How To Choose The Right Assisted Living Home For Seniors? An article by Mr Prakash Narayan Apte, a Gerontologist

Discover practical tips and advice to make an informed and confident choice in choosing an assisted living facility for your seniors.

This article delves into the key considerations when selecting assisted living facilities, ensuring your seniors receive the compassionate care and support they deserve. 

By 2050, of the 2.1 billion individuals over 60 years of age in the world, 17% will reside in India, suggesting a sharp increase in the demand for senior care, including housing, in the nation (1).

Choosing an Assisted Living /Old Age Home for your loved one or yourself is not easy. One needs to consider various aspects, right from the current condition of the senior to the financial impact it would have on the family. 

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

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

1. Make two lists A. Essential & B. Nice-to-have
2. Let the items in the list not exceed more than 5 to 7 items under each bucket
3. Critical areas you would like to look into would be Medical Assistance (Medication management, assistance for injections/IV etc.), Personal assistance (eating, dressing, bathing), Mental Health Counseling, physiotherapy, and nutrition.
4. Amenities would involve scheduled group activities and events, an activity room and other shared spaces such as a library or art studio, and group outings to local attractions. In India, the concept is emerging. However, based on the budget available some facilities 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 need to identify the facilities that would meet your requirements. This can be done in two ways. 

1. Online Search: Based on the location of your preference conduct an online search. Visit various websites of the facilities and list out those that meet your requirements. You may try searching on Google, “assisted living facilities near me”, or “senior living near me”.
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. 

1. Try to tour during the week and business hours, especially during mid-day, when most staff and residents will be active.
2. 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.
3. Check on the experience and attitude of the staff as well as the owner/manager of the facility. You will understand how they manage elderly care.
4. Food & hygiene are an essential part of the well-being of the senior. Do focus on this.
5. 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:

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

Step 5: Plan a trial stay to experience the facility

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

Step 6 – Align your senior 

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

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

Food

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

Amenities

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

Costs

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

Rooms and Apartments

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

Community Life

1. Are there any hobby activities? 
2. Is there live entertainment or music?
3. Is there a calendar of events to view?
4. Are there organized off-site activities?

Care Services and Staffing

1. What is the staff turnover like?
2. What kind of training do staff undergo?
3. What types of care do you offer?
4. When are nurses available?
5. What is the staff-to-resident ratio?
6. Is medical care available on-site?
7. Are physical and occupational therapy services available on-site?
8. Are mental health services available on-site?
9. Are residents permitted to bring in outside providers?
10. How often are care plans assessed and updated?

Keeping the above in mind, you or your family can choose the right assisted living home. 

References: 

(1) - https://www.asli.org.in/indian-senior-living-market-potential-to-touch-usd-12-billion-by-2030/

About The Author:

This article is written by Mr Prakash Narayan Apte, a Gerontologist.

Mr Prakash Narayan Apte is a dedicated advocate for elderly care with a Diploma in Gerontology from the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS). TISS is renowned for its groundbreaking research and contributions to social work, social sciences, human resources management, and health systems. 

Healthy Wrinkles is devoted to better healthcare for senior citizens. We hope that our Healthy Wrinkles YouTube channel, blogs and healthcare service databases will help seniors and their families to ensure better senior care. 

Disclaimer: Healthy Wrinkles does not recommend or offer any medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. The information provided here is only for the awareness of disease or ailment among individuals, caregivers, and the public‌. The advice of doctors, licensed professionals, or therapists who are knowledgeable about your particular situation should always be sought before using the information provided here. It should also not be used in the event of a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you want urgent assistance, contact a qualified medical professional. Additionally, the information represents the author's views and not those of Healthy Wrinkles.