There might be hundreds of different assisted living facilities available depending on where you are, which can make finding the best one for you or a loved one a challenge. But some signs will allow you to quickly identify if a facility is worth considering or should be avoided. All you have to do is build a shortlist of potential candidates, contact them, organize a visit, and keep your eyes and ears open for red flags. Let’s take a look at some of the signs that you’ve found the perfect assisted living facility.
It’s in the Perfect Location
Some people will prefer living in an urban center, others may want to live as far away from civilization as possible, while others may want something in between. If you live in New York City, for instance, and you want something that will give you access to the city without all the stresses that come with it, going with an assisted living Melville New York senior home like Brandycare could be a perfect choice. This will make visits easier for relatives living in or around the city while allowing the residents to live in a more relaxing setting.
The Staff Looks Happy and Engaged
Looking at how the staff interacts with residents and how they greet you will also tell you a lot about how good a facility is. This shows that the facility treats its employees well and that they work hard on building a sense of community. Communities like these are also less likely to have abuse issues.
The Food is High Quality
One of the first things you should do when visiting a senior living facility is check the kitchen. Most homes will allow visitors to take a look at their kitchen installation and interact with some of the staff. They will also often allow visitors to attend the food service so they can try the food themselves and gauge the quality of the service.
This is especially important if you or the person this is for is very picky or has food restrictions. Someone who needs to avoid certain foods because of allergies or religious reasons needs a home that takes these matters very seriously and has a kitchen setup that can accommodate those needs, so pay very special attention to that and ask questions about how their food is prepared to make sure that there is no cross-contamination.
They Offer a Wide Range of Services
It’s also a good idea to go with a facility that offers a wide variety of services like memory care, for instance. You never know what the person’s needs will be in a few months or even years from now and going with a facility that can provide this kind of service will allow them to stay and maintain their relationships instead of having to move to a different home. Other services you should look for include transportation, social and recreational activities, access to a physical and occupational therapist, and advanced medical assistance.
If the facility you visit ticks all these boxes, there’s a good chance that you or the person it is for will enjoy themselves. Do remember to ask questions about any package, however, and read all the details of your contract before you sign anything.