Assisted living facilities are a great option for seniors who need help with their daily personal and medical care. These facilities allow residents to learn new skills, connect with others, and develop independence with assistance available at all times.
Not all facilities are the same, though, and it's important to explore your options so you can find the right one for your parent or relative. Here are six important qualities to look for in a good assisted living facility.
1. Empathetic and caring staff
Staff will be working closely with residents, so it’s important to ensure they have a passion for what they do and put residents’ needs before their own. They should be patient and calm during interactions, so residents feel comfortable communicating with them. If the staff takes the time to understand what residents are going through, the residents will feel more valued and willing to build a trusting relationship.
2. Trained/certified caregivers
Each staff member at the facility you choose should be properly trained in senior care. Ideally, the people providing direct care to residents will be Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). In fact, the Florida Health Care Association requires all nursing homes to have at least one CNA per 20 residents and one licensed nurse per 40 residents on staff at all times. Look for a well-staffed facility that employs certified and licensed caregivers.
3. Good communication skills
Communication is key when you're choosing your loved one's new place of residence. The facility you choose should have protocols for keeping residents’ families and caregivers connected. Everyone, including the resident, should be kept up-to-date with information about health plans, programs or any needs/issues that are identified.
4. Individualized care
Residents should feel like their assisted living facility prioritizes their health (physical, emotional, and mental), interests, and relationships with others. Good facilities will go out of their way to ensure each person living there feels cared for and important, and not like they're just another number on their resident list.
5. Community programming
With Florida’s Governor extending the ban on nursing home visitation for the foreseeable future, residents of senior living community residents need some kind of interim social stimulation in the absence of family visits. A good assisted living facility will have a variety of programs available on-site, while still ensuring residents and staff can adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Some popular community programs at these facilities include arts and crafts, fitness, volunteering, spiritual/religious, and technology. Some facilities will even help residents learn how to set up social media to stay connected with family and friends. Other activities that might benefit residents are weekly game nights, discussion groups or game clubs (chess, checkers, etc.).
6. Homey, safe, and clean feel
A good assisted living facility will be designed to feel like home, featuring comfortable furniture, artwork, plants, and well-appointed rooms that suit residents’ needs. There should be common rooms designated for games, small group meetings/discussions, and dining. Additionally, the facility should have outdoor walking or sitting areas for residents to enjoy. All areas should be clean and well-kept to ensure comfort and safety.
Get help from a trusted senior placement service.
You want to make sure you find the right facility for your parent or relative's needs, but that can be a tough decision. Welcome Home Senior Living Services & Placement Co. is here to help you in searching for the perfect facility now, even if you are planning a future move for your loved one.
We proudly represent communities in Miami-Dade, Broward, the Palm Beaches, the Florida Keys, and Lee and Collier Counties. Contact our senior placement specialists today for assistance with this next step in your loved one’s journey.