for assisted living and memory care in Greater New Orleans, don’t hesitate to contact Peristyle Residences. Our small, intimate group homes ensure your elderly loves receive the care and support they deserve. Please contact us to schedule a free tour of one of our centralized homes. We also offer respite care for seniors requiring short-term stays.
We are looking forward to meeting you and your family.
