Making the step of helping your aging loved one move into a senior housing community can be a big one, both for your loved one and for your family. Your primary concern is to ensure they are moving into a place that will not only provide a safe and healthy living environment but one that will also feel like home where they’ll find joy, make connections and be able to live a fulfilling life.
You will meet with senior living homes/apartments several times before you can make a decision that provides you the comfort you need to know your loved one is going to be in the perfect place for her. As you consider the many factors that can make this come true, take some time to evaluate what your loved one’s needs are so that you can clearly communicate them to the staff as you meet and determine if their facility can provide the care your loved one needs.
Here are four important care needs to discuss with each senior housing facility you visit.
Mobility Ability
Does your loved one need assistance getting from here to there? Are stairs an issue or long walks? These factors might contribute to where your loved one lives within the community. You don’t want to have your loved one feeling isolated because she doesn’t have easy access to get to social areas or meals. If she requires assistance with a wheelchair or getting out of a bed or chair, find out how long of a response time she can expect when making the request.
Social Ability
Some seniors love to be around lots of people and participate in many activities, but on the flip side, some seniors may become overwhelmed or anxious if they are required to constantly be in a social setting. A good topic to discuss is to ask about how the meal situations will be (a large noisy gathering space or a smaller intimate meal area?). It’s also good to know about what kind of social activities there are. Do they offer both larger group activities as well as smaller one-on-one activities that may be more comfortable for your loved one?
Personal Care Ability at a Senior Housing Facility
If your loved one needs help bathing, using the bathroom, or getting ready in the morning, make sure the places you are looking to for senior housing can provide those levels of care as needed and desired. Some seniors may want to shower every night, while others only like to take baths 2-3 times a week. If you know what your loved one prefers, make sure the senior housing you’re looking into can accommodate her.
Cognitive Ability
If your loved one is starting to struggle with memory or orientation, finding a senior housing community that can help her be safe and feel secure is all the more important. You’ll also want to review with them the plan of action should your loved one’s cognitive ability continues to decline.
Choosing senior housing for your loved one can be an emotional experience. Having questions written down and then writing down the answers can help you make the best choice you can when the time comes.
If you or an aging loved one are considering your Senior Housing Services please contact the caring staff at Connect Our Elders today! (858) 222-9241
Connect Our Elders provides free advisory and senior care planning across the U.S.
She is an experienced business development and sales professional in the non-medical home care industry and nonprofit sector.
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