What to Look for When Selecting
Assisted Living By Linda Russell
I get asked this question all the time. Perhaps you have noticed a change in a loved one who may be living alone–not taking medications correctly, falling behind on bill payments, hygiene is not what it used to be, refrigerator full of old food or there is no food to speak of in the home. Have there been recent falls or too many trips to the emergency room lately? Episodes of urinary tract infections or dehydration? It may be time to consider assisted living. Here are my top suggestions to help you make the right decision regarding which assisted living to choose. There are so many choices out there.
1
Drop by for an unannounced visit. That's right, do not call and schedule, but drop by unannounced. Anyone can stage a tour. What you want to find out is what really goes on during the day, evening or weekend when no one is expecting a visitor. When you arrive, pay attention to what you see, smell, and hear. Do you get that warm, pleasant feeling?
2
Taste the food. At some point during your decision making process you should definitely eat lunch or dinner at the community. Most communities will offer a free lunch as part of the inquiry process.
3
Do the other employees introduce themselves to you? (I mean other than the director and marketing coordinator.) The caregivers, housekeepers, cooks, and other
staff should make a point to come up to speak with you, greeting you with a smile. After all, they will be the employees providing the direct care to you or your loved one. They should be courteous and helpful.
4
Ask to see the most recent state surveys for the community. It is very important to know if the community is abiding by state regulations and providing great care. You should see an "A" grade for the kitchen; the fewer deficiencies the better. Ask to see the sanitation score and facility star rating. Ask if there is a medical director or nurse available for the community.
5
Watch for happy residents, family members and employees during your tour. Are there resident activities going on as planned? Is the residence a lively place? Smiles say a great deal. Make a point to ask residents or family members how they like living there. Ask for a copy of the current newsletter and activities calendar.
6
Ask about the tenure of the employees. Look for at least two to five years of service for most staff. This usually means great management, organization and a lot of teamwork and support.
7
Price is important, but it’s not the most important thing. Quality is what you are looking for. Paying a little more may be well
worth it. Don’t settle. Make sure it’s the right fit.
8
Cleanliness–This should really be number one on my list. If the facility has a bad, unclean smell, why would you want to move in? How clean is the carpet? Tour a few model apartments. There is no substitute for a nice, clean facility.
9
If you or your loved one served in the military, inquire about veterans’ benefits. The V.A. may be able to help financially each month to offset the personal costs, even for spouses of veterans who served, if you qualify for benefits. Each community should have a qualified person to discuss this and tell you where to learn about qualifications and benefits. These are just a few suggestions, but they are extremely important ones. Your decision to move into an assisted living community is one of the most important decisions you will ever make. Seeing is believing, so go visit and check things out. Make sure you get all your questions answered. Linda Russell is the executive director of The Gardens of Statesville, located at 2147 Dave Ave. For more information call 704-878-0123 IREDELL LIVING • JUNE 2014
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