You may not have time to take care of your parents or relatives due to work and family and perhaps they need help with daily living. Assisted living is an alternative to skilled nursing because they offer many services for the elderly. Over 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and the number is projected to increase to 14 million by 2050. Many luxury assisted living facilities have memory care services for those with dementia and physical illnesses too.
Questions to Ask Luxury Assisted Living Facilities
What type of medical care do they offer?
There are some services they may not offer, like skilled nursing homes. They should have memory care for those with memory issues, transportation to doctor appointments, and the hospital in emergencies. Do they have access to health care workers that can help with meal preparation, cleaning, and health services? Some assisted living facilities to have skilled nursing facilities that the person can be transferred to when they decline. Does this group have this service? Do they have common medical services or visits from doctors?
What is the staff-to-patient ratio during the day and evening?
In order for your loved ones to receive good care, they must have enough qualified trained health workers to care for them. Find out the ratio during the day and evening to make sure they are not short-staffed. Is the staff trained and certified to care for the elderly? Do they have nurses aides and nurses working for the facility? Do some doctors visit regularly.
What type of meal preparation services do they offer?
Do they provide gourmet meals and different options for dining? Take a look at the menu and see if they have some restaurants or meals that can be ordered in to eat at home or in the apartment they provide. Be sure the cooks are qualified and offer meal options for illness and special diets. Do they have vegan meals, gluten-free meals, and meals for those with food allergies? Outdoor dining on picnic tables, patios, or areas outdoors for warm weather is a good service.
What type of social, physical, recreational, and spiritual activities do you offer to residents?
Many offer arts and crafts, painting, music, dance, exercise, yoga, and many other activities. They have social gatherings, bingo, cards, music, and entertainment. Do they offer transportation to religious services for different faiths? Is there physical therapy for injuries and illness? They should provide a wide variety of activities and services.
Do you have apartments or rooms and what amenities do they have?
Do they have several rooms, a dining area, a call button for emergencies, a kitchen with appliances, an area for meal preparation, and safety features? Is it furnished or do you have to provide your own furniture? Make sure it is well designed and easy to maintain but has the service your loved one needs.
These are some questions to ask before you decide on a luxury assisted living facility. Bring your parent or loved one there to take a tour and note their reaction to the place. It is an important factor.
