What to Look for When Choosing a Supported Living Complex
Last Updated on January 16, 2024 by Lori Pace
Most people never want to have to consider the day when they may need to put their elderly parent or other relatives into an assisted living facility.
Indeed, in the past, in the media, many complexes that offer care to the elderly have been highlighted for their negligence and other negative factors. Thus, making those who are seeking this kind of help for the elderly relatively stricter in their searches for suitable placements.
That is, all in all, a good thing. However, if you are looking to put an elderly loved one into an assisted nursing facility, what exactly should you be looking for? This article aims to help break down this difficult task for you.
Cleanliness
First things first, the number one thing to look for is the cleanliness of the facility.
The best assisted living Fort Lauderdale facilities have regular cleaning staff who not only manage the cleanliness of the communal areas or visitor’s areas but also of the residents’ rooms. So, when you visit an assisted living complex, if there is a smell of bleach or another cleaner alongside air fresheners, this is a good thing. However, you should aim to avoid any assisted living complexes that have very bad odors.
Approachable Staff
The staff who work at the assisted living complexes are going to have a hard job to do, as looking after elderly residents with a mixed bag of needs is tough for even the strongest of nurses. However, you will want to ensure that those who are tasked with caring for your elderly relative are approachable and friendly.
Activities
The majority of assisted living facilities offer daily activities to those whom they care for. Aim to keep an eye out when visiting these facilities for any timetables that are on a board. If you cannot see any, be sure to ask the nurses and other staff about this. If possible, ask the relatives of any people who are currently living in the facility if they have seen any activities being undertaken when they have visited in the past. You don’t want your elderly relative to be placed somewhere that they will become bored.
Quality of the Facilities
Are the facilities up to standard? That is, does each room have access to a toilet and shower, and are there other features, such as grab rails and stairlifts in the home to help those with limited mobility to get about better?
If you aren’t sure of something, be sure to ask the staff.
Happiness
Okay, so looking for happiness in an elderly care facility is no easy task.
It is a sad fact that many people who have dementia do not suffer from extreme bouts of happiness, but it is worth listening to the environment of every assisted living complex that you visit. Can you hear chatter, laughter, music, and happy voices? Or, can you just hear a TV that is turned on in the communal room? Remember, your relative is going to be living in this place, and you want to make sure that they will at least be happy and cared for.
