As your elderly parent continues to age, they may not want or be able to clean their own home, mow the lawn or shovel snow. They may need some help remembering medications or lose them periodically. At this point, you may want to consider senior housing that may be appropriate for them, but aren't sure what you should be looking for when selecting one of the many assisted living communities out there. Use the following questions as a guide to help you select the perfect new home for our elderly parent.
What Level of Care is Provided?
You might have already seen your parent's health decline a little as they've gotten older. While they may still be able to do many things for themselves, it is possible that their health could slip even more as time passes.
That's why it's important for you to look for facilities that offer care at every level. Ask about wheelchair accessibility, for example. Ask about how showers or baths are conducted, even if your parent has no problem showering right now. That way, should they need advanced care in years to come, you can choose a facility that will still be able to accommodate them.
What Kind of Outings Do You Offer?
You might expect every assisted living facility to offer activities on-site, and many of them offer enjoyable events as well. However, it's a good idea to find out what kind of outings your parent might be able to go on. For example, do they see local plays? Do they take trips to nearby beaches or parks? Being able to spend time out and about is a great idea for your parent, so that they won't feel confined to the facility.
What Kind of Menus Do You Have?
You may not think this is such a big deal, and you may have plans to take your parent out to eat often, but the kind of food offered at assisted living facilities can greatly affect how your parent feels in their new environment. If your parent is a vegetarian or eats gluten-free foods, it is vital that you ensure that your parent will be able to enjoy the food that is offered. You might even want to sit in on a typical dinner at the places you're considering.
After asking the questions above, you should have somewhat of a better idea of which facility may suit your elderly parent. Have discussions with different staff members at different facilities and talk with your family about which facility is best. For more information, contact a company like Stillwaters Colonial Residence.
Share19 April 2016
My mother had been living with my family for about four years before her health got so bad that I couldn't keep her in my home any longer. At that point, I really had no choice but to find a comfortable nursing home for her to move into. This wasn't an easy decision for me to make, but it was the only thing I could do to ensure she was getting the best care possible during her final days. I was pleased to find a wonderful nursing home that provided her with amenities that she could enjoy and a caring staff that would care for her. If you are second-thinking taking your loved one to a nursing home, stop and read my blog where you will find out how much good it can do for your loved one and yourself.
