Search

Keeping My Mom Safe, Happy, and Healthy

Assisted Living: What To Ask

20 November 2018

Lisa Sutton

If your elderly parent is evaluating their current living arrangements and wants to downsize or realizes that their health requires regular monitoring, assisted living centers offer smart solutions. By living in a private room or suite in such facilities, your parent can maintain privacy while having the kind of physical and social support that they may need. However, moving someone into a facility is at times nerve-wracking, and you might all feel unsure whether you've found a suitable new space. These assisted living inquiries could prove helpful.

1-What's Within Walking Distance?

One concern for prospective residents is that they'll be stuck inside the facility. No matter how beautiful and accommodating it is, most people still like the idea of popping down the street to a local pub or going to a movie. Whenever you go to a possible living space, look for community activities and places where your parent might go on a weekend morning or for a fun night out. If there's nothing within walking distance, discover whether shuttles travel to different parts of town.

2-Are There Trips?

Beyond facility activities and easy-to-get-to places, your parent may like to look forward to special trips that an assisted living facility puts together. Trips to Broadway shows, the beach or other major trips could be exciting enough to make certain facilities more attractive.

3-How's Dinner?

Whether your parent doesn't do much cooking or can't physically do as much as they did, they'll be eating most or all their meals inside the facility you choose. For that reason, sampling dinner dishes and looking at weekly menus is critical. 

4-What Does the Social Calendar Look Like?

Assisted living facilities pride themselves on the varied activities they have for residents. Whether your parent likes to sing, play card games, dance or grow flowers, there should be ample opportunities to do those things. Socializing with others can be particularly pleasurable, especially if they don't know many people their age right now.

5-What if My Relative's Health Deteriorates?

Your parent's health and physical capabilities may be strong now. However, if they break a hip or show symptoms of an unexpected disease, moving to a facility offering greater care could be upsetting for them. Ask facilities how they could provide care if your parent's health takes a tumble. Many facilities offer different levels of care.

A better understanding of the assisted living facilities you tour will better allow you to match one with your parent. Keep communicating with them, administrators, staffers and relatives to ensure proper placement for your loved one. For more information, contact local facilities like VibraLife Katy. 

Share