How to Choose Assisted Living Old Age Home

Choosing as Assisted Living Old Age Home for your loved one or for your self. This requires planning and this blog would help you in doing that. One needs to consider various aspect right from the current condition of the senior to the financial impact that it would have on the family.

We are collating some critical aspects of this process that may help the families.

Step 1: Assess status of your senior & list out the amenities that your senior would need

• Make two lists A. essential & B. Nice to have
• Let the items in the list not exceed more than 5 to 7 items under each bucket
• Critical areas that you would like to look into would Medical Assistance (Medication management, assistance for injections/IV etc.) , Personal assistance (eating, dressing, bathing), Mental Health Counseling, Physiotherapist, nutrition.
• Amenities would involve scheduled group activities and events, activity room and other shared spaces such as a library or art studio, group outings to local attractions. In India the concept is emerging. However, based on the budget available there are facilities that would provide a range of these services.

Step 2: Conduct research/survey & make a list of your top options

Once you know what you’re looking for you would need to identify the facilities that would meet your requirements. This can be done in two ways.

1. On-Line Search: Based on the location of your preference conduct an on-line search . Visit various websites of the facilities and list out those that meet your requirements.
2. If you are looking for a facility in Maharashtra you can visit www.healthywrinkles.com website which provides curated information of more than 500 old age homes in Maharashtra.
3. Reading reviews about the facilities would also help you.
4. Check out the photographs and the videos that you may find on the websites.
5. Feedback from friends’ relatives and your doctor : you can collect information from these sources also.

Step 3: Visit the facilities that match your requirements

This is a very important step and it is recommended that you should do this personally.

• Try to tour during the week and during business hours, especially during mid-day, when the most staff and residents will be active.
• Carry your list of questions that you want to ask. Also carry the list of the Must Have and Good to have things with you.
• Check on the experience and attitude of the staff as well as owner/manager of the facility.
• Food & hygiene is an essential part of the wellbeing for the senior. Do focus on this.
• Talk to the staff members as well as look at the condition in which the current residents are staying

Step 4: Compare notes and make a decision:

• Compare notes of Must Haves and Nice to have points
• This would help you to arrive at top 3 to 4 facilities that may come closer to your search.
• This step would be a difficult one so do refer to your list and arrive at the final list

Step 5 : Plan a trial stay to experience the facility

• Plan at least a week stay at the facility. In some cases you may need to pay for it but the investment is worth it.
• Refer you Must Have list and see whether the facility is able to offer you these services
• Speak with the staff of the facility (refer to our guide on questions to be asked when you visit as assisted living facility)
• If you have already aligned your senior for the shift , it is advisable to bring him along for the trial stay
• Medical support, hygiene , food are some of the key priority areas in most cases – focus on a fair assessment of the same.
• You may select the top two facilities for trial stay

Step 6 – Align your senior

• Remember that you are doing it with the best interest of your senior in your focus
• Be sensitive while you discuss. If you can make your senior arrive at the decision it is ideal
• This is a very sensitive step. Prepare and may be rehearse your part. Typically you may need multiple conversation with your senior.

Check List when you visit and assisted living/Old age home

Food

• How many meals do you serve per day?
• Do you serve special request food options (e.g. Jain, food on fasting days)
• Are mealtimes set or can residents eat when they please?
• Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions? Which ones?
• How frequently do you change the menu?
• Who develops the menu? Do you have a nutrition expert
• Can residents keep and cook food in their rooms?
• Is there just one dining venue in the community, or multiple?
• Are snacks served throughout the day?

Amenities

• How often is change in the bed covers done?
• Can the relatives come and have a short stay while visiting the facility
• Is there assistance provided for errands such as filling prescriptions?

Costs

• How much is the monthly rent?
• What is included in the base rent and what costs extra?
• Are financing plans available?
• Are there any specials or promotions available?
• Is there any assistance available for low-income residents?

Rooms and Apartments

• Do you have lift/escalators available
• What floor plans are available, and what is the square footage?
• Do residents have private bathrooms in their rooms?
• Are the bathrooms handicap-accessible?
• Are there emergency call systems in the room?

Community Life

• Are there any hobby activities?
• Is there live entertainment or music?
• Is there a calendar of events to view?
• Are there organized off-site activities?

Care Services and Staffing

• What is the staff turnover like?
• What kind of training do staff undergo?
• What types of care do you offer?
• When are nurses available?
• What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
• Is medical care available on-site?
• Are physical and occupational therapy services available on-site?
• Are mental health services available on-site?
• Are residents permitted to bring in outside providers?
• How often are care plans assessed and updated?

In case of any queries around choosing Assisted Living Old Age Homes, you can reach for FREE consultation on 9967913884 or write on support@healthywrinkles.com. Visit at www.healthywrinkles.com for more information and advice from experts on the topic.