Some thoughts on touring a senior care community

Below is an experpt from an upcoming book which focuses on all aspects of senior life, in this case discussing what to look for when touring an assisted living community or skilled nursing facility for the first time.

During your official “tour” of the property pay particular attention to the interaction of the staff members with residents.  Does the staff seem happy, satisfied, and genuine in their duties?  Is there considerable interpersonal interaction or do you witness workers going through the motions.  This point cannot be overstressed as apart from physical safety and security there is no stronger indicator of a successful assisted living experience.  A resident will interact with staff, including front line workers serving meals and performing personal care duties, and management as well as other residents throughout each and every day.  Happy satisfied staff will likely result in a positive fulfilling experience for seniors living in their new “home”.  As you walk pay attention to the cleanliness of common area such as living rooms, hallways, and the facility grounds.  It the property landscaped and clean or is there wind strewn garbage in the parking lot?   Does the community smell fresh?  Is there activity in the community and seem like a vibrant atmosphere or does it resemble a library at midnight?  During your walk it is it is useful to take opportunities to introduce yourself to other residents or staff members and you will hopefully be surprised at people’s willingness to share experiences.   Attempt to visit the community during lunch or dinner so that you are able to sample a typical meal.  After your meal and/or walk you may be asked to discuss your impressions and create a next step.  This is of course a great time to ask any last minute questions you may have.

Respite Stay

As families travel home over the holidays many are faced with the realization that their loved one has undergone substantial changes over the past year. Mom or dad, grandpa or grandma have become a bit slower and more confused.  Perhaps they not eating regular healthy meals, or have become less mobile spending 24 hours a day in their favorite recliner.  The prospect in which seniors are no longer able to live alone is frightening for both the senior as well as their family.  Immediately uprooting the senior from their home of many years and even decades in favor of placement into an assisted living environment is a dramatic change to say the least.  Regardless of the appropriateness of the decision, often a shorter term solution can be less stressful and ultimately the best decision.

Most assisted living communities will offer short term stays called Respite.   Seniors can move into a fully furnished apartment and experience assisted living from a few weeks stay to a few months without making a longer term commitment.  A “trial run” of one month is a great way to experience assisted living without selling one’s home and furniture. Seniors get to know the other residents, staff, and get the feel of the place, including the food and day to day life. Knowing that there is not a long term commitment the senior may be more likely to give it a try. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see if it is a good fit, and the respite stay often becomes a long term solution, benefiting the senior, as well as the family.

Senior care consultants at Next Chapter can assist you in finding facilities for a respite stay or any other appropriate care option which fits your needs.

Why use a senior care and housing referral service?

Senior referral agencies assist seniors in making the best possible choice when the need for assisted living, nursing home, or independent retirement living becomes a necessity.  However, as with all important decisions, choosing the right referral agency can make a world of difference.  Here are some things to look for…

The referral agent you choose should:

o   be very experienced in all types of senior care and housing

o   provide one-on-one personal service throughout your decision making process

o   be a locally based company providing specific, first-hand information about the local market and individual communities

o   understand how to find a facility which meets your individual needs

o   educate you about the costs of living in a community and negotiate the best possible move-in deal  

o   not charge you any type of fee, it should be free of charge as the community you ultimately choose pays the agent a fee

The referral agent you choose should NOT:

o   pressure you into choosing one facility over another

o   hurry you in the decision making process

o   simply gather your information and forward it via mass email or fax to communities who then contact you directly (the agent provides very little service)

o   be nationally or regionally based and not familiar with the local market and individual facilities

Learning about the choices in senior care and housing can be a complicated, overwhelming process.  Choosing the best senior referral agency can help in your decision by saving you time, money and most of all, piece of mind.