There is a diverse array of assisted living options today so figuring out how you can select the most ideal lifestyle option for your loved one can be tough. When it comes to evaluating your choices, you need to compare several factors that can include amenities, care services, and overall community culture. You need to also factor in the costs involved, rental plans, and accommodation types. Here is what you can expect when exploring assisted living in Corrales, New Mexico.
Pay Attention to Curb Appeal, Cleanliness, and Infrastructure
The assisted living community that you select will be the new home of your older loved one. The details that you need to pay attention to when taking a tour will affect the happiness and satisfaction level of your loved one. Factors like curb appeal, cleanliness, and infrastructure will all be the deciding points that determine whether or not your loved one can enjoy an enriching retirement. Take note of your first impression of the assisted living community which includes its entryways, common spaces, and accommodation options. Figure out if the following features are available:
- Accessibility features like stairlifts, elevators, widened doors, and wheelchair ramps
- Safety features like grab bars, handrails, and anti-slip bathrooms
- Common spaces like lounge rooms, dining halls, and event corners
- Décor details like comfortable furniture, vibrant wall colors, room for personalization
- Cleanliness of facilities and common spaces
Meet up with Community Team Members
You need to find out if the team who will be caring for your loved one is indeed well-equipped with industry expertise that can address their personal and medical needs. Observe how the team members interact with one another as well as with community residents. Are they compassionate, friendly, and patient? You may also wish to inquire about their team accreditation and training. Here are some questions you can ask the team members:
- What kind of training and experience do you have? Are team members required to go through background checks prior to being employed?
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio? How many team members are on active duty during the day and night?
- Are there any registered nurses or nursing assistants on site?
- What is the staff turnover rate?
- In case of an emergency, is there a doctor on active duty to attend to the resident or will they be conveyed to the nearest emergency room?
- Apart from healthcare services, do residents also have access to assistance with daily living activities?
Experience the Assisted Living Activities
Assisted living communities often provide residents with a vast selection of on-site activities that can help them stay fit and active. You can observe the types of events and programs organized by the community and see how the team members facilitate the different activities. Are residents free to participate in the activities on their own or will there always be support? How are the programs curated to ensure that residents stay safe while pursuing the different activities? These are some of the questions that you can consider to help you find out more about assisted living activities.
