Finding the right assisted living community takes time, effort, and research. Like searching for the right university, house, or vacation spot, there are many elements to consider. For example, do you want somewhere where your parent can age in place? Do you want them close to you and your family? Do you want a community with a pool, an on-site doctor, or a view of the mountains?
Since today’s senior and assisted living communities are vibrant and dynamic communities offering several services and amenities, it can be overwhelming to know what you should be looking for during your search. Franklin Park® Senior Living provides assisted living services throughout San Antonio, Texas, and we’re sharing the top things to look for in an assisted living community.
1. Care, Support, and Staff
For most people, the reason for moving into assisted living is because they are beginning to require additional daily support. If your parent or family member shows signs of difficulty getting dressed, cooking, or moving around the house, assisted living can be a good idea.
Because of this, the care provided in the community is often the most important thing to look for. A community may promote flashy amenities and luxury services, but when it comes down to it, you want to ensure your parent is cared for, supported, and respected. In addition, you want to ensure the staff is well-trained, professional, and compassionate.
Here are some questions to ask during your search:
- How many staff members are on duty at all times?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
- Are there nurses or medical staff available?
- What sort of training is involved for caregivers?
- What security or emergency measures are in place?
2. A Robust Activity Program
While care is often the priority, activities and programs come close behind. You want to ensure there are ample opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and entertainment.
Here are some questions to ask during your search:
- How often do the activities change or rotate?
- Can I see a sample activity calendar?
- Do activities accommodate a resident’s physical or cognitive abilities?
- Do residents get a say in what activities are hosted?
- Are there church services or spiritual programs?
- Do you host special events or celebrations?
- Are guests and family members welcome for certain activities?
3. Healthy Dining Options
In the past twenty years or so, people have truly begun to recognize the importance of a healthy diet in living well and aging well, so food is another element of senior living that is essential to many people. You want to make sure your parent or family member will like the food, enjoy the dining settings, and never get bored of their options.
Here are some questions to ask during your search:
- Are there multiple dining venues?
- Are there set dining times?
- Can residents have meals delivered to their rooms?
- Do you have accommodations for allergies and dietary restrictions?
- Can family members and friends join for mealtimes?
- How are meals prepared? (Chefs, cooks, local ingredients, etc.)
4. Comfortable Living Spaces
Moving out of a long-time home can be emotional for many people, so ensuring that your parent is moving somewhere they feel comfortable and at home is critical. Look for somewhere with apartments that seem welcoming and spacious, where your parent can genuinely picture themselves living.
Here are some questions to ask during your search:
- Are there multiple floor plan options available?
- What sort of safety and security measures are in the apartments?
- Do the apartments come furnished?
- Does community staff do all repairs and maintenance?
5. Additional Features
A community may offer professional care and many opportunities, but any additional services they may offer is another thing to consider. For example, if Mom or Dad doesn’t drive and you don’t live in the area to give them a ride, you would want to choose a community that offers transportation options – both for appointments and recreational activities.
Here are some questions to ask during your search:
- Do you offer transportation services?
- Is there medical, dental, or vision care on-site?
- Is the community pet-friendly?
- Can residents move through levels of care as needed?
6. An Overall Positive Atmosphere
While it’s important to look for specific things in an assisted living community, you’ll also want to simply observe the overall vibe and atmosphere. So as you’re browsing the website or touring the community, try to get a general sense of what life is like there.
Here are some things to look for:
- Does the community seem clean, up-to-date, and well-lit?
- Do the residents seem happy? Are they interacting with each other?
- Does the staff seem upbeat and attentive?
- Are there outdoor gardens or courtyards?
- Does the community have positive online reviews?
Making the Right Choice
Choosing the right assisted living community for your parent or loved one is an important and involved process. After all, this will be their new home, so you want to guarantee they will be safe, cared for, fit in, and most of all, enjoy themselves. While it’s important to look for things like professional support and healthy dining options, it’s also essential to look for the overall culture and atmosphere of the community. Sometimes, this can even be the deciding factor for finding the right fit!
Franklin Park® Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living, and memory care services throughout San Antonio, Texas. Our assisted living communities provide residents with everything they need to live a supported and fulfilling lifestyle. To see if assisted living at Franklin Park® is right for your family member, schedule a tour at one of our communities today!