7 Tips for Choosing a Senior Living Facility for a Loved One
If your loved one is aging, you might be considering senior living options. Even if you are older yourself, you might find that a senior living facility offers a safer environment—and it can be enjoyable, too.
One of the most popular options at assisted living facilities is one-bedroom suites. A one-bedroom suite in a senior living facility offers spacious and comfortable living for older adults. The suites include a separate bedroom and living area, providing room for personal furniture. Your loved one can enjoy a one-bedroom suite's private and relaxed environment.
Assisted living allows your loved one to live in a less institutional environment. An independent spouse can also live there so that couples can remain together.
There are many senior communities and long-term care facilities in the United States, Canada, and globally. How do you narrow down the options? Here are seven tips when considering one of the most popular options: a one-bedroom suite in a senior living facility.
1. Evaluate Space Requirements
When choosing a one-bedroom suite, assessing the space requirements is crucial to ensure it meets your loved one's needs. Consider the layout and whether it offers ample space for personal belongings. Make sure there's enough room to move around comfortably.
Think about the space needed for hobbies and everyday activities. The ideal suite will have distinct sleeping, relaxing, and dining areas.
Be sure to evaluate the storage options available for clothing and other essentials since that can vary between communities.
The size of the bedroom and living area can greatly impact daily comfort. Ensure the bedroom can accommodate a bed and necessary furniture. The living area should have space for a sofa, chairs, and a small dining table.
Remember to assess the bathroom and kitchen areas. Ensure the bathroom is accessible and convenient, and check that the kitchen is well-equipped to make meal preparation enjoyable and easy. While most communities will have common dining areas, there may be times when your loved one will want to stay in their room and fix something there.
2. Check Accessibility Features
Usually, this will not be an issue; however, verify the accessibility features. Ensure the suite includes grab bars in the bathroom and easy-to-reach light switches. Check for ramps and elevators in the building to ensure easy mobility.
Consider the suite's location within the facility, as proximity to common areas can reduce walking distances. Look for wide doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids, and ensure the suite has non-slip flooring and walk-in showers for added safety.
Assess the room's accessibility to emergency services. Make sure there are call buttons or emergency pull cords in place in the event of an emergency. These features can provide peace of mind for both residents and their families.
Verify any additional accessibility needs specific to the resident. Ensure the suite can be customized if necessary. A genuinely accessible suite will enhance the quality of life for its occupants.
3. Assess Natural Light
Natural light can significantly impact the comfort of a living space. Look for suites with large windows that allow plenty of daylight, creating a cheerful atmosphere and enhancing mental health.
Consider the direction the windows face. South-facing windows typically receive the most light throughout the day, while east-facing windows let in refreshing morning light.
Think about how natural light affects daily activities. Ample sunlight can reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day and help maintain a natural sleep-wake cycle, which is essential for overall health.
Make sure window treatments are adjustable and in good condition. Blinds and curtains can regulate the amount of light entering the room, control temperature, and provide privacy when needed.
4. Investigate Noise Levels
Assessing noise levels is a crucial part of your review. Visit the facility at different times of the day to gauge typical noise levels. Ensure that nearby common areas, highways, and other potential noise sources are not too loud. While being near an elevator might be convenient, excessive noise could be a drawback.
Consider the insulation and construction quality of the building. Good insulation can reduce noise from adjacent rooms; thick walls and quality windows can help block external noise.
Talk to current residents and their loved ones about their experiences with noise. Ask if they have encountered any issues with loud neighbors or facility activities. Resident feedback can provide honest insights into the noise levels.
Avoiding high-traffic areas can enhance tranquility and create a more peaceful living experience.
5. Consider Proximity to Amenities
Quick access to community amenities means shorter walks, which is especially important for seniors with mobility challenges. Ensure the community has nearby medical staff available for emergencies.
Proximity to social areas allows residents to participate in events. It enhances social interactions, creating a more engaging and vibrant living experience.
Evaluate the distance to outdoor spaces like gardens, as easy access to nature can significantly enhance the overall quality of life. In an assisted living community, well-designed suites should balance comfort with accessibility.
For example, a leading assisted living community in Palm Beach offers its residents easy access to these amenities. The Capstone at Royal Palm Senior Living in Royal Palm Beach, FL, is one of many quality facilities you can find nationwide when you know what to look for.
6. Review the Safety and Security Measures
When selecting a senior community, it's essential to review the safety and security measures. Ensure the facility has 24/7 security staff and surveillance cameras in common areas.
Ask about the building's fire safety protocols. Ensure sprinkler systems and smoke detectors are up-to-date and emergency exits are clearly marked and easily reachable.
Again, be sure to investigate the available emergency alert systems and verify that suites have working emergency call buttons or pull cords to ensure help is readily accessible when needed.
Speak with current residents about their sense of security and read reviews of the facility'sfacility's safety record. The safety and security measures will provide peace of mind for residents and their families.
7. Examine Cleanliness and Maintenance
Clean conditions are essential for your loved one's comfort and health. Make unannounced visits to the facility to get an accurate picture of the daily cleanliness you'll experience living there every day.
Check how frequently the suite and common areas are cleaned. Regular maintenance helps prevent larger issues, and prompt repairs indicate that the staff cares about resident well-being.
Look for signs of wear and tear in the suite. Ensure that appliances function correctly and that furniture is in good condition. Good maintenance practices help avoid inconveniences for residents.
Ask current residents about their experiences with cleanliness. They can provide honest feedback on the housekeeping services. A clean and well-maintained facility is crucial for a healthy living environment.
Making the Right Choice for Senior Living
Once the decision to move into assisted living has been made, it's essential to have the entire family support which facility will be best for your loved one.
Choosing the perfect one-bedroom suite for assisted living requires time and research. Ensure your loved one is part of the decision-making process, even if they are hesitant about moving.
Location and Accessibility
Ensure the location is convenient for family visits and close to shopping and entertainment options. Many senior communities offer escorted trips to stores and entertainment venues, such as movies or plays. Just because someone needs help with daily living activities doesn't mean their life has ended; it just requires planning and assistance to make it safe and enjoyable.
Evaluating the Living Space
Consider the space, light, and noise levels, as well as accessibility and amenities. Always review safety and cleanliness, as these factors significantly impact daily life and comfort. Does the facility "smell"? Ensure the suite meets all your personal needs and preferences.
Staff and Resident Interaction
Observe how the staff interacts with residents. Does the facility have a friendly, warm environment? Do they have regular daily activities? Do other residents seem friendly, and do they interact with each other?
Get Honest Opinions
Talk to current residents for honest opinions. Be sure to visit the facility multiple times on different days and times. This will help you make a well-informed decision and ensure the best possible living environment for your loved one.
Paying for Long-Term Care Facilities
Paying for quality long-term care facilities like assisted living or nursing homes can be a significant financial challenge. It's important to understand that health insurance and Medicare only cover short-term skilled care, typically up to 100 days, and usually following a hospital stay. Many families are unprepared for the consequences of senior living and long-term care.
Medicaid can cover long-term care expenses, but it requires individuals to have little or no income and assets to qualify, and it will only pay for Medicaid-approved facilities.
Long-Term Care Insurance is an excellent option to cover long-term care costs. However, it's essential to acquire a policy well before you need care, usually in your 40s or 50s, when premiums are more affordable, and you are more likely to be insurable.
LTC Insurance policies can cover various types of care, including in-home care, assisted living, and nursing home care, providing the needed tax-free funds to ensure access to quality services.
Some people will sell their homes and use the proceeds to pay for long-term care facilities, which can help with the increasing cost of long-term care, including assisted living.
See the average costs of all types of long-term care services where you live by using the LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator. You can compare the average cost with the cost of a facility you are considering.
The cost of all types of long-term care services, including senior communities like assisted living, will depend on several factors, including location. The cost of assisted living in Rochester, New York, for example, will differ from the cost of assisted living in Phoenix, Arizona.
While it might be too late for your older parents looking for care now, being proactive and including Long-Term Care Insurance in your retirement plan before you retire will ease the burden on your children in the future.
Finding the Right Place - Use the LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory
Where do you start when researching long-term senior care services? The LTC NEWS Caregiver Directory is an excellent resource, offering over 80,000 listings of caregivers, home health agencies, senior communities, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and nursing home facilities.
This comprehensive directory is free to use and allows you to quickly narrow down your options and set up facility visits.
If you're a care provider, you can claim your free listing or upgrade to enhance visibility through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.
We all get older, and aging brings its challenges. However, that doesn't mean your loved one—or you, in the decades to come—has to give up on life. You can maintain a good quality of life with the caring and compassionate help you need as you age.
You and your loved ones deserve quality long-term care services at some point. Being prepared and finding the right caregivers and facilities will enhance your life and reduce stress on the rest of the family.