Knowing that you need to join an assisted living community is a major decision. Because most of us have little, if any, experience with facing this situation, it's not uncommon to feel a little overwhelmed. That's normal. But you don't have to continue to experience uncertainty and worry. You can set your mind at ease by doing the right research and asking the right questions.
Believe it or not, the director is not just a faceless member of the administration. The executive director sets a lot of the stage for the entire tone of an assisted living community. You should take the time to interview the executive director during your tour of the assisted living community. Do not feel guilty about asking several questions--it's better to get your questions answered before committing to a community. It's a good idea to find out the director's philosophy of care if for the community. How does he/she take accountability for the daily function of the facility?
It's important to meet the staff at an assisted living facility. Those are the people who would be taking care of your loved one every day. You should feel comfortable in the presence in the staff and feel like you can trust them to take good care of your loved one. The members of the staff should be welcoming and kind. Make sure you find out how they handle everyday situations and how they interpret the facility's policies. You should also get a good idea about regular daily schedules. It's also a good idea to learn more about how they handle emergencies.
How well the facility communicates with families will matter a great deal. Finding out about the communication policies is one of the most crucial steps you should take in making your decision to choose an assisted living community. The best experiences with an assisted living community happen when families, residents, and staff are partners in care planning. Open communication is the best way to achieve that.
When you are ready to look for an assisted living community for your loved one, you need to ask the right questions so that you can find the place that feels like home. See how we can be the care partner that you need by contacting us today.