If you have an elderly parent, considering the option of moving them into an assisted living facility may be something that would be beneficial for everyone. After all, your parent will have a comfortable place to stay with the care that they need and you and the rest of your family won't have so much stress weighing on their shoulders to be sure that your parent is well taken care of. However, before you choose just any assisted living facility, there are many things to consider. Visiting the facility can provide you with the best sense of how well the facility will work for your parent. Here are four tips to consider when touring a facility:
- Visit When There is an Activity: When you set up a tour at any assisted living facility, be sure to ask whether or not you can visit during an activity. When you visit during an activity, you can see how much other residents enjoy it and you and your parent can even participate to see whether or not it is something that your parent could really love. It is important that your parent enjoys the activities because you want to be sure that they are willing to participate in them. This will allow them to socialize with other residents, which is healthy for them mentally.
- Tour the Outside: During your tour, be sure to ask about receiving a tour of the outside areas of the facility. You want to be sure that your parent is able to enjoy time outdoors comfortably. This means that there should be an ample amount of seating outdoors, as well as plenty of shade from trees and more.
- Eat in the Dining Room: Try and visit during a time when your parent will want to eat. This way, you can take them to the dining room for a meal. You want to be sure that your parent enjoys some of the options that are available to them. You also want to see that your parent is comfortable enough to eat in the dining room. This is another opportunity for your parent to socialize with the other residents, as well.
- Ask About Moving Out: If your parent ever wants to move out of the facility and to a different one, then be sure that you ask about what their move out criteria is. Most of the time, your parent will have to provide at least a 30 day notice before moving out. You also want to ask under what types of circumstances your parent would be asked to move out.
By considering these tips when touring an assisted living facility, you can be sure that you are able to grasp the entire feel for the place and determine whether or not it is the right choice for your parent.
To learn more, contact a facility like Orchard Hill at Sudbury Assisted Living Community.
