Whether you’re looking for an assisted living facility for yourself or your loved one, it is important to pick the best facility to meet the needs of the individual who will call this new place home. It can feel overwhelming trying to compare pamphlets and brochures from various providers, so consider these concepts when looking for a safe assisted living facility.
Know What “Assisted Living” Really Means
Before you try to find the best facility for senior assisted living in Jackson, NJ, it’s important to understand the name. Assisted living facilities offer a range of “more personal care services than you can get at home or in an independent living community.” Assisted living should be viewed as an in-between option. You or your senior loved one might not be able to safely live alone, but around-the-clock care and attention aren’t required either.
The average assisted living facility offers 24-hour support onsite and access to care, day or night. However, this is offered in a community setting that still encourages privacy and independence.
What’s Typical at an Assisted Living Facility?
Each state in the US has different licensing requirements for assisted living facilities, which means the range of services can vary from state to state. On the whole, you can expect some of the following services:
- 3 meals served each day
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation
- Round-the-clock security
- Access to health and medical services
- Emergency call services in a resident’s living space
- Exercise and wellness programs
What to Watch for During a Tour
You wouldn’t buy a new home without schedule a tour and assessing the situation in person, so why line up an assisted living facility without taking a tour? As you tour the assisted living facilities you’re considering, the following are some tips that will help you pick the best situation:
- Level of cleanliness: As you tour the facility, observe the overall level of cleanliness in the community, and this includes the nooks and crannies. Ask about the type of maintenance provided and response times to ensure you or your loved one isn’t left living in a filthy environment.
- Time your visit with a daily activity: If you want to see more about the community than just the room and the grounds, visit when there is a daily exercise course taking place or a social gathering. This allows you to see how good those activities are, and engage other residents to get their opinion on the offerings.
- Observe the staff: While you’re there, don’t forget to pay attention to the staff. Engage them to determine their friendliness, and see how attentive they are to the needs of residents.
- Eat a meal: You or your loved one will depend on this facility for three meals each day, so eat one of those meals while you’re there to determine the quality of that meal.
- Get Feedback: Don’t be afraid to ask current residents and their family members about the facility. Leaders will tell you all the right things, but those who are already living there will give you the true story.
Most important of all, don’t forget to ask questions. Never be afraid to ask about security and safety in the community, as well as inquiring about personal and medical care for residents. The clearer the picture, the more accurate your decision will be.