Last updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
Most people never want to consider that one day they may need to move an elderly parent or other relative into an assisted living facility.
Indeed, many complexes providing care for the elderly have been highlighted in the media in the past for negative aspects such as neglect. Therefore, people seeking this type of assistance for seniors are relatively strict in finding suitable placements.
All in all, this is a good thing. However, if you are looking to place an elderly loved one in an assisted care facility, what exactly should you be looking for? This article is intended to assist you with this difficult task.
cleanliness
First, the first thing to note is the cleanliness of the facility.
The best assisted living facilities in Fort Lauderdale have regular housekeeping staff who manage the cleaning of not only common or visitor areas, but also residents’ rooms. So when you visit an assisted living complex and there’s a smell of bleach or other cleaners next to the air freshener, that’s a good thing. However, you should avoid entering any assisted living complex that has a bad smell.
approachable staff
Staff working in an assisted living complex will have a tough job, as caring for elderly residents with a variety of needs can be difficult even for the strongest caregivers. However, you need to ensure that those responsible for caring for your elderly relatives are approachable and friendly.
Activity
Most assisted living facilities provide daily activities for the people in their care. Please keep an eye on the schedule on the board when visiting these facilities. If you can’t see anything, be sure to ask the nurses and other staff. If possible, ask relatives of anyone currently living in the facility if they saw any activity going on when they visited the facility in the past. You don’t want your elderly relatives to be placed somewhere where they will get bored.
Facility quality
Are the facilities up to standard? That is, are there toilets and showers in every room, and are there other facilities, such as handrails and stair lifts in the home, to help people with mobility issues travel better?
If you are unsure about anything, always ask a staff member.
happiness
Well, finding happiness in a nursing home is not an easy task.
Sadly, many people with dementia do not experience profound happiness, but it’s worth listening to the environment at every assisted living complex you visit. Can you hear the chatter, laughter, music and happy sounds? Or can you hear the TV turning on in the common room? Remember, this is where your relatives will be living, and you want to make sure they are at least happy and cared for.
