Senior Living Community

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I choose the right Assisted Living Community?

Finding the right Assisted Living Community for yourself or a loved one is a lengthy process. Whether you start looking online or visit several communities, trying to narrow down your search can become difficult and tiresome. The best thing to do is to start the process before there is an urgency or medical reason to move. This way you have a plan and several options. Also, keep in mind that the needs of the intended occupant should come first in selecting the right community.

Determining the differences between assisted-living communities depends on asking the right questions. Here is a list of things to look for that might make your search a little easier:

Security/Safety

The safety of yourself or your loved one is very important. Most of the time this is the reason why you are looking at assisted living communities, so pay close attention to the safety features that each community you visit offer. Can you or your loved one easily move about the apartment as well as the common areas? Are there safety railings in the hallways and grab bars in the bathrooms? Is the floor carpeted or are there areas where someone could slip and fall? Is the community wheelchair and walker accessible?

When looking at the model rooms, make sure to ask questions. Some things you see in these models may not be included in your apartment unless you pay for them or get them installed yourself. Also, is there a 24hour emergency call system and if so, how is it used? Is there a monitor on each person (necklace/bracelet), or call buttons throughout the community? Call systems are not required in assisted living communities, so it is a good idea to verify what options the specific community offers.

Additionally, check to see how the community is secured. Do they have specific visiting hours? Is there a sign in/sign out list? Do they lock the main doors at a certain time? Are there cameras that are placed throughout the community and actually monitored, or is there someone who patrols the grounds at night? Research the crime rate in the area or if there has ever been a situation at the community previously. If so, what did the community do to assure this will not happen again?

Health

When looking at different communities it is important to identify how they will affect your health. Will this place add to you or your loved one's well being? Take a look at what onsite health services are offered at the community. Do doctors such as podiatrists visit the community on a regular basis, or are the residents responsible for going to their own doctor? If residents must leave the community to see doctors, does the community help schedule and keep track of appointments? Provide transportation to those appointments? How does the community help with medication? Do they have medication reminders and nurses who administer the drugs?

In addition, find out about the food/dining service. Are meals provided at the community? If so, are they nutritionally balanced? Is there flexibility in the menu where the resident can make a special request? On your visit to the community make sure to try the food; most communities offer complimentary lunches with tours. Also, ask for a menu and see if it meets not only nutritional needs, but personal taste as well.

Another important thing to consider when looking at assisted living communities is how they will help you in the future. Even if you are in good health now, consider a community that will not only meet your current needs, but your future ones as well. Is there an on-staff nurse? Does the community have more than one level of care? Do they offer services such as bathing? Do they offer Alzheimer's Care? Moreover, pay close attention to the cleanliness of the community. Is there a stale or odd odor?

Staff

Find out who they have on staff, what time they are there, and what their roles and responsibilities are. This will help you see not only how the community is run, but what each staff member can do for you or your loved one. What is the ratio of employees to residents? A ratio of 10 to 1 may cost more, but the extra money may be worth it for more attention and care.

Additionally, find out how long each employee has been there. If a community has a high turnover rate this might be insight to management problems that you otherwise wouldn't see. Plus, the longer a staff member is working at a community, the more they are able to bond with the residents and develop a relationship.

On your visit, you should ask to meet the administrator. A lot of times you can have a better idea of how the community is run once you meet the person in charge. Normally whoever takes you on the tour knows the ins and outs of the community, but if an administrator is willing to meet with you, they know they will make time for you when you're a resident. This person's personality and involvement level are extremely important. Also, determine how the property handles maintenance issues. Do they have maintenance on staff? Moving from your home to an assisted living community doesn't always mean that you will no longer have problems with appliances. If something is wrong with the air-conditioner or disposal, is there someone on staff that can fix these problems for you? This may be a huge decision factor for you.

Activities

Most assisted living communities have an activities director and a wide variety of groups to join. On your visits, ask for the activities calendar and see if there are any activities planned that spark your interest. Pay attention to what kind of activities are offered and how many. If the activities calendar is jam-packed with items, yet none of them are of any quality, you may want to keep looking. Also, if there are activities that you are really interested in participating in, most likely the current residents are interested too, meaning you will be surrounding with people who enjoy the same things you do.

Location

Location is also something to take into consideration when choosing an assisted living community. Usually people look for a community that is near where they currently live or an area they are really familiar with; however, these places may not be best. Remember the other categories we discussed and find out what is most important to you. Sure it may be nice to be closer to the kids, but your kids would also be more willing to drive further if they know your health and safety are taken care of.

Some other important things to look for in a location are how close you are to hospitals and medical facilities. Even though this may not be a concern of yours now, it might be in the future. Also, what other attractions are nearby? Are you close to shopping centers? This might not be an issue if the community offers transportation, but if you need to hire a service or a taxi it may become expensive.

Atmosphere

What are your first impressions when walking into the community? Are you greeted? Is it attractive and homelike? Are current residents social? Do they look like they are enjoying themselves? Speak to some residents and find out. They will have the best opinions because they are experiencing the community first hand.

In addition, some communities welcome small pets. If this is important for you, start looking at communities that are pet friendly. If you are allergic to animals, or don't particularly care for them, but the community you like welcomes pets, find out what their rules are. Some may only allow pets in the private apartments or in certain areas.

Hopefully these tips will help you in the decision on choosing your future home. Consider all the pros and cons of each community and discuss with others. Even though you need to pick what is best for you, friends and family may think or see something you missed. When you have a few in mind, contact the Better Business Bureau and see if any complaints or legal actions have been made on these communities. It is also good to find out if these communities are licensed. Ask them for a copy of their latest inspection. If they are up to code, they should have no problem providing you with the information you need to make this decision.

When should I move my loved one to an Assisted Living Community?

The decision to move a loved one into an assisted living community is one the whole family should be a part of. If you think a loved one needs help, don't put off talking about it. You may face resistance at first, but your loved one will recognize this is the best for their health and safety. Understand that moving away from a place that has been home for decades and being unable to live independently is a very sensitive and hard reality.

The best way to go about this is to include your loved one in all the final decisions. This is their life and they should have a say in how they will live it. Listen to your loved one and know that their concerns and objections are reasonable. Acknowledge that the move and adjustments they will make are difficult, but also explain to them the advantages of moving.

Additionally, include your loved one on the visits to several different living communities. This will allow them to get a feel for what these communities are like and what they offer. Before you go on your visit, draft a list of things that are important (activities, food, location, etc.) and mark down which communities provide those items. Discuss what you liked and didn't like about each community and compare that with the others you visit. This will help your loved one decipher which community they will be happiest.

Once you have decided on the new home, get a floor plan of the room as well as a list of what the community will provide. By doing so, you will find that you can better prepare everyone for moving day. Sit down with your loved one and plan out where they want to put furniture and accessories. This will cause less confusion and stress during the actual move. (Refer to Previous Blog "Making the Move" for specific items to bring).

It is also a good idea to obtain the activities calendar and help your loved one pick some activities/groups they would be interested in being a part of. This will help them meet new people in their community as well as keep them active. Let them know that although they have their own personal and private space, they also have many common areas to explore as well.

Some families have found that setting up the loved one's room before they arrive has been more welcoming than including the new resident in the moving process. You will already have an idea of how to arrange the room from your previous discussion with the floor plan, so even though they will not be present on moving day, they will have a say in how their new home is to be arranged.

Remember to be patient: the less stressful everyone else is, the less stressful the loved one will be. Make sure to phone and visit often the first few weeks after the move to see how the new resident is adjusting. If they complain or talk about missing their old home, listen and be understanding. This is a huge change and can take a few months to get used to. If you have any concerns, talk to the staff for suggestions or help, they are experts in these situations.

Why should I move into an Assisted Living Community Instead of Hiring In Home Care?

The decision on whether or not to move a loved one into a senior living community or hire someone to go into the loved one's home is a struggle for many friends and family members. This blog will provide some insight as to what the benefits are to living in a community, rather than staying at home.

Senior Living Communities provide a social environment that you don't get when staying in your home. Many people become lonely when they become older, mostly because they are no longer working and because they have raised their children who are now busy with their own lives. These children visit from time to time and make sure that the needs of their mom or dad are met, but do not provide simple everyday interaction. This becomes especially difficult for a widow or widower who lives alone. In a senior living community, there are planned outings and activities that you can become involved in. There are also other people who you can develop new relationships with. Perhaps you can join one of their clubs, or even meet someone for coffee every morning. By living in a senior community, you have the opportunity to interact with more people as well as stay active.

Another benefit to a senior living community is the care that you receive. Care giving is a job full of responsibility. Most of the time, those who receive in home care are receiving it from their family members. These family members are usually not qualified in the medical field and find it hard to take care of their loved one. Not to mention, the burden it puts on a family both financially and emotionally. If one spouse is taking care of the other, this will eventually wear them down as well. A senior living community offers aid no matter what kind you need. They have a skilled and trained medical staff that has a passion for helping others. Quality care is difficult to find and at a senior living community background checks and credential verifications are made. These communities also offer around the clock assistance if needed, meaning there is always someone there just in case.

In addition, senior living communities offer accommodations that you don't get while living at home. Many people who choose to stay at home must make some home renovations. Some may not be wheelchair accessible or handicap compliant. Going through with the remodel can cost a lot of money. Also, remodeling a home may hurt you when you want to sell it in the future. Senior living communities are built specifically to accommodate those who use wheelchairs and walkers. They have larger showers and hallways to make maneuvering much easier.

Moreover, senior living communities provide many services that your family is otherwise left to do. Most important service is transportation. Dial-A-Ride can become tiresome because of the long waits and routes. At a senior living community, transportation is provided allowing you to make it to your doctor's appointment on time. Laundry services and housekeeping are also provided at a senior living community. This takes the strain off of family members who have to worry about hiring someone to come into their loved one's home. Communities provide the reassurance that nothing is going to be stolen and that your loved one isn't going to be taken advantage of. Senior living communities also provide meals. Many of those who stay at home find it hard to cook for one and start resorting to a less healthy diet. At a community they have a dietician on staff to assure you that you receive the proper nutrients you need to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. They also do the cooking and dishes for you!

How do I know when the right time is to move to an Assisted Living Community?

Trying to figure out when your parents need a little more help can be confusing and terrifying. No one wants to come to terms with the fact that their parents can no longer be fully independent. In this situation, children of aging parents need to trust their instincts when it comes to decision making. When you start seeing warning signs, take action. An older person's health can change without warning and as we age, we come to a point where we aren't getting around as well as we used to and may also begin to forget things. At first it might be something as simple as not putting the milk back into the refrigerator, but could also be as important as forgetting to take medication. Below are 10 points that may help those trying to decide whether or not they need to step in and give their parents a little extra help:

1. They are having trouble driving, either they have been in an accident or received tickets recently.
2. Forgetting important tasks such as taking medication
3. They display poor hygiene: clothes are dirty and they are not groomed
4. They have recently fallen or injured themselves.
5. They are no longer keeping up with household chores
6. They are eating poorly or not eating at all
7. They have become confused and/or depressed
8. They are not keeping track of their finances
9. They have stopped talking to friends and family/not participating in hobbies
10. They cannot control their bowels/bladder

If you are noticing any of the above, it is time to have a discussion with your loved one and perhaps make an appointment for further evaluation. This way, it doesn't seem as if you are the one taking their independence away. Instead, they will be hearing from either a physician, or other professional. Be sure to involve your parents as much as possible in any decisions that are made. The purpose of the assessment is to get a better understanding of their physical and mental health and what can be done to improve their quality of life.

When is the right time to speak with my love one about Assisted Living?

Many adult children will eventually face the issue of deciding when the right time is to talk to their parents about their health and future. The best answer I can come up with is now. Talk to your parent early; before their health and rational thinking start to weaken. By starting these conversations now, the easier the decisions will be when you are faced with the problems head on. If your family is able to talk about their wishes for the future, the transition will become much more trouble-free.

Because of the sensitivity of the subject, so many people put off having the conversation, which is one of the worst things you can do. Avoidance will never solve a problem. It will only make it more difficult when the time comes to step in and make a decision. If you wait, you will have a lot of convincing and arguing ahead of you.

It may not seem like an appropriate conversation, but you need to ask questions to find out what your parents want, so that you can honor their wishes. Find out what they want to do if their spouse passes away. Ask them if they would prefer moving to a community or having a caregiver. Each of your parents might have different opinions and by starting the conversation, this will help them start thinking about the "what ifs" and how they want you to help handle them. If there is a plan already in place, things will go more smoothly.

For an older adult to admit they need help or can no longer live independently is a very difficult and brave thing for them to do; however, for the majority, they will never admit this on their own. Not being able to live independently means that they need to rely on others to assist them in daily tasks they never had to worry about before. No one wants to give up their independence, so trying to convince someone you love that they need help takes a lot of effort. If you see that their health and safety are at risk, you need to start the discussions now (See Blog "The Right Time to Talk to Your Aging Parent"). Below are some tips that you should keep in mind when you are trying to convince your loved one that help will benefit everyone.

Remember that resistance is natural and since seniors want to stay independent as long as possible, understand that they are going to defy change. Even though you may become frustrated, know that change is difficult for everyone, no matter their age. Try to put yourself in their situation and think about how you would like to be treated when and if this happens to you. No one likes to admit that they need help from someone, especially when it comes to something they are so used to doing on their own.

Unless safety is an immediate factor, introduce changes slowly allowing your loved one time to adjust. At first they are going to see your help and effort to introduce changes to their lifestyle as offensive, so do not force them into anything. They will come around and see that the changes will benefit them and then start to accept them. We need to get them past the initial denial that they need help.

If the changes you introduce are not being accepted, give them a little more time and then try again. The best thing to do is not to get impatient. Showing that you are annoyed also shows that you do not understand. If frustrated, back away from the situation because interacting in this manner will do more harm to your well being as well as your loved ones. Perhaps offer a trial period; this way they still have the option of making their own decision and feel as though they have more control over their life. Most likely, they will come to realize during this trial that the help is actually needed and move forward with the changes.

Additionally, when having the discussions with your loved one, be sure to suggest that they need help and know when to stop pushing. Do not make it seem as though they need assistance as a result of their limitations, but as a way for them to enjoy other activities and not the burden of keeping house. If you force something upon them that they are not ready to accept, this will affect your relationship in a very negative way. During the process, be gentle and try your best to find ways to compliment them in what they have been doing. By boosting their sense of pride, it might help them better understand that the goal is to help them maintain as much control over their lives as possible, not take it away.