There are an estimated 28,900 assisted living communities and almost one million licensed beds here in the United States. These communities are dedicated to providing care to our older adults. Parents give up so much to care for their children throughout their lifetime, so they deserve that same level of attention as they age. If your loved one requires extra help in their older years, you must ensure you choose the right board and care facility.
However, choosing an assisted living facility can feel overwhelming at times with so many options. It’s a big decision, and you want your loved one to receive the care they deserve.
Here’s what to consider when looking for a long-term care facility for someone dear to you.
What Do You Need in a Board and Care Facility?
There are various types of senior living options, such as facilities that offer skilled care and those that only provide custodial care.
Custodial care refers to any assistance with dressing or bathing and other activities of daily living (ADLs). Assisted living facilities have a residential setting.
A residential care community usually has 20 or fewer residents. Nursing staff and medical professionals typically aren’t on-site. Therefore, the seniors who live in these facilities don’t need full medical supervision.
In an assisted living facility, a trained team of professionals helps with the following:
- Medication reminders
- Eating
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Hygiene and grooming
In addition, residents live in an environment that provides regular meals, social activities, and certain amenities.
The first step to choosing the right board and care facility should be to consider what type of care your loved one needs.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
There are more than six million people in the United States with Alzheimer’s. Individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s or another dementia require special care. As such, you may need to look for a facility that can meet those needs.
For instance, in the middle stages of Alzheimer’s, it’s necessary to provide constant supervision to keep the resident safe. One reason why individuals with dementia can no longer stay at home is that they become unsafe while unsupervised in their current homes.
Here at Royal Gardens, we have special activities for residents to enjoy and the expertise necessary to provide exceptional care for anyone with memory challenges.
Activities for Residents
The best residential care community provides a wide array of activities for its residents. These should include social, creative, physical, and educational opportunities that encourage growth and promote well-being.
Physical activities help to increase strength and improve balance. Plus, exercise helps reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety by boosting feel-good chemicals in the brain. Some great exercises for older adults include chair yoga, resistance band workouts, dumbbell strength training, and pilates.
There should also be plenty of classes or opportunities to build new creative skills, such as painting, pottery, etc. Educational classes keep the mind sharp and also teach seniors important skills that can make their lives easier.
Brain games and other mentally stimulating activities are especially important as we age. It’s a great way to “exercise” the mind. Chess, jigsaw puzzles, card games, and board games all help to stimulate the brain.
Overall, senior living facilities should offer plenty to do to keep residents happy and healthy.
Respect for the Residents
One of your top concerns should be finding a facility that provides excellent care and shows a great deal of respect to its residents.
Caregivers should give each individual the respect they deserve, regardless of any physical or mental conditions. So, you want to look for a friendly and patient staff that prides itself on providing support.
Another important aspect to consider is whether the staff respects a resident’s privacy. For instance, do they knock on the door before entering the room?
Transparency is crucial as well. Residents have a right to clear communication. If they have any questions, the staff should be able to answer them.
Families should also be kept in the loop.
The Option to Have Visitors
An elderly home facility should encourage visitation from friends and family members. Usually, there are certain rules for guests, such as following a noise policy or a visitor limit.
Not only should the community encourage visits, but there should be plenty of spots for residents and guests to spend time together.
One of the best ways to learn about a senior living community is to visit it.
Visit the Facility and Take a Tour
Schedule a tour of the facility. Bring a checklist or take notes on what you see and what you like about the location and services.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Do residents look healthy and happy?
- Is there handicap access?
- Do the staff treat residents with respect?
- Is the facility clean?
- Are there plenty of amenities?
- Is there specialized care?
It’s a good idea to visit more than once, at different times if possible. Doing so will give you a good idea of whether the facility seems to provide consistent care. You can also meet different staff members and view different activities.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. In fact, the more questions you ask, the easier it is to determine if you’ve found a good place for your loved one to live.
A Place to Call Home
Finding the right board and care facility for a loved one can feel like a challenge, but these tips should help. If you do your research, visit the facility, and feel happy with the services provided, you’ve found them a good place to call home.
Royal Garden Board and Care Homes provide residents with comfortable and luxurious living spaces. Contact us to learn more and schedule a tour to see some of our homes for yourself!